“Family-An American Institution”
Introduction By
D. Charles Owen

Many things regarding this edition of the newsletter, first, I’ve elected to run this as a “Spring-Summer” Edition, primarily since there is so much to cover as that I have not published a newsletter since Winter.  Second, as our local webmaster and friend Brian Bates has included in our website a Results page, I have omitted the usual by name/time summaries of the many events we’ve hosted since the beginning of the year in the interest of space, focusing rather on a description of the events held.   Depending on the feedback I receive, we may keep this as a permanent format. Thirdly, those of you who actually read the newsletter (and many of you do judging by the comments I receive) have probably picked up on the fact that I like to share ideas and write in a commentary type fashion, and so, with this in mind I have decided to begin each edition with a theme, something which I believe plays an important role in both our sport as well as personal lives.  Picking a theme for this edition though was actually quite easy, for it is something near and dear to many of us, and although a purely empirical observation on my part, represents a positive trend within our local community.  As evidenced by the title of the introduction, this trend I’ve identified are Families.  Families at our races, families joining our club as such rather than as an individual, families volunteering to support our events and community, families actually completing events together or even as a team. I realize that to many of you this is nothing new, but as I’ve often cited, I am relatively new to both this sport and community, and so find it particularly noteworthy that a large number of our events are a reflection of what I’ve described above.  What I find especially encouraging is that this is in direct contravention to what many sociologists describe as the bane of our society, that being the breakdown of the American family as an institution.  It comes as no surprise to many that a large amount of the crimes committed today, the wanton abuse of drugs/alcohol by youths, and the increase in gang activity is attributed to the lack of strong parental influence.  Yet I am happy to report that my recent experiences with the TMRC have reflected quite the opposite.  From the support of Sue Fletcher-Haines’ family at our first event of this year which honored her memory, to the record setting turnout in participation at the Cochise Youth Classic, where the parents enjoyed the proceedings more than many of the participants, the sharing of duties and support by families such as the Bates and Valentins, the Heikkinens and Dubinicks, the Tordsons and Krebs, the Bostwichs and O’Keefes, the Bristows, the Carters, the Cross’, the McElroys and the Owens, to the families I observed completing the local Triathlons this Summer as teams (four that I counted), such as our new friends and members the Robidouxs.  I could go on for at least another page and would still probably forget someone, but I wanted to mention some of our local friends, who, as a family, have supported, hosted, participated in, or on some occasions, performed two or even three of the aforementioned functions as members of our communities.   Am I offering running/racing as a panacea for all that is wrong in our society?  No, simply pointing out how nice it is that we, as like-minded individuals, can buck a trend in a positive fashion and the impact it is having on our club and community.

Events and Special Mention

While this is fairly dated material, I would be remiss if I didn’t discuss the Annual TMRC Grand Prix Awards Banquet held at the Golden Acres Clubhouse in Feb 02.   We almost maxed the capacity of our banquet site and a great time was had by all.  Thanx to Harry and Sharon for getting permission of us to hold the event there, to Don and Alyce for getting the awards, and to Kathy Krebs for working with the caterers (La Casita) and organizing the funds.  While I always say you folks, our friends, members and supporters are the lifeblood of the club, and that I simply wish to work some of the administrative issues with you, I was given the opportunity to MC the event, and had an absolute blast.  Looking forward to next year’s event.

Brian Bates has started bringing his digital camera to many of our events and has posted these photos on our website, www.thundermountainrc.org.    Thanx to him for everything he has done with this.  Take a look at his handiwork to catch a glimpse of yourself or someone you know.

Jim Irish, our state representative for the RRCA, from which we derive our bylaws and insurance, attended our Jun 02 Meeting.  He had many beneficial items of interest and we look forward to interacting with him more in the future. 

We are also looking to host a nonscheduled meeting of the club’s officers in the not too distant future to brainstorm/wargame many issues which have come up at the past two club meetings, and which we were unable to come to closure on, primarily due to time constraints.  If you have an item you wish us to discuss please let us know.

Three-time winner of our local Thunder Mountain Marathon and Tucson Marathon Race Director Pam Reed not only won the prestigious Badwater Ultramarathon for her class, but won it outright, beating the first place male and setting a new record.   Also, our very own “Thunder from Down Under” Fleur Keough, winner of many TMRC events, just tied for 1^st Place as a member of a team for the Armed Forces Eco-Challenge in Alaska.   Congrats ladies-we’re proud to have you in our events!

Feedback-In my efforts to incorporate new ideas for the TMRC, I talk to many runners from many different clubs.  One of the common practices these clubs share are group training runs/sessions.  Many of our new and potential members have asked if we hold such sessions, which are currently not on our activities list.  I know that many of us, based on schedules and abilities, have forged training partnerships with others within the club, but please let me know what you all think of this concept. 

Errata-In our previous edition, I mentioned that Sue had coached Danny Lopez, a previous Olympian from this area.  Dick Haines, in a very detailed account of both he and Sue’s many achievements during their coaching years, tactfully pointed out that Danny was one of his prized runners.  Also, Alyce Tordson is our Vice-President of the TMRC, as opposed to Co-Treasurer as previously reported. I apologize for these factual errors.

Racing News

SEPARATE PAGE Draft Coming

Thank you for becoming part of us.  Please tell a friend.  They need not be competitive to join.  Athletes of all abilities are welcome and we’re always looking for enthusiastic supporters/volunteers.

That’s all for now.  Enjoy the Website.  We look forward to seeing you at the next event

Until then

Train Hard-Race Hard.

Please submit comments via the contacts page or email to webmaster@thundermountainrunningclub.org