Even though they may be long gone from this earth, sometimes when you wink at an old friend, they have a mysterious and roundabout way of winking right back at you.

Distance runners have a bond that is never really spoken. It’ an understanding of self-induced discomfort and what it takes to get through an endeavor that is not always pleasant. I’ve always believed that running is a metaphor in itself for life. Nothing is given to you and nothing is guaranteed. You pay your dues each day, and you grind to get to the finish line as best as you can. Keep it together and never give in to the lingering voices that tell you to throw in the towel. Life is a privilege and there is a price to pay each day and with each run.

My running buddy Bob Willey was a self-anointed “Junk Runner.” He let all of us know on more than one occasion that he would run anytime, anywhere, in any weather, with anyone. He left out the fact that often he would run in any wardrobe that would work at the moment due to time constraints.

“Mondays at Mikes,” was the running group that met at my house in the after school hours, yes, on Mondays, for several decades. The majority of this eclectic group was made up of teachers, so the 4pm meeting time on my front porch worked well for most of the gang.

Many days, Willey, scurrying to be on time from his counseling job at Glenwood High School, would show up just moments before the rest of us were ready to start up the Mitchell Creek hill, in his dress shirt and Levis and would announce boldly, “I’m ready to go, gang .” He did take the time to change from his dress shoes to his Tiger running shoes, but his black socks stayed firmly in place as he jumped into the middle of us all and began to chat enthusiastically.

Much to everyone’s amusement, Willey one day announced to us all that he was boycotting Tiger shoes, his longtime staple, because the company had changed its name to Asics. It was one of many quirks our friend Brother Bob had in his vast personality arsenal. As you probably guessed, when he realized that his refusal to purchase any new shoes from Asics was not crippling the company financially, he reluctantly switched back to his tried and true footwear.

In my youthful years, I have to admit that I was a slave to my watch when I would go out for a run. I had the course marked out in mile increments, and there was no stopping along the way, unless a bathroom break in the bushes was imminent.

Proudly, I too, have morphed into a junk runner in my golden years. I get slower with each trip out the door, so why not just enjoy the process. Now, in the wonderful morning hours, I first stop at my neighbor’s house to give their dog, Chandler Bing, some biscuits and a hug. I then head up to the Bowles’s ranch to feed the horses some treats and check on their well-being. I will pause along the way to chat with any and all of the foot soldiers I meet on the way up the long hill before my favorite stop by the creek under Abbey’s Bridge. My final salutation to life before heading back down toward home is wrapping my arms around the spruce tree that I have nurtured since it was a seedling. It’s now as tall as I am, and I rarely go by without stopping for a hug. Usually, I don’t stop on the descent of the hill, that is unless I meet more familiar faces to talk with.

Thanks for still winking back at me Brother Willey. It’s now in the form of pleasant memories rather than the crinkling of an eyelid, but the influence lives on, as do you and everyone who has made such an impact on my life. I thank you all.

Sequoia Glen World Championship 5k

Started in February of 1992, the Sequoia Glen 5k Run/Walk will be held once again on Sunday, March 16 in West Glenwood. The starting time is 10am and the entry fee of $10 will be donated to several local animal shelters. As is customary, the End of Winter celebration will take place following the run. Wear green in the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day. For race information, contact Johnny Utah at 970-618-7980. In past years, there have been several Bigfoot sightings along the course, so be prepared and forewarned.

Glenwood Springs native Mike Vidakovich is a freelance sports writer, teacher and youth sports coach. His column appears monthly in the Post Independent and at PostIndependent.com.