| April 2003 Newsletter |
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Suffer! And other FLRC track memories
Oh, we're so sorry to see the indoor track season end for 2003! Many thanks to track vice president Tim Ingall and his big posse of volunteers who directed a wild and wonderful series. Lots of applause to Rick Hoebeke and Tom Hartshorne, who toiled on the Hartshorne Memorial Masters Mile, too.
I participated in all four meets, plus the Hartshorne mile -- plus I traveled to Hobart to watch our masters women run the 1,600-meter relay. Here are some of the memories that I still recall in vivid sounds and images. In no particular order...
Tim Ingall running his first sub 5-minute mile at Family Fun Day. Tim ran a 4:58.9, and rocked his favorite track house. Friends, teammates, kids and parents -- and Bruce Roebal with the microphone, lined the track and screamed at Tim not to give up. I yelled "Suffer!" and Bruce called the race like it was Seabiscuit at the Kentucky Derby. It was a perfect gift for Tim who has poured his heart and soul into every single meet.
Man in Black Bruce Roebal, who patiently and efficiently moved each meet along with precision and good humor. It was amazing to see the 100+ runners listening intently to Bruce, and being ready for each heat. Even the little kids crying about the starting gun didn't rattle Bruce.
Tom Meyer quickly completing all the computer entries and results, and still having the time and energy to get in some fast-paced events. Even when latecomers registered, Tom never complained.
My registration companions Sandy Fitterer, Sarah McHale, Lorrie, Shealena, Jim and PJ, Joe Reynolds and John McMurray processing long lines of runners. I can still hear myself bellowing: "You need a white form, a yellow card for each event and a pink card for relays!"
Dave Jones and Tessa DuMont, best known as trail runners, attending the indoor meets and working on behalf of track specialists so we'd have a chance to run. Thanks to all volunteers!
The Learn family from Mansfield, Pa., five sisters, baby Roger and parents Candy and Roger. The sisters range from age 7 to age 19. Charity, a freshman at Mansfield U., set some school records at our meets; and 7-year old Violet ran like a rocket from the back of the pack. Not one whimper.
The Ithaca United Track Club, a group of kids and their parents, who always elevate the spirit and energy of our meets.
Big numbers of regional high school runners and their coaches. Good to see the Elmira contingent, Ithaca High and a team from Albany.
Masters ace Bob Carroll, brother Dave and Becky Heuer -- the gang from Checkers AC, making the trip each meet from Buffalo.
Victoria Smith's cookies. As each meet progressed, she brought us more goodies. Thanks Victoria.
Reading John Hylas' pre-race pep talk regarding a sub 5 quest at the Hartshorne Mile. "Glide" was the operative word.
Listening to Charlie McMullen, who is battling cancer, telling the Hartshorne runners he's fighting it and won't give up.
Canadian Patty Blanchard winning the women's elite division of the Hartshorne Mile. She cranked out a F45 WR 5:08! Even more impressive, she was friendly and happy to be here.
Gill Sharp running a personal best 5:19 at age 41!
Seeing Karen Grover running a break-through 6:05, after weeks of training.
Anselm LeBourne and Tom Dalton going head-to-head in the men's elite division at Hartshorne.
Watching Suzy, Lorrie, Shirley and Gill set the F40 AR/WR in the 1,600-meter relay at Hobart. Inspirational, dramatic and they kept the record in the FLRC house.
Be ready for the summer outdoor meets, which I'll nickname the Carhart Series. Just in case the weather is anything like last year.
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