01-JUL-A-15

JUL-A-15

ANOTHER NOTE OF PREMATURE CANONIZATION:

WHAT HAPPENS IF AND WHEN THEY DISCOVER THAT

I AM NOT MOTHER THERESA?

From: <AHisa26@aol.com>

To: <msdgwg@gwumc.edu>

Date: 7/10/01 9:46PM

Subject: Re: And, on another, lighter, brighter note....

Hello fellow runners,

After skimming through a plethora of opinions on the happenings and uses of

trails at Ken-Gar, I thoroughly enjoyed reading Dr. Geelhoed's gracious and

upbeat statement regarding the joys of running for all to appreciate.

Although I have not made his acquaintance, I am delighted to know that we

have such a humble and kind-hearted member in the club. I am fortunate in

that I have met many wonderful people through joining MCRRC. When I first

moved to Maryland about 11 years ago, I joined the club in hopes of finding

camaraderie, friendship, and running support. Over the years, through life's

ups (i.e. running in the Boston marathon a few times) and life's downs (i.e.

recovering from serious spinal injuries), the running club has been there for

me. Even when I wasn't able to run due to injury or illness, I stayed in

touch with friends I had made through MCRRC, and appreciated that the club

runs would always be there. MCRRC felt like my "running family" away from

home (Alaska).

Last summer, when I was training for the Marathon in the Parks, I had the

pleasure of meeting several of the runners in the FTM pace groups at Ken-Gar.

I enjoyed training with them, and getting to know them. When I asked Mike if

I could join a pacing group to have some camaraderie on the run, he was very

welcoming, and I appreciated that. Yes, the lines were longer at the water

fountains, but the company was great!

Within the past few months, I have discovered the Greenway trails, thanks to

Ed, a fantastic running club member, and I've enjoyed running these trails

with a group of club runners on Sunday mornings. Yes, running in a peaceful,

natural environment in a small group is relaxing; yet, I also enjoy the times

I've run at Ken-Gar because of the abundance of runners I can train with,

especially on the lsd runs.

Regardless of one's training pace, goals, race strategies, number of years in

the club, or opinions on the use Ken-Gar's trails, I sincerely hope that we

runners can unite and focus on being supportive of one another, on and off

the trails. As a newcomer back in 1990, I certainly felt welcome at Ken-Gar,

even when I didn't show up regularly. I hope newcomers to MCRRC continue to

feel welcome and encouraged by the other club members.

...and hats off to Janet Newburgh for her exemplary leadership as our club

president!!!

Happy running,

Alice Hisamoto