Dashing to Success: Foster MEANS Business on race day
Aaron Lykken, Manager – Academic Services & Technologies
TMMBA staff and students laced up their running shoes with other Foster MBA programs to raise money for University of Washington student scholarships by participating in the 2010 Dawg Dash. Little did we know that epic sheets of rain and gusty wind would greet us on a chilly and grey Seattle Sunday morning (we’re talking the type of day where you curl up with a book or movie next to the fire place and drink a hot cup of coffee). Instead I found myself shaking my head and grumbling as I pulled together my race gear. On my way to Husky stadium I remember at least 4 distinct times when I almost aborted on the race and sought refuge from the elements back at my house. The guilt of abandoning my teammates brought me back to focus each time and soon I was parked and deciding when I was ready to fling open the car door. Through the waves of water running down my windshield I saw a teammate and decided that it was time. Stepping into this kind of rain meant being wet and cold instantly and set the tone for the rest of the morning until the “Purple Wave (10k)” was called to the starting line. The scarcity of covered areas was apparent as I observed runners hiding in every stadium tunnel To the amazement of the runners, the rain ceased as we lined up and executed some last minute stretching, leg shaking, and jumping in hopes of staying loose and warm. And then the gun popped…
Come race time the Foster runners shook off the rain and cold and found racing success in both the 10k and 5k flavors of the race, with finishers in the top 15% of their division. The race spans the length of the UW Seattle campus from Husky Stadium in the south to running up the hilly campus past the Foster business school campus in the far north. It was a painful race but certainly one with an intense feeling of accomplishment at the finish due to the inclement weather. 2010 was the 25th anniversary of the Dawg Dash tradition which raised more than $10,000 last year. Record attendance last year was beaten by more than 800 registrants this year.
Go Huskies!
