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January/February 2012 Editor's Notes
No Day But Today
Brenda Barrera
January/February 2012
As we usher out 2011, it is probably a challenge to decide which amazing race, marathon, or shared experience with fellow runners topped the “Best of” list. But inquire about least favorite or most frustrating race and the answer (without hesitation) might be: The Hot Chocolate 15K & 5K.
Early December marked one of the most controversial road races in our region in years. Produced by RAM Racing and despite 15,000 plus runners finishing, it was marred by substantial problems. These are outlined on page 44 and race organizers have an ad on page 57.
This past year we introduced a women’s running column and one covering the military running scene by Cdr. Sue Himes, U.S. Navy. You will continue to see these along with columns by two elite athletes, Alisa Harvey’s “On the Track” and Margie Shapiro’s “Triathlon.” James Moreland is guaranteed to not miss a beat. He will be scouring hundreds of race results while tabulating and calculating fastest times for Mid-Atlantic runners for the ever-popular WRR Runner Rankings.
As we bring in 2012, we introduce a new Department, “In My Own Words,” penned by an everyday runner sharing a unique race perspective or opinion on a running-related topic. In this issue, Kelly Leighton from Pennsylvania recounts her road trip to Virginia Beach’s Surf-n-Santa 10 Mile & Frosty 5K.
There’s a new name to our masthead, Dickson Mercer, WRR Senior Editor. A top regional runner and journalist, Mercer often races in the lead pack and upon finishing promptly grabs his pen and notebook to report on the event. We look forward to his contributions along with our esteemed cadre of Mid-Atlantic writers and photographers.
Race organizers are our partners. We all support and promote the sports of running and triathlon. Budgets are tight and more races are competing for participants, so we are introducing more promotional and advertising opportunities like Premium Calendar Listings. Be sure to contact bob@runwashington.com to set up your 2012 schedule. Our online calendar is FREE, so make sure you enter your event listings, at www.runwashington.com. Click “Event Directors” and then “Submit an Event.”
2012 marks an Olympic year. For a select few, years of training will culminate in an opportunity to represent our country in London this summer. For 158 men and 225 women qualifiers, the opportunity to toe the line at the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials is their dream. We wish everyone, especially our Mid-Atlantic contingency, the best of luck in Houston, TX on January 14. Check out the preview on page16.
It is no secret, I am a fan of musicals. One of my favorite songs from Rent is “No Day But Today.” The message is crystal clear: Live for today, no regrets. 2011 is done. Take time today to write down your running and fitness goals; you are more likely to keep them if you write them down. So, whether you ring in or run in the New Year, all the best to you in 2012!