February Featured Founders, March Offers Inspiration

Posted by: Preztc

Since last newsletter something happened that had never been done before-The Saints won the XLIV Super Bowl, this was a good game where the “underdog” won. Also at February 18th’s LRRC’s “presidential” meeting we almost got 30 years’ worth of past presidents together at one time. All but a few came to share the running lore with a large crowd of old and new members. For those who could not make it, we missed you! I wish this meeting and some moments in life were like a football game where we could make an approx. 1 ½ hour event into typical three. If we could stop the “clock” every so often or take time outs we could have listened to more stories and heard more advice and history on how good clubs are made. The LRRC started in 1977 with eight members and today there are over 200.
Lou (Ole Gristle) and Charley (Harley) Peyton were part of the founding group and they graciously sat on a panel along with Bob Hilts, Paul (Galloomphing Gourmand)and Bill(Ole Runner)Hoffman. They answered questions and told stories of beginnings of the LRRC. Bob Hilts offered the comment of how things have changed with all the gadgets and technology to improve running, where in the “old” days they relied on running groups and training partners to improve. They also shared that there were a lot of splinter groups at the beginning and yet I find that is the case now. They focused on creating and organizing races and training groups, like primarily focusing on marathons and certain time goals, particularly for example the White Rock Marathon. T-shirts and photos were brought out as evidence; Lou and Charley had t-shirts from the first LR marathon and women’s run and 3:20 training group. Bill Hoffman had some neat photos of the existing Sunday morning run and the first Arkansas Running Hall of fame inductees. Paul Johnson and Bob Hilts recounted humourous events. There was fierce competition its seems, but also camaraderie and encouragement were evident. I hope we can foster this and when the next generation takes over the club we tell the same kind of lore. Three past presidents received a much deserved award for the years of repeat service and they continue to promote and encourage and support this club. Tom Barron, Steve Hollowell, and Bill Harrell received the coveted plaques. While the president’s were recognized as they are due, this was also member appreciation dinner for we could not have the best club without the best people bringing it all together for volunteering, cheering, racing etc. Thank you all members and presidents.
Running offers many opportunities for people to try something they have never done before, and having a network from joining LRRC will help. You will find many training groups and people available to assist you in a first time 5K up to a marathon, as such as the LR marathon training group (Tom and Hobbit offer an encouraging environment to lead people into new territory.) Running offers things that will change your life for the better. As the Little Rock Marathon event is next weekend,-good luck participants and all those supporting the race!
I hope you will attend this month’s meeting for motivation and a reminder about the important things and not letting excuses get in the way of having and living a full life by listening to Randy Oates recount his progress since last year’s meeting.
Another positive force out there is the splash we are making with our new hoodies with the LRRC logo. While in Texarkana for the Run the Line half marathon, most of us wore them, showing team and club pride. I had someone ask me how many we had attend this event. So there was good publicity for the best club in the state!