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FLRC Newsletter - April 2005 |
| Indoor Track Season Wrap-Up | |
I think that anyone who has taken part in more than one or two of the FLRC indoor track seasons will agree that 2004–2005 was once again lots of fun, very exciting at times, and also a little different.
One of the more positive aspects was the appearance of many new faces at the track from the teenage or younger-aged community, as well as some new mature athletes joining the competition. In the few years I have been organizing these meets, one of the most rewarding aspects has been following the progress of several local athletes as they rise from being stars at Family Fun Day to becoming stars of a different kind on the track.
The December meet saw the usual number of runners, with close to 90 people braving the indoor arena. Runners warmed up and stretched and then raced ovals instead of running outside in the still-moderate outdoor temperatures of early December. The 3000 meters started off the season and, with the Hartshorne Mile only six weeks away, the one-mile event attracted 38 participants.
January saw more events and many more runners than did December, and an unfortunate few ran one lap short in the 2-mile event. Mistakes happen, and I apologize to those who were caught up in this error. The week before the meet I decided to add an additional 800-meter race for Hartshorne participants wishing to refine their speed just one week from running this very special mile event.
The February meet attracted a big crowd, and the 5000 meters was won by one of those up-and-coming local teenagers, Christian Thompson of Candor, in 16:40. The 60 meters saw a large number of younger kids, and we watched some very memorable heats as they navigated what to most people appears to be a straight run! Sixteen couples ran the Valentine's relay for the usual and very coveted Gatorade awards.
March saw the Family Fun Day, with the 400-meter and 1-mile serious events getting the proceedings underway. Our sixth Family Fun Day was again all about adults participating with the kids, and everyone seemed to have a good time doing wheelbarrow, sack, and three-legged races along with some track events. Several of the younger kids went home with some rather elegant trophies for Moms to dust for years to come, and all were rewarded with shiny spinning running medals.
These meets are only possible due to the enormous support and encouragement of the many volunteers willing to give up their time so that we can all have a great time at the track. Thank you all; it wouldn't happen without you, and I appreciate each and every one of you. Thanks for making it such fun again. The summer season is just around the corner, I look forward to seeing you there and don't forget to bring the whole family.
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