New Members Speech

 
New Members Speech

In 2010 Misty Bell Matthews, Carolyn Magner Mason, and I started a facebook group called Truckin’ Runners. At the time we were all writing for “Truckers News” magazine. We had just gotten a nice write up in “Runners World” magazine. It was a good way to keep the positive energy going. It has grown to 257 members of the trucking industry who encourage exercise while out on the road. From time to time I write a new “new members” speech to the group. When we exceeded the 250 member marker I wrote another one. The speech has even been quoted in an article by Charlie Morasch in “Landline” magazine. So, to save maximize efficiency, I thought – Why not use it as a blog?

Welcome to all of our new members. We are glad to have you. The goal of our little group is to help each other. Some of us are old dog runners who think we can coach. From time to time we even think we are doctors and hand out injury advice. Incidentally our medical advice is worth about what you paid for it. Although some injuries are common and we have had experience with them.

Mostly what we offer is encouragement. When a new member can walk a mile for the first time without gasping for breath, we consider it a victory. It is as big a win as when another member completes a marathon in Boston qualifying time. Small victories encourage all of us. We also have knowledge of safe, cool places to exercise near truck parking. If you are looking for a place ask. If you find one, share. Remember that we are all equals here. That is unless you can get Kathrine Switzer to have dinner with me. She is my role model. If you can get her to have dinner with me you will be my new best bud. If you don’t know who she is, you should.

Discussion of shoes and apparel will come up. We know what works for us. We don’t know what works for you. I strongly recommend that you go to a good running store to buy your shoes. We can share good advice about other apparel. By learning from our blisters and other problems, maybe you can avoid them.

Industry discussions are not off limits. Runners aren’t whiners-no whining. I hate that. If you don’t like something work to change it. Also be respectful.  Discussions are to be learned from-not won.  There are lots of places on the web where you can insult people or companies. This is not one of them.

We hope that you enjoy this group and join in. We want to hear about your accomplishments. Sharing these accomplishments is motivational. We know that exercising on the road is hard. We also know that it is worth it.