Top 10 Reasons for Being a Runner in Tallahassee
By Jane Johnson
Because … there is a special side of Herb Wills that come out when he is up in the press box announcing a track meet – the normally reserved runner we all know is transformed into an engaging sports commentator who makes each track meet he works a hundred times more interesting.
Because … runners in Tallahassee have a special connection with running legend Jeff Galloway, who graciously came to Tallahassee and share his love of the sport and the wisdom he has acquired over the years with Gulf Winds members.
Because … after Jeff Galloway’s lecture on the benefits of his “run-walk” theory, we all had an excuse the next day to run-walk the Springtime course.
Because … Kathy Mora actually experimented with Jeff’s run-walk theory at the Tucson Marathon and she ran a PR!
Because … each year, we can depend on Dana Stetson to make us laugh at the two-mile mark of the Springtime 10k with his offer of donuts and/or warm beer.
Because … runners make great consumers. Until someone can unlock the secret to high performance, injury free running, we will always be willing to buy new gadgets or try new techniques in an effort to improve our performance.
Because … it’s really fun to watch very physically fit, well-trained marathon runners hobble around after a race as if they were wearing someone else’s legs and they don’t fit.
Because … we have Jean O’Kon and Tom Perkins, the top-notch race director team for the Springtime 10k who spend countless hours of their own time so that they can consistently provide us with a well-organized, fun event – and great t-shirts.
Because … no matter what it says on the shirt you wear in the Boston marathon, you are going to hear it screamed back at you at least a hundred times during the race.
Because … at this time of the year, you can count on great listserv dialogue on the best methods for repelling deerflies while running on trails.
Book of the Month Club
This month’s book selection is Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston. This is a story about the power of love and a woman’s search for identity. The book chronicles the life of a young black woman in Eatonville, Florida in the 1920’s.
Zora Neale Hurston is a gifted writer and anthropologist and has a gift for transforming ordinary actions and people into fascinating stories. Her use of the English language is extraordinary. While it is fun to read about what living in Florida was like 80 years ago, I also think most runners will be able to relate to the rugged determination and perseverance demonstrated by the main character.
The book is available in paperback at any bookstore or over the Internet.