Efting honors dad by wearing shirt from first Fifth Season race

CEDAR RAPIDS - A shirt embellished with significance and sentimentality will span the bridge of 25 Fifth Season road races Sunday.

Twenty-five years ago, Jerry Weiland wore the shirt in the inaugural Fifth Season race. It was one of many he accumulated over the years as an avid runner, but this one is special - and will become even more so Sunday.

His daughter, Liz Efting, will wear the shirt from 1986 to honor her father in the 25th Annual Alliant Fifth Season 8K. The 8K race begins downtown at 7:30 a.m. Sunday, followed by a 5K walk/run at 8, a youth mile run at 9 and kids' fun runs at 9:30.

She's wearing the shirt as a display of love and appreciation for Weiland, who suffers from Alzheimer's disease and was recently diagnosed with less than a year to live due to cardiomyopathy, a condition in which heart muscle weakens or changes structure, often leading to inadequate pumping.

”Sure, heck yes,” Weiland said when asked about if he'd attend and wait at the finish line to watch her complete her third Fifth Season 8K.

"I'm really happy my dad will be able to make it down there and watch me run," Efting said. "It's a pretty good deal.

"It's a nice tribute to him that I'm going to wear that shirt Sunday."

Weiland gave his daughter the shirt a few years ago. Efting, 42, of Cedar Rapids, is only one of about three children that runs in races regularly, including her brother Wally and sister, Nancy, who has competed in marathons as well.

"It's appropriate that it should be worn by someone who continues to run," Weiland said.

Efting said it's a honor to wear that shirt from the first Fifth Season race during it's anniversary. Especially since running has been a source of bonding for them. Efting said they talk about running and watching races sometimes triggers his memory.

"It's something we can talk and visit about," Efting said. "It's a nice way to connect with him."

Those times may be limited given Weiland's health. Efting tries to avoid thinking of events as the last with her father, but that can be difficult at times.

"I just feel blessed he'll be there," Efting said. "I look at every time, even for 20 minutes, as a blessing."

Weiland began running to help cope with the stress of running a dental practice and raising eight children. He started by running in place in his house, moving from the living room to the basement before deciding to start hitting the road. Weiland started running in oxfords, according to his wife, Betty, who attended all but one of his events. He turned to running as a way to start off his day with a  good feeling that helped him cope with daily trials.

"It was a good thing," said Weiland, who took to running before it was as popular as today. "It got the pressure off me. I looked forward to it."

He became a fitness fanatic, which was a big influence on Efting as she approached her 40's. Efting began running, and can be found working out up to six times a week. Efting recalled her dad coming home from earlier morning winter runs with icicles hanging from his face.She would like to supply her four children - ranging from 7 to 14 years old - with similar memories. Efting said her two daughters, Maria and Annie, and twin sons, John and Luke, haven't been bit by the running bug.

"They're not interested at all right now," Efting said. "I try to bribe or pay them. No one's taking the bait."

In addition to health, Weiland found a competitive outlet, too. He traveled to various locations for road races, triathlons and marathons during his 40's, 50's and into his 60's. He garnered medals from many events.

"I always finished," Weiland said. "I always thought that was a victory. There weren't very many people my age running at that time."

A month away from his 79th birthday Weiland remains active gardening and going for walks through the streets of his NE Cedar Rapids neighborhood. His condition has proved to be a problem occasionally suffering a brief memory lapse and coming to during the stroll. A strange experience for someone who was in full control when he pushed himself to run daily.

"It's a compromise," Weiland said. "A lesson in life. It doesn't go on forever."

Efting pointed out the irony that a bad heart might be the demise of the man who spent so much time and effort running and taking care of himself. She said that his positive approach and his acceptance has helped others come to terms with the prognosis from his heart ailment.

"He knows the end of his life is near," Efting said. "He's very spiritual about it."

So, Sunday could be one of the final races he witnesses his daughter run. The father and daughter will share a special moment as Efting approaches and crosses the finish line. Completing the race will cap a fitting tribute to her father and provide memories of a beloved activity to flood Weiland's mind again.

"It's very emotional," Weiland said. "It will help me remember the sacrifice that goes with running."