Memorable steps

NEW GLASGOW - When Vernon Walsh goes for a run today it won't be a long one, but it will be a memorable one.
Walsh plans to remember every step of the 300 metres he's running with the Olympic torch on Stellarton Road from Duff Street to St. Joseph Street.
"It's hard to put a feeling towards it," Walsh responded when asked what was going through his head as today drew closer. "I never even imagined I'd get picked. To run in your own home town, that's a plus again."
Walsh won't be alone, he'll have the eyes of the nation upon him and a special friend there in spirit.
"I'm dedicating this to my sister-in-law that recently passed away, Verna van Bommel. She was very much a runner…It's an honour to do this in memory of my sister-in-law. She would be happy for me. I'm sure she is looking on."
Walsh earlier said he'll probably run the short route he's responsible for, but having thought some more, he said it won't be a sprint.
"It's going to be a slow one, I'll just savour the flavour."
Not surprisingly he's been thinking about it a lot.
"I keep thinking about it and getting excited. Just the thought of being a torch bearer for a flame that's been going on for as long as that's been going on. It's amazing."
Part of his preparation was making sure the moment is preserved for him, after all, he won't get to see himself carrying it - he's got photographers and videographers for that.
"I have family all over the country. I have eight brothers and sisters to be exact. They all want to see it too."
Are they jealous?
"They envy me. They're not really jealous. They're happy for me. They tease me and say 'I'm jealous.'"
Walsh's segment of the relay is supposed to be some time in the afternoon, around 4 p.m. or so but he won't find out for sure until today.
The relay is scheduled to enter the county on the Vale Road in New Glasgow around 2:50 p.m.