KIDS THESE DAYS:

If you visit the website for Saturday’s second annual Costa Mesa Community Run, you’ll see something sad, embarrassing or both. For there, on the page with the results of the 5K race, is No. 196 out of a field of 369: Steve Smith, with a time of 35:46:37.

There was a time when running fast was as natural as breathing. I once ran an awesome mile in high school, which got a favorable comment from my physical education teacher, who was not known for passing out compliments. (He coached football, and his favorite saying after a player complained of an injury was, “Tape an aspirin to it!”)

“Nice time, Smitty,” he said as I crossed the finish line.

I later ran 10K races and finished them around the time it took me to do last year’s run, which is half the distance.

That is due in part to age and the onset of some mild pulmonary issues. But mostly, it was because the run is a race only to those who start it with their toe on the line. For the rest of us, it is a chance to reunite with neighbors and friends we see only with a wave through our windshields.

For most of us, a more appropriate title would be the Costa Mesa Community Stroll. I walked about half the course, and I am guessing many of the folks who turned out did the same.

As with most maturing events, this year’s race will be bigger and better. More runners, more sponsors, more booths and more fun.

All of the money that is raised will go to support the Costa Mesa Community Foundation, which aids local elementary schools through a grant program.

The Costa Mesa Community Run is a U.S. Track and Field-sanctioned event, so if you still look good in those little running shorts, you can race to your heart’s content. I will be wearing a burka.

After the race, there will be plenty of booths set up with food, drinks and health information.

The fun actually begins the night before the run. From 5 to 10 p.m. the race will host a family fun night, featuring a showing of the film “Night at the Museum” with Ben Stiller and Robin Williams. Food will be available.

All of this takes place at Estancia High School in Costa Mesa. So, even if you are a retired runner, always a walker or just want to get outdoors and meet some of the members of the community, I encourage you to spend some time at Estancia High School on Friday night and Saturday morning.

For more information, visit www.costamesacommunity run.com.

Last Wednesday night, Angels pitcher Nick Adenhart threw the best game of his career. Not hard to do at 22 and with few major league appearances to his credit.

Adenhart, however, was battling back from surgery a few years ago that left his pitching abilities in doubt. The Angels stuck with him and got the start of the return on their investment at that game last week.

A few hours after the game, the car in which Adenhart was riding was rammed by a suspected drunk driver. Adenhart died from injuries related to the accident.

You’ve probably heard this news. Maybe you haven’t. Regardless, I am encouraging you to use this tragic news as an opportunity for a reality check.

Remember all those people in your life who always talk about how short and precious life is and how kids grow up so quickly? Well, they’re right.

This is a time for all of us to understand that while we have to work and earn a living, we also have to make contributions for which we receive no compensation. That could be as simple as saying “hello” to a stranger as you pass him on the street.

Or, feel free to say “hello” to me as you pass me up Saturday.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Costa Mesa Community Run

WHERE: Estancia High School

WHEN: Opening night festivities start at 5 p.m. Friday; registration starts at 6:30 a.m. Saturday with races starting at 8 and 9 a.m.

COST: $25 per 5K runner or $20 per person on teams of five; $20 per 2K runner; $5 for pancake breakfast.

STEVE SMITH is a Costa Mesa resident and a freelance writer. Send story ideas to [email protected].