Journeys of The Key West Southernmost Walker

Andrew Jackson Half Marathon

Jackson, Tennessee

Saturday. April 1, 2017

On Saturday, April 1, 2017 I race walked the Andrew Jackson Half Marathon in Jackson, Tennessee. It was a nice day for the event of about 500 participants in the full and half marathon as the temperature varied from 48 to 58 degrees with sunny skies and a wind around 5 mph. The course was on city roads that for the most part allowed traffic; however, some of the more major roads had a dedicated lane for the participants. There were almost no flat parts and some of the changes in elevation were somewhat challenging. Water/Powerade stations were located at every mile and were manned by plenty of enthusiastic, efficient, friendly volunteers. This event has been in existence for 45 years and this is my first time participating. The event has chip timing; however, it only recognizes gun times as in the old days. I guess that is why and event that is so old is so small. The event was well organized and I enjoyed the challenging course. In fact I was able to get third place in my running age group (they have no walking division) despite the fact that I walked the whole thing

On Friday, March 31, 2017 I had a wonderful experience. I was taking photos of the outside of the Rock-A-Billy Hall of Fame and a man came up to me and asked if I would like a tour. It turned out to be Henry Harrison, the President of the HOF. He personally guided me through the museum for about 2 hours. He personally knows most of the stars of Rock-A-Billy music. He allowed me to take a photo of him holding and old photo of four young local artists having a jam session --- Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Elvis Presley, and Jonny Cash. He also allowed me to play on some drums that had been used by D. J. Fontana who was Elvis’s drummer for about ten years. In addition he took a photo of me holding one of Carl Perkins Guitars. The stories that he told me about the artifacts and artists were truly interesting and inspirational. He also insisted that I take a marker and sign my name on the wall in the Elvis display which I did. Near the end of the tour he took me in a back area where he showed me artifacts from his early life as a boxer. He was a National Golden Gloves Boxing Champion and on the card when he won was a boxer named Cassius Clay, later known as Mohammed Ali, who also won a championship. I am truly lucky and honored that he would take all this time for me personally and really appreciate all the stories and information that he presented to me.

Rock-A-Billy Hall of Fame
March 31, 2017