500!
We now have over 500 members of our truckin' runners face book group. It is with great pride that I look at what this group has become. It has become a group of friendship. We come together to share knowledge and encouragement. There is a common goal among all of us to control our own health. We take charge of it through exercise on the road. Whether it is one of our members completing a 100 mile ultra, and Iron man Triathlon, or walking a mile for the first time, in a while, we cheer for it.
There are so many people, that deserve credit for us. My brother Chuck is the reason that I run. Amby Burfoot encouraged me so much in those first few years. It was his idea of an article in “Runners World” that was THE catalyst. Carolyn Magner Mason, and Misty Bell Matthews had the technical knowledge to get it going. We had charter members like Pete Mycek, and Bill Baker. Scott Grenerth was instrumental in the beginning. Our first publicity of any kind was from Road Dog's Freewheelin' Show with Meredith and Chris. OOIDA, and Landline have been solidly in our corner with pieces by truckin' runner and marathon finisher Charlie Morasch. Outside media like the Tribune Company wrote about us, thanks go to Amy Guth, and Julie Deardorff.
Looking back, I remember going on the page everyday and making sure that there was at least one entry. That is not a problem anymore. Now, I go there to get inspiration. Derek Mc Lain and Daniel and Cindy George have had so much recent success that has bolstered the group. Derek was inspirational in raising money for the St. Christophers Fund. While Daniel and Cindy have encouraged the group through their writing and adventures.
Being a little elderly and not being entirely knowledgeable myself, I have come to rely on others like Jon Narron, Nancy Carrier, and Jeff Barker for their knowledge and wisdom. As we have grown the problems have changed and it is good to have people to rely on as we deal with people trying to use the group for things besides what it was designed for.
No matter how big we get the philosophy will never change. We are all equals. We are here to help each other. Accomplished runners gain as much inspiration from a trucker walking a mile for the first time in a long time, as that walker will get from the marathoner. One of the most frequently asked questions is “Hey I am heading on I80 towards Xtown, does anyone know a good place to run along the way?” Someone in the group will know. That is only one of the other ways that we help each other. I am proud of every member of the group and invite you to join us.