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Rock 'n' Run

Marathon men and women of White Rock

A A A Comments Thursday, Dec 9 2004

12/11

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Joggers can be some selfish sons of bitches. No, we're serious. Pick up a copy of Runner's World and read their opinion columns, where some self-absorbed jerk will surely spout off about the reasons jogging is so amazing. Good for the legs. Time for self-reflection. Plenty of fresh air. Like-minded people to meet on the trail. It's all you, you, you, isn't it, Mr. Runner's World? Instead of thinking so much about your health and giddily lacing your Saucony shoes, take the opportunity to jog for someone else for a change, like at Sunday's White Rock Marathon, which raises funds for the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. The 26.2-mile run, along with its shorter relay and 12-mile versions, begins at the American Airlines Center, 2500 Victory Road, at 8 a.m. and winds all the way through Dallas, including 10 miles around White Rock Lake. If just reading that sounds tiresome, then take comfort in lighter acts of White Rock charity this weekend, including a 5K walk and fun run Saturday at 9 a.m. at Reunion Arena, 777 Sports St., and a pre-race pasta dinner at the Hyatt Regency, 300 Reunion Blvd., that night at 6. And if selfish runners still need a reason, Sunday's top 12 winners split $50,000 in prizes. Registration for the main event is $80 and up. Visit www.runtherock.com. --Sam Machkovech

Ma's Boys
12/11

If there were a personification of Mother Nature, what would she look like? A kindly, wizened rocking-chair type? A wispy, robed shrew with hair like a river of wrathful snakes? Bette Midler? Your mom? All are at least as believable as Angelina Jolie being Colin Farrell's parent, so however the Heard Natural Science Museum decides to present the nature girl Saturday morning at its holiday open house is viable. Mother Nature will be available for pictures with the kiddies, but no seasonal photo-op would be complete without a snap with Father Christmas, so he'll be there as well--most likely with bells on. Reserve space and get up earlier for the Audubon Society's bird walk, or just combine the icons with some crafts with local artist Shelly Correy and shopping. Admission is $5 to $8. The Heard Natural Science Museum is at One Nature Place in McKinney. Call 972-562-5566 or visit www.heardmuseum.org. --Matt Hursh