After fourteen years, special recognition began being given to those who had completed every previous River Run and Frieda and I were mentioned, in a March 5, 1992 Jacksonville Times-Union article, as being the only married couple to have run them all.

Most of those who know us remember that last year, when the 30th River Run was held, I announced beforehand that it would be my last since I no longer train and couldn't consider myself qualified to participate. I also recalled that in 2004 a runner my age had died during River Run while trying to keep his streak going.

However, as 2008 approached and my friends began asking if I was going to reconsider my decision about not running I began to renegotiate the matter with myself. I even ran a few 5Ks just to see what would happen.

Finally, I went ahead and registered for River Run telling myself that I would go out and start the race and let my streak end on the course if I were unable to finish. I assured myself and Frieda, that I wouldn't be so foolish as to run to the point of collapse but would drop out at the first sign of a physical problem.

When we met, I was working in aviation as a pilot and flight instructor and Frieda was already a licensed Private Pilot. Later we operated our own flight school where Frieda also gave flying instruction after qualifying for her Flight Instructor's Rating

In 1996, when Frieda retired from her job with Florida Health and Rehabilitative Services, we began six years of full-timing in our motorhome and traveling around the country. Those of you who have done extended RVing know that it takes a lot of teamwork for a couple to be successful RVers.

With all our shared experiences throughout the years, "Our Streak" became much more important than my own personal Streak

I am so proud to still be able to say that, "We are still the only married couple to have run, and completed, every River Run." Thanks to everyone who encouraged me to get out and do it again, and then congratulated me after I finished.