President's Column - August 2023

Back in the day, Jackie and I ran quite a few races. I am still showing up occasionally for some races when I am not injured. For those of you that have participated in these Saturday morning challenges throughout all or some portion of your running life, you know that many of your closest friends are people that you met at these races. I am also certain that you have met many people that have remained acquaintances, but that you can share a quick conversation with before or after a race. Then there are those folks that you know by name but haven’t had the time or inclination to get to know or talk to. And lastly, there is everyone else including those you recognize as runners but know nothing about them, name or otherwise. Heck, I can remember warming up for dozens of races in my time, where you pass individuals that know your name and you know theirs, and not even a “hello” is exchanged (pre-race focus?). In those years before social media, for those folks that fell into the acquaintance and lessor known categories, Jackie and I often shared that certain runners would be there race after race, then suddenly stop showing up. That would often lead us to conclude that they must be injured. But just as easily, they could have a short-term or long-term illness, family complications, could have moved away, or even stopped running. It just left us to ponder – “wonder what happened to that guy that runs with a lean to the left and swings his right arm awkwardly?” No way to know. This is probably solved somewhat today, given the relative ease with which social media can track people. In a similar vein, Mae Cleveland came to a recent GWTC Board meeting and proposed a change to the Rex Cleveland Magic Mile. This race has been held since 2016 and was in memory of her husband, Rex who passed away September 14, 2016. Rex is in the GWTC Hall of Fame, received the first Caldwell Advancement of the Sport award, was the Fleet Feet editor and photographer for 17 years, and a very good runner in his own right. Mae believes this race has run its course (pun intended) and proposes that the Club instead replace it with a memorial page on the GWTC website. This page would not only serve as a memorial to Rex but also to other GWTC members that have been lost along the way that may have served in some capacity for the betterment of the Club. The concept is that this page could also provide family and friends an opportunity to share a special memory. The Board is in full support of Mae’s proposal. There was also an expression of appreciation, which I wish to reiterate here, to Mae, Toma Wilkerson, and Myrna Hoover for putting this race on through the years. Look for this Memorial Page on the GWTC website soon. Memorializing and even simply knowing what has happened to runners and others we encounter along our life’s path is important, interesting, and can be an opportunity for growth and extolling the virtues of the club. Next time you are in the situation, maybe introduce yourself to that individual you often see, but do not know. You may be surprised at how open and willing that person is to get to know you.