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[Jesse Garrett]

Andrea mentioned it at the state meeting last weekend: The Arkansas RRCA Grand Prix is the best series in America. There are many different reasons for this, but the reason I agree with her is because of the wonderful people here. Between the truck drivers, doctors, accountants, IT people, factory workers, executives, engineers, and everything in between; social classes and occupation do not matter on race day. Come Saturday, we're all runners, striving for our goals.

If it weren't for goals, we wouldn't have anything to run for! My favorite part about going to races is seeing runners achieving those goals. I've had the privilege of meeting most of you this year (and if I haven't met you, that will change next year) and I love listening to people talk about their new PRs and their goals for the future. I love seeing a photo of a beginning runner taken a couple years ago and seeing the new person they've become thanks to running. While I hate to see a runner dealing with injury, I do love seeing them recover and become faster and stronger than they were before.

2009, for most of you who I have talked to, has been a pretty damn successful year. Whether it has been successful for you or not, whether you post here often or you're a lurker, let's hear your stories! Share your ups and downs of the year. Tell us what you've accomplished and what you've got up your sleeve for 2010!

[kimhoward]

Amen, Bro.!!! There is NO DOUBT we have the best GP Series around, very few states even have one. And like u said, it does not matter what your occupation is, we are all in it together. great work by Andrea this year!! GP particpation was up considerably!! Thanks to her, and Brian for all his hard work as well. My goal is just to get healthy, and run somewhere near the times I did at the first of the year, but mostly to be injury free,,,times be danged if necessary.
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Somewhere , someone is training when you are not. When you race against them, they will beat you!

[Mike]

Good post.

[runlikeagirl]

I had kind of fallen away from racing after running @ Tech...several years went by and I had my son. When he turned a year old I decided to train for a marathon and completed Long Beach Marathon in October 2008. I didn't know much about the Grand PRix at all other than hearing Tom mention it as he recalled his glory days. That following January on a very cold long run, he invited me to join the RVR and compete in the Grand Prix. I remember saying "I probably won't race that much, but I guess I'll try to help u guys out when i can".
13 races later and P.R.'s in 5k, 10k, and 1/2 marathon...I look back at that day and thank God for one of the best decisions I've made. I have not only gained so much more confidence in myself...I've gained some incredible friendships and the support of an awesome running community. Like Jesse said, all labels aside...we are all "runners"
A special thanks to the RVR guys: Tom, Billy, Dmac, Michael, Carter, Owen, and Wilsey for all the encouragement, knowledge, smack talk, and letting me be "one of the guys". Love ya!!!
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sub-19:00:7 or bust!

[Jesse Garrett]

I didn't have time to put up content last night, so here's my contribution:

My 2009 goals were to complete my first marathon and have an Iron season. I managed to narrowly meet both of those. If the schedule were any different than it was, it probably would not have happened. Minor injuries nagged me all year, but none as bad as my Achilles tendonitis which started in early September. The pain put me on the couch except for long runs on the weekend. Thanks to some advice from Tom Aspel, I was able to get rid of it just in time for the last two weeks before Midsouth.

And then the knee pain started. I don't know if it was my lack of proper training throughout those 6 weeks, but my usual knee pain intensified. My 20 mile training run was cut short at 14 because my knees would not take me another step. I went to the doctor and asked for a cortisone shot on the Tuesday before Midsouth. I was able to (painfully) complete Midsouth, but not in the time I had planned, thanks to improper training.

Thankfully my body held up throughout the last two races. 6,186 miles driven, 138.4 miles ran and hobbled, countless friends made, and one Gumby costume later, my Iron season is complete.

As for 2010, I'm going to slow it down a bit. I don't have one race scheduled for next year yet, much less 27. I plan on being in attendance for a big majority of Grand Prix races, but my main goal is to complete a marathon properly. In January, I'm starting over and doing a half marathon training plan, with a race in the Spring. After that, I'm going to properly follow a marathon training plan and run a good 26.2 in the Fall. I hope to travel to more destination races like I did this year with Minneapolis, Green Bay, and Tupelo.

I hate writing about me. So for content's sake, here's some random moments about others that I enjoyed in 2009 (this is a retrospect thread, after all):

Michelle Rupp (On the phone with a friend after completing the Arkansas Marathon in Benton): I just got 3rd female overall! Shut up! Yes, there were more than 3 women!

I met Brice Hammerstein at the starting line of at Chase Race. I recalled seeing him two weeks before at the River Trail 15K where his rain soaked shirt gave him some chafing problems. I asked him if he was healing up okay. I will never forget the first words he said to me. He looked at me and said "You know, I always wanted to be famous. I just never thought it would be for bleeding nipples." I knew right then that we would get to be great friends.

I enjoyed being there for many friends' first marathons, including Jeff Maher, Joel Perez, and Becky Humes at Midsouth. Also seeing Charity Hill complete her first half-marathon at Soaring Wings!

Speaking of Joel and Becky, Becky showed me a picture of the two of them from a couple years ago. I could not even tell they were the same person! Becky lost 70 pounds and Joel lost 100 since they started running, and Joel nearly qualified for Boston earlier this month. In his first marathon. Incredible.

While we're on the subject of transformations, I remember passing a big guy during the last mile of the Valentines' Day 5K in February. That big guy has lost countless pounds since then and has slaughtered me at every race since. His name is Ben Davis, you might have heard of him!

I LOVE hearing about PRs and I love being there to see them happen. The most memorable example is Jennifer Liles-Dorris' incredible 45 minute marathon PR in Green Bay. There are too many others to list!

Some people disagreed with the Toad Suck race directors' decision to start the race amid a thunderstorm, but hurdling the flooding waters with Keith McCain and Kris Eakin in that steeplechase was undoubtedly the most fun I had running this season.

A lot of people have really inspired me this season. One of them is Joe Milligan. John Russell had an idea that he mentioned to me--Joe is no longer an Iron Man. He's Platinum Man. I agree! I have 80 more races and 4 years until I can earn a Milligan of my own. Unfortunately for me, I would have to do so as a wheelchair participant because my body could barely take one Iron season.

Another one is Dan Belanger. I tell everyone this, but I hope I'm half as youthful as Dan is when I'm 65. My 60-year-old mother, who pretty much gave up hope of finding a new hobby at this point in her life, has been interested in running and fitness in general ever since she met Dan and heard his story.

Lastly, there's Leah Thorvilson. Whenever I think of Leah now, I think of her as the sister I never had. Back before I met her, she was the ultimate runner to me (and she still is). I don't think I've talked to anyone who wasn't inspired by her in some way. No matter what life throws at her, she bounces back stronger than ever. There aren't very many people who I would drive 1,500 miles in a weekend to see, but to be there for her in Minneapolis was worth it and more.

As I mentioned earlier, the draw of races to me are the people. I have met some of the most awesome people I will ever meet during my first year in the Grand Prix and I've come to love some of them like family. If it weren't for the friends I love spurring me on, giving me advice, and bringing me up when I'm down, I would not have got this far. To those of you--and you know who you are--I love you guys. May 2010 be just as great, if not better, than this year has been.

[sassyangelac]

[Gi-Gi]

This year has had it’s ups and downs. I tend to be my own worst enemy, beating myself up for not running the times I did prior to having Savannah. My self infected wounds started to heal after Tyler Curtis. Dan and I talked about the race, he could tell I was disgusted with race, and simply said “I’m ready for you to be happy about your running again”. I walked away thinking, how can I be happy about running a 5K race in a pace I use to run my 20 mile runs in. While beating myself up even more, Becky Helms came up to me and introduced herself. She explained to me that I was an inspiration to her and how she enjoyed racing with me. The conversation we had really lifted my sprites. The races that followed Tyler Curtis have been awesome. Becky keeps handed me my A**, but I plan to catch her next year! LOL!

Running after having a baby isn’t easy, finding the time and energy is hard. It wasn’t for people like Mary and Sarah to remind it will all work out, I would have turned my shoes in months ago. Karen, Lisa and Allison have all agreed to meet me after work to run, so I can feel safe having Savannah out after dark. Countless people have offered to push Savannah for me while I’m trying to squeeze a speed workout in at the track. Runners are awesome!!! No matter how fast or slow we are, we all know how much work it takes to accomplish each race we set out to run. I feel so blessed to be a part of such a wonderful community! I love you all, and I look for to making memories in 2010 and setting a few PR’s on the way!!! First PR stop will be the 15K for me!!!
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I'm the lady pushing the baby jogger, smile and wave as I pass you! :)

[BenDoesLife]

My god, what a year.

In January I didn't know this type of thing existed, now I feel like part of the team.

2009 will always be the year I look back on and say, "that's the year everything changed."

Meeting all of you and seeing how you all love running rather than seeing it as a chore has inspired me tremendously. I've learned to love it, too.

While the grand prix chart only gives me credit for six races, I did four before joining, and look forward to doing many more this season. Not sure how much improving I'll be doing, but I'll be out there. And like Jesse, I hope to meet many more of you. It's going to be great.

[onthepitch]

[JWC]

2009.
If I was ever going to do the iron series – this was my year to try. My husband is an air force pilot and often deploys – but he was not slated for a lengthy trip in 09. His current position ensured that we would not move during 09.
I guess 2009 would be my year.
I was diagnosed with Lupus in Aug 08 and was extremely frustrated with the failings of my body; my times were slowing, and it was getting harder and harder to find realistic goals where running was concerned. I decided on two things as looked into 2009 –1) I could still contribute to the running community (president of the cruisers, starting a new WCR location and keeping an active youth running program in Cabot) AND 2) I needed personal running goals that did NOT involve speed (I could achieve iron status by showing up and crossing the finish line.)
I guess 2009 would be my year.
Below are my racing accomplishments of the year.
(Disney Goofy – ½ marathon + marathon)
1 Hour track run
Valentine 5K
Rivertrail 15K
Chase Race 2M
(Little Rock Marathon)
Spring Fling 5K
Capital City Classic 10K
Hogeye Half Marathon
(Cabot’s Inspiration Run Marathon)
Toad Suck 10K
Brickfest 5K
(July 4th 5K)
Dam Nite Run 5K
White River 4 Mi
Watermelon 5K
ARK Riverfront 5K
(Kauai Marathon)
Arkansas 20K
Tyler Curtis 5K
Chile Pepper 10K
Soaring Wings Half Marathon
Midsouth Marathon
Spa 10K
Great Duck race 10K

Well – even though I re-thought that iron-status goal many, many times – especially as scheduling and weather became great deterrents….. my family (husband and 4 kids - 11, 9, 7, & 5) were SO supportive that as I would lie in bed at night debating, my husband would list all the sacrifices already made thus far, and without fail, I would set the alarm for an ungodly hour and write out another entry fee check. With the benefit of hindsight, I am so happy to have completed this goal – and funny enough, not for the reasons I originally thought….
- I never thought about who would be traveling this crazy trip by my side – what started as a very personal journey turned into a group event – we really gained strength in the presence of each other. I am so thankful for those friendships.
- I started to PR… I am not sure what to attribute this to? More rest, more racing, that letting go of times made me more relaxed…. Regardless, even with some of the daily challenges of chronic illness, I am turning into a new runner, with goals that I never dreamed possible in my future.
- I will leave AR this year, courtesy of the USAF, and I will be able to say that I have seen the best this state has to offer. Runners and the volunteers that put on races can truly make a 145 mile drive at 4 am for a 5K worth it. While I will always remember the blustery cold in Russellville and the torrential rain in Conway, the wind in Wynne and the mud in Fayetteville – I will cherish the friendly smiles, the sounds of laughter and the true gratification that comes with the accomplishment of a goal.
I guess 2009 was my year.
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Be the change you want to see in the world. - Gandhi

[betsy]

What a year it has been. Our family started running with Joel, he started running in Jan 08 just to get fit and healthy. Not really expecting it to go anywhere. And I told him I wasn't even thinking about running he was crazy if he thought he was getting me out there with him. I was a biker, not a runner. My knees would never hold my big a** up (I was almost 180lbs at the time and Joel was right at 200). But Joel wouldn't here it so for his New Years resolution he started running the very first day of Jan he set out and ran 3 miles. He came back and said it was amazing and ran again the next day too. Now I knew he there was something wrong. Then he ran his first race for his 30th birthday Paws on the Pavement and I got to see the race environment, and it hooked me (if you haven't figured it out I love people and Joel is the shy one). When the 4th of July 08 came around we watched the FireCracker Fast 5K go right past our house and then watched them go past our house with their nifty little firecrackers and I told Joel next year that will be me. I want one of those. So I started my running right after in hopes to get my Firecracker. By my 30th birthday in September 2008 I ran my 1st 4 mile race in Kansas City, MO (Zoo Run for the Frogs). In 2008 we ended up running around 4-5 races total, not alot but just fun stuff Mud Run, Susan G Coman, Jingle Bell... Just fun races.

But 2009....That was one hell of a racing season between Joel, Alea and myself we set PR after PR, Goal after Goal, I am so proud of Joel, Alea and myself. I never thought in a million years that I would ever run a marathon, but I did, I got my FireCracracker and so did Joel, Joel did his marathon and placed in his age group, Hell he placed in almost every race he ran in. What can I say about my most precious daughter she had a rough start this year but when she got going she just got going and didn't know how to stop.

This was the best year anyone could have asked for, the Grand Prix was something we accidently ran across in the newspaper and said what the hell that sounds like fun let's sign up and see what we can do and this has been the one of the funnest things I have ever had the pleasure of doing in my life. I have made more friends, lifestyle changes, and goals in one year than in my whole life. Thank you Andrea and Brian for a great year!!!!! I can not wait till next year to see what it brings!!!!! Dreams really can come true and goals can be reached if you reach high enough. Thank you to all my friends and family that helped me through everything this year. I love you all it has been so much fun.

Becky

[Karen Hayes]

Iron snapshots: my mental scrapbook

1 Hour Track Run
Finding out I could run for a whole hour without stopping.

V-Day
Thinking I might throw up at mile 2. Then a kid did, right in front of me.

Rivertrail 15K
Taking the Fastest Tinkle in the West behind a bush just past the skate park.

Chase Race
Getting 3 different awards before I finally got to keep one.

Spring Fling
Warming up at an 8:30 pace. Thinking it was going to be a good day.

Cap City
Hearing Jack Mayberry holler YOU'RE GONNA MAKE IT at mile 6.

Hogeye Half
Crying because I finished.

Toad Soak
Seeing my husband waiting for me in the rain when I got to the track.

Brickfest
Having Eva Bailey tell me to C'MON when I was down to a walk after mile 2.

Dam Night Run
Hearing Virginia Anderson announced at the finish line while I was coming into the park. After walking at mile 2. Again.

White River 4m
Seeing Mamo Mullins' old house on Harrison Street when we went to packet pickup.

Watermelon
Beating Virginia. By a hair.

ARK 5K
Chasing Jamie Merriman and not even keeping her in sight.

AR 20K
Seeing the front of the pack go straight instead of making the turn.

Tyler Curtis
Warming up on the course with the girls.

Chile Pepper
Singing Play That Funky Music White Boy as I crossed the finish line.

Soaring Wings
Reaching mile 10 and thinking I still had a good 5K left in me.

Midsouth
Hanging with Mike Bonnette at mile 21 with the wind and traffic so loud we couldn't hear each other.

Spa
Being right behind Becky Humes when she PR'ed.

Duck
Running to the finish line with Jennifer, Gabby, Jackie and Patti.

Virgina, I apologize for bragging. But I couldn't have been more thrilled if I had passed Leah Thorvilson.

I will never forget this year.

[MWitt]

2009 was a good year overall. January of this year I had been a runner for a little more then 18 months. I had a 5k pr at the no name 5k and then pr'd at the one hour track run for that race. A week later I tore my ACL play'n flag football. :( Did my rehab after surgery like I was supposed for 3 months and started training again in May and then went on for a 10k pr at the Chili Pepper.
Even with my limited racing this year I was able to achieve the 2 goals that I set for 2009 and for that I am very Thankful. Also I am Thankful for the privilege to run with the people I get to run with in our community and across the State.

[PT]

I really enjoyed reading these stories...

I didn't run quite as many GP races as planned, but it was tough balancing those goals with my goals for ultra running... in the end the training for the ultra goals helped me in both ultra running and GP...

But, what I enjoyed the most... hummmm... lets see...

- seeing old friends, and meeting new friends
- being able to talk a little smack on the message board (love ya Billy)
- some prs in both ultra and GP races
- seeing Gumby (Jessie it was nice meeting you) & Spider Woman at Spa

But the thing I enjoyed most was running Sunday morning after the Spa 10K with LT & Brian.
Generally I'm chasing behind those two... and it seems like most of the time we only see each other (outside our clubs) at races... well, it was extremely nice to be able to run with some folks that I normally would not run with.
That was FUN, and because it was so fun, I'm going to make one of my goals for next year to do that very thing. When ever I can, I'm going to try and join some folks for a run, that I've never run with before.
So... be scared folks, be very scared... pt may just show up sometime for a run... when's the next Yaller Jersey Challenge...

[sidewinder]

Loved seeing these stories.....and reading them....keep them coming...its real life out there.
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Silly Billy was so Nilly....Couldn't run the Nebo Hilly....lol