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www.WVRoadrunners.org.
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Heroes by Burke Schmidt
When individuals make the difficult decision to become runners, there is a period of time when they would prefer to remain invisible, struggling to participate in the experiment of trying to learn to run with barely enough confidence to lace up their shoes. During the past year and a half Susan Gallagher's Women's Walking and Running Clinic provided the gifts of guidance and support to beginning athletes as well as companionship in their endeavors. The results have been outstanding and the opportunity to watch people grow into real, confident and independent runners has been immensely satisfying.
John Gallagher invited Jeff Galloway, Olympic Marathon competitor, Runner's World columnist, and writer, to introduce his Galloway Marathon Clinic program to Salem. Again, the people who decided to participate, mostly novice or non runners, came forward as they felt sure of the support for their desire to participate in running's premiere event. These people, too, needed guidance, and time to develop the skills sufficient to participate in running with the running community at large.
Having participated as a volunteer with these two groups has been an absolutely delightful opportunity. This participation has given me great respect for the efforts that these new runners and walkers have exuded; it has been quite humbling. Watching people overcome the obstacle of self and gain the confidence to begin this endeavor selfishly allowed me the opportunity to participate in this first step toward the strength they will achieve when they continue. Nothing is more satisfying than watching a person grow.
We all forget how fragile people become when they are new to something. We forget how we felt when we started; all the humility one must sacrifice to learn this most visible sport of running. When you've participated in running, have succeeded in competing in events, perhaps have run a marathon you can become complacent. You need to take advantage of the opportunity to enable a new runner to begin; to aid those who need the support of others to continue. Many of these people have been convinced that by participating in this most satisfying sport, they will be able to overcome physical and mental barriers that would completely stifle most of us. These people have battles to fight that would make the most successful runner weep with frustration.
These are the true heroes, the people who are brave enough to start, strong enough to learn, and steadfast enough to succeed. They are the participants who despite overwhelming odds, complete road races, and find the strength, despite appearances, to be visible as a runner. These are the people who have the desire and drive to continue despite overwhelming odds, to complete their events with dignity and humility. It is our job as runners to support, enable, and above all respect these new athletes, for they shine with more athleticism than all of us.
A Week in the Life of a Tri-geek - Jim Wenckus shares a typical training week with us - yipes !!
St. George Marathon - a race report from Steve Sansone.
Why Run Ultras? - Eb Engelmann tells you why, and he should know !!
Heroes - Burke Schmidt's observations on beginning runners & walkers.
I Fell Again - Lisa Abramson takes a lickin' and keeps on tickin'.
Wichita Marathon - - a race report by Ron Hartwig, Charlotte sets an age group record.