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FLRC Newsletter - May 2003 |
| Racing, Fun and Fairytales | |
I've been asked to write a report of this past season's indoor track meets. Unlike my predecessor, the irreplaceable and witty Rick C. I lack his ability to keep the reader entertained throughout a story. So I'll be reasonably brief and try and do my best with what I have. When I start including individual names I more often than not forget someone whom I shouldn't have so from now on I will intentionally leave names out of this report.
As I remember from a year ago . . . (in the past few months my reading eyesight has become noticeably worse and unfortunately the memory went a long time ago . . .) the 2001/2 track season was unbelievably well received. That was my first season putting it together and kind of a daunting task. I gained what knowledge I could from several people around the club who helped me try and understand what my job was supposed to be. I was told it was really pretty simple. "You put on 4 track meets, one each month at Barton Hall with a variety of events and try and make it appealing to all ages and abilities". Simple, yeah right! What about equipment and forms and dealing with Cornell and snowstorms and the gun and flyers and volunteers and tables and chairs and pens and pencils and numbers and pins and kids and adults and where events start and timers and clocks and food and awards and . . . HELP!
But it did happen back in 2001 and it was nice to see that (the vast majority of) my fears were totally unfounded. People came out from the woodwork to help and everyone responded to my appeals for volunteers month after month. Large numbers of athletes also came and often became athletes and timers just a few minutes apart. One of my big pushes has been to try and get people involved with doing both. I find it really satisfying to be a small part of someone running beyond what they thought their abilities were. It has also been fun to see more of the younger generation coming to this past winter's meets than I've seen in previous years.
So on to 2002/3. I came up with the idea (ok, so it really wasn't me but I'm writing this so I'll take the credit) of a special relay at the end of a meet to bring everyone together more. 3 person relays were born and seemed to go down well. The rules were simple, at least one of each gender and 2 legs to run per athlete. Next season we may even have one "featured event" during each meet where more attention is put on that event in some way. Maybe some big prize money or a free flight to the Caribbean in February or give away a PT Cruiser. (But probably more likely to be an extra dollop of cream cheese on you bagel if you're very lucky!).
And the athletes came out. The December and January meet numbers were up again and I think we registered an incredible 170 plus people in February. I never expected crowds like that, it was like hosting a high school meet. Even a minibus came from out Buffalo way and a regular smaller group came from that same direction to every meet. Several people came up from the Southern Tier as well as from the Syracuse direction. We had some fantastic heats and close finishes, and I think most important is that people had some good times.
I tried to mix them up, longer distances and medley relays, short sprints and of course the chaotic as ever Family Fun Day. I know one day I'll figure out the best way to do registration at this meet. In the mean time I'll certainly take all your suggestions and throw them around for a year. Then I'll probably think I've got it all worked out perfectly - until the first person walks in the door and it all suddenly falls apart! Luckily by then I'll be hiding behind the bleachers hoping that nobody will find me for the next hour or so. After every FFD I think I know I can make it go so much better next time and then come race day all hell breaks lose and I'm left thinking about it again for next time! I guess that's why it's a challenge.
Do I have any regrets now the indoor season is done? Sure, that it's now over for another year, it was a blast! There is also one other small thing. My Dad inspired the idea of having the Family Fun Day and it would be nice for me to have him there one day. With any luck there's always next year. For myself, if I may be allowed a line or so of self indulgence, I know it's going to be hard to ever repeat everything that happened in that unforgettable heat of the mile on March 9th 2003. Lacking less than 3 seconds at Hartshorne and then missing by just half a second at Manley in Syracuse 3 weeks before made it so much sweeter to do it at Barton and the family meet. Thank you to everyone who was there for all your support, I couldn't have done it without you.
If you're willing to put the hard work in then fairytales do happen with these people around, I've seen it first hand. And I also learned then that with this incredible support group of the FLRC and High Noon behind you that anything is possible. Stick with it, set realistic but challenging goals for yourself and bring out your friends to have fun with us too. Soon some of them may be joining us regularly at many of our events. A big thank you to all the volunteers at all the meets, it wouldn't be possible to do any of this without you. You make me look so good but it's you that deserve all the credit.
So now we move back outside. By the time you read this you'll probably have forgotten all about the bitter cold winter that we've just had. I'm working on plans for another summer track series this year. There are numerous road running events around the area and I personally can't wait to regularly get back out onto the trails. I think it's always good to try and keep your fitness program varied. That way you exercise different muscles and don't get burned out from doing just one thing. Try something new and different this year. Challenge yourself to a triathlon or a trail race, a 10k, race-walk or a half marathon. Try and get your friends out there with you too. But no matter what you do have fun while you're doing it.
Happy trails and I hope to see you out there soon,
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