President's Column -June/July 2023
Jennifer Hay, Vice President
I work at REI. Retail is a new thing for me, but it often feels more like an extension of the cheerleader in me than anything else. I spend a lot of time telling people they really are an outdoorsy person or they really are a runner. Why do we think we have to reach some level of an activity or sport to be legit at it? I’m taking my microphone opportunity this month to remind you that if you run—2ish , 25ish, or 75+ miles a week—you’re a runner. A couple of those options may make you more hardcore (and possibly a little crazy), but every single one means you’re a runner. Embrace that label. Be proud of it. A couple other things that aren’t required to be called a “runner” are weekly speed work and fast paces. Those things aren’t required to be part of the Club or part of the running community either, and it’s why Gulf Winds is adding group runs to our “training” schedule. You’ll see them start popping up around town. Watch the Facebook page and website for details and invitations from our four new training coordinators: Ashlee Blake, Emily Webster, Joi Savery, and Kendall Meikenhous. Join in these casual runs for company, camaraderie, and conversations about the weird and wonderful (and occasionally gross) things runners talk about. Being a runner and part of this amazing running community means you benefit from a lot of dedicated volunteers who spend a stunning number of hours ensuring the rest of us have safe trails, fun races, inspiring youth programs, effective training sessions, and a sustainable club. Be sure to thank them and find ways to join them. You’ll find a whole long list of those people in the Fleet Foot directory and scattered through the member briefing. Reach out and find the perfect ways to contribute to all the wonderful work that goes into our club. Also, encourage anyone who runs to join the club. You know the whole “farther together,” “strength in numbers,” and “strength of the wolf is the pack” thing is true! See y’all out there!
FROM THE PRESIDENT
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