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FOOTPRINT Lake Grapevine Runners & Walkers January - February 2013 www.lgraw.com RAW was ‘Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree’ at the Parade of Lights. And what suggestion did they have for the reindeer? Well, “Run Rudolph Run,” of course! Grapevine’s Parade of Lights The Pearsons (top l-r Robin, Katie, Madeline & Jordan) all waiting for Santa Claus to come to town. Parade Coordinator Melissa Schlenker and husband, Rick, celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. Is that Jim Lukanich kissing Santa Claus? Oh, that’s wife Laurie. O kay, boys and girls, it’s time for an epic holiday fable. Once upon a time, there was a town known as Grapevine. People from all around designated it as “the Christmas Capital of Texas ® .” There was even an extraordinary Parade of Lights. It was the largest lighted Christmas parade in all of North Texas. In 2012, they had more than 100 floats lighting up the winter sky. The theme? Well, I reckon it was called “Holiday Story Time.” RAW marched in the winter wonderland of illumination and radiance, bringing joy, cheer and gladness to all the townsfolk. It was the merriest of times.

January 2013

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The FOOTPRINT is Lake Grapevine Runners and Walkers club newsletter. Each issue features articles showcasing members' adventures, fitness tips and club happenings.

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Page 1: January 2013

FOOTPRINTLake Grapevine Runners & Walkers January - February 2013

www.lgraw.com

RAW was ‘Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree’ at the Parade of Lights. And what suggestion did they have for the reindeer? Well, “Run Rudolph Run,” of course!

Grapevine’s Parade of Lights

The Pearsons (top l-r Robin, Katie, Madeline & Jordan) all waiting for

Santa Claus to come to town.

Parade Coordinator Melissa Schlenker and husband, Rick, celebrate the most

wonderful time of the year.

Is that Jim Lukanich kissing Santa Claus? Oh, that’s wife Laurie.

Okay, boys and girls, it’s time for an epic holiday fable. Once upon a time, there was a town known as Grapevine. People from all around designated it as “the

Christmas Capital of Texas®.” There was even an extraordinary Parade of Lights. It was the largest lighted Christmas parade in all of North Texas. In 2012, they had more than 100 floats lighting up the winter sky. The theme? Well, I reckon it was called “Holiday Story Time.” RAW marched in the winter wonderland of illumination and radiance, bringing joy, cheer and gladness to all the townsfolk. It was the merriest of times.

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2 FOOTPRINT | January - February 2013

RAW Board and CommitteesPRESIDENT | Kathryn Gleghorn [email protected]

VICE PRESIDENT | Staci Rivero [email protected]

SECRETARY | Janet Dixon [email protected]

TREASURER | Jeff Garber [email protected]

ASSTANT TREASURER | Diane Ferguson [email protected]

DIRECTORSJack Burcie [email protected] Hernandez [email protected] Kyle Keifer [email protected] Morris [email protected] Novak [email protected] Schlenker [email protected] Swenson [email protected]

FOOTPRINT

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF | Kevin Wessels

MEDIA COORDINATOR Dennis Novak

ASSOCIATE EDITORS Kathryn Gleghorn Staci Rivero

CREATIVE DIRECTOR | Lorraine Wessels

DESIGN & PRODUCTION | Reneé McConnell

Membership Data Diane Hernandez [email protected]

FOOTPRINT Submissions Send articles to: [email protected]

Footnotes to: [email protected]

FOOTNOTES•FOOTNOTES•FOOTNOTES•FOOTNOTESLake Grapevine

Runners & Walkers ClubP.O. Box 2982Grapevine, TX 76099

THANK YOU• To all the volunteers who put out water and sports drink for

the weekend runs. We appreciate each and every one of you!

CONDOLENCES• To Christine and Mike Bassano on the death of Christine’s

mother, Irma.• To John and Gloria Bush on the passing of John’s mother.• To Mark Miller on the passing of his father, Terry.• To Rick Sanford on the death of his stepfather, Doug.

CONGRATULATIONS• To Alan and Tosca Engisch celebrated their 50th wedding

anniversary.

RAW EVENTS• Stay up to date on all the latest happenings at RAW on

Facebook or the RAW Forum.

LOST & FOUND• Left something at the clubhouse? Check to see if we found it.

All unclaimed items are in the clear tote along the north wall of the clubhouse (just outside the bathroom).

The Lost & Found bin will be cleaned out on Sunday, January 5, 2013 and ALL items will be donated to GRACE.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS• To update your address, please email [email protected]

ANNOUNCEMENTSCustomize your running gear with the RAW Logo!Have your favorite “tech wear” printed with a heat transfer RAW Logo at Digital Creations (330 W. Northwest Hwy.) in Grapevine. The RAW logo can be added to your favorite tech shirt/shorts or other items. Prices vary by size of logo.

Embroidered logos are available at The Embroidery Shop (418 S. Barton) in Grapevine. The RAW logos can be put on T-shirts, shorts, sweatshirts, jackets, blankets, towels, etc. Price varies by the size of the logo and the turnaround time is usually one week or less.

FOOTPRINT DeadlineDeadline for the next FOOTPRINT is February 1st. Send your articles to: lgrawfootprint @verizon.net. Send your Footnotes to: [email protected]

Follow us on FacebookLake Grapevine Runners and Walkers page to get the latest updates in your News Feed.

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January - February 2013 | FOOTPRINT 3

Check the RAWforum for information on all club events: www.lgraw.com

RAW Around Town | Social Calendar & Events

WEEKEND WALK/RUNSaturday & Sunday mornings 7 AM (daylight savings time) 8 AM (standard time)

TRAIL RUNS Wednesday & Friday mornings 6 and 7 AM (year round) at the clubhouse

SATURDAY NIGHT LIVEJanuary 5 • 5PM

Join your RAW friends at Asian Top in Grapevine the first Saturday of January at 5 PM for a family-friendly dinner. Check the RAW forum or LGRAW Facebook page for more details.

BOARD MEETING January 14 • 7PM

Due to the potential for inclement weather, January’s board meeting will be held at the home of Kathryn Gleghorn. Email [email protected] if you need the address. All members are welcome to attend.

WATER DUTY VOLUNTEERThe sign-up sheet is located on the back door of the clubhouse. Sign up for just one day; it is not required that you sign up for both Saturday and Sunday. You can also work in tandem, one member puts out the water and the other takes care of the pick up.

PUTTING “W” BACK INTO RAW Ed Folliard has agreed to be the lead for the RAW walkers. If you have any questions about the “walkers,” email Ed at [email protected]. Walking is a great way to get in some miles and a fantastic way to rehab an injury.

NEW YEAR’S DAY RECOVERY RUN & BREAKFASTTuesday, January 1. Get a jump on your new year by coming out to RAW for a New Year’s Day morning run followed by a potluck breakfast. Bring your favorite breakfast item or leftover holiday goodies.

week-at-a-glance

SUNDAYRAW Walk/RunWalk/Run every SundayLGRAW Clubhouse 7 AM (daylight savings time) 8 AM (standard time)

WEDNESDAYTrail RunTrail Run every Wednesday

LGRAW Clubhouse 6 and 7 AM (year round)

FRIDAYTrail RunTrail Run every FridayLGRAW Clubhouse 6 and 7 AM (year round)

SATURDAYRAW Walk/RunsWalk/Run every Saturday 7 AM (daylight savings time) 8 AM (standard time)

NEWCOMERS M e n t o r i n g P R O G R A MFirst Sunday of the month 8AM (standard time) 7AM (daylight savings time) at the clubhouse.

Newcomers are always welcome to join RAW every Saturday and Sunday for our weekend walks/runs. To encourage newcomers to join us, RAW will have club members available on the first Sunday of the month to mentor them. We will do our best to match people up with someone who can show them the course, water stops, introduce them around and answer questions they might have.

Welcome a Newbie & Become a Mentor

First Sunday of the month

For more information, contact Kathryn at [email protected].

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4 FOOTPRINT | January - February 2013

Did you know RAW operates 100% from membership dues, race proceeds and the goodwill and talent of

our members? For RAW to maintain the club standards we’ve established, we rely on the dedication and commitment of our club members. This month I’ll share with you a few members who continually go above and beyond to keep RAW running smoothly.

MEMBERSHIP DUES entitle members to our award-winning, bi-monthly newsletter the FOOTPRINT. Some members may take for granted everything that goes into getting the newsletter in its final printed format delivered to your mailbox. I can assure you that a lot of editing work goes on behind the scenes. Every article that is included in the FOOTPRINT is read and reread several times by our Editor in Chief, Kevin Wessels. He reads each article submission and edits for grammar and punctuation and comes up with catchy photo captions and article titles (when the writer leaves these options open to the FOOTPRINT). In addition to his editor responsibilities, Kevin (and aid station mascot Kensi) can also be seen volunteering at the Snakey Lane aid station whenever there is a RAW race.

RACE PROCEEDS require that we have a race and a race requires that we have a race director. RAW’s most well-known race director, Jeff “Barney” Barnhart, has said being a race director makes you part of a special group and I have to agree with him. Being a race director is a big commitment and lately RAW has struggled with getting a volunteer race director. As recently as 2010, RAW held three annual races. In 2011 our spring race, Hound Dog Hustle, was canceled due to lack of a race director so we’re down to two annual races. In addition to Barney’s record-setting 2012 Bold in the Cold (BITC) race, he also stepped in at the 11th hour to ensure the 2011 BITC race was a success. We’ve also been fortunate to have Danyah Arafat-Johnson oversee our 2011 and 2012 Double Trouble race events. Our Double Trouble 2010 went off without a hitch thanks to a committee overseeing the race directing as a group. And the 2013 BITC race has me sharing race directing duties with past president, Kelly “K2” Richards. As Kelly reminded the board, I didn’t volunteer to co-race direct because I wasn’t busy enough with my duties as club president. I’m co-race director because nobody else stepped up and we couldn’t afford to let another race go by the wayside. Successful and profitable races allow us to fund many of our club purchases, social activities and to donate to or sponsor events that promote running.

In 2009, we purchased an IPICO timing system, partially funded with a generous contribution from a RAW member. RAW is a 501(c)(3) entity and all donations are tax deductible. The RAW Board recently approved the purchase of additional timing equipment. This extra purchase allows our race timing to switch from “gun time” to actual “chip time” and help us meet the general expectation of racers in the DFW area. Charter member Jack Hase is RAW’s IPICO timing expert. He times all of our races and has put together a summer race series to get more timing experience for club members.

The GOODWILL AND TALENT of our members is evident through RAW’s newly updated website. Lorraine Wessels is credited for revamping our website and bringing us up to date with the current web design trends, formats and easier navigation. Lorraine also provides her time and talent with the design and production of the FOOTPRINT and, along with David Ball, has had a part in designing the bulk of RAW race logos over the past five years.

So how can you support your running club? VOLUNTEER! We always need help with water duty, trail clean up, aid stations, race directing, committees, etc. Are there other activities you’d like to see RAW involved in? How about coming to the board with your idea and then overseeing it and implementing it? Does your company have a matching funds program for employee contributions to non-profits? RAW gladly accepts donations and matching funds too. Please remember to thank your board members, water duty volunteers, race directors and everyone you know who helps RAW run smoothly. And if you have a skill set (talent) you’d like to share with RAW, please let me know. We’d love to share the workload as we continue to make RAW the best little running club in the Metroplex!

President’s MessageA perspective to the members from RAW President Kathryn Gleghorn

“There will never be a day when we won’t need dedication, discipline, and the feeling that we can change things for the better.” ~ George Sheehan

Kathryn

VO LU N T E ER

LAK

E G

RAP

EV

INE RUNNERS AND WA

LKERS

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January - February 2013 | FOOTPRINT 5

Road Runners Club of America

By Kelly “K2” Richards, RRCA Director-At-Large

RRCA Runnings

Since 1958, the RRCA has awarded championship events through a competitive bidding process at the National, Regional, and State level to RRCA member clubs and events to promote the sport of distance running. The goal of the RRCA Championship Event Series is to shine a spotlight on well-run events and to award top performing runners in the open, masters (40+), grand masters (50+), and senior grand masters (60+) categories for both men and women. For the first time a RAW race, Bold in the Cold 5K, was awarded Regional Championship status. RAW has hosted numerous State Championships in the past. Perhaps one day the little running club by the lake will host a National Championship!

RRCA Race Director Certification Course is the newest RRCA program. After a two plus year partnership with Road Race Management and the collaboration of top race directors from across the country including Don Kardong (Bloomsday), Dave

McGillivray (Boston Marathon) and Phil Stewart (Cherry Blossom 10 Mile) the RRCA proudly launched the Race Director Certification Course in the fall of 2012.

This new program is a testament to the RRCA’s commitment to the 10-year strategic plan adopted in 2009. The plan has a 10 point strategic direction including: (for the RRCA) to be the leading authority and resource for the establishment of new grassroots running organizations and training and education programs for runners, running coaches, race directors, and

other special interests that emerge as priorities as the sport evolves.

The 55th Annual RRCA National Convention is May 2-5 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The Convention is a great opportunity for runners, running club leaders, race directors, RRCA certified coaches, running industry vendors and professionals to come

together to share information, best practices, contribute to the mission of the RRCA, and have fantastic fun. The Run for the Zoo 10K, the RRCA National 10 K Championship will be the last event of the convention weekend.

Baylor SportsCare and Baylor Regional Medical Center at Grapevine are proud to partner with Lake Grapevine Runners and Walkers. Baylor SportsCare will provide LGRAW with injury prevention and treatment education through the LGRAW website, newsletters and printed material at the clubhouse. Baylor SportsCare will provide medical coverage at races put on by LGRAW throughout the year. Baylor SportsCare will also serve as a direct connection for LGRAW members to specialized sports medicine physicians* and health care services through a dedicated liaison, Adam Brooks. If you would like more information on Baylor SportsCare or for help in finding a physician or health care service who is right for you, contact Adam at [email protected].

*Physicians are members of the medical staff at one of the Baylor Health Care System’s subsidiary, community or affiliated medical centers and are neither employees nor agents of those medical centers or Baylor Health Care System.

Be a Star…and receive accolades

from your fellow club members

Sign up to be a water duty volunteer. The sign-up calendar is located on the

back door of the clubhouse.

It is not required that you sign up for both Saturday and Sunday. You can also work in

tandem, where one member puts out the water and the other takes care of the pick up.

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6 FOOTPRINT | January - February 2013

where are they nowMary Simon

By Kelly “K2” Richards

Are you positive the guy you regularly run with is named Ric, but others call him Tony? Did you realize a provocative lamp resides in the northeast corner of the clubhouse and why for years there were two clocks hanging above the back door? You can either thank or blame charter member Mary Simon for all of the above. First, let’s allow her to do some explaining, and then we’ll determine how and where she is now.

When the lease was first signed on the clubhouse back in 1998, members were asked to bring items to furnish it. There were a few chairs, a couch and what became affectionately (no pun intended) known as the sex lamp, which is still there and you donated it.It was really hard (no pun intended) to share that lamp with the club, however it just seemed to “fit” at the club better than at home. I made that lamp in a ceramics class. When the club first started, many of us were looking for different ways to “express” ourselves with our running habit.

For years we were told you ran late, which is why you had your own clock at the clubhouse. It only appeared that timeliness was an issue with me, but the two clocks actually originated because the club started the early morning runs according to Ray Harris’ “gotta start on time” system. My focus was actually on supporting “my space – my time.” I was so serious about improving my distance and speed without being influenced by anyone else’s, so I always started earlier or later than the scheduled time to assure I could do my runs without the influence and motivation of others.

For years, members of RAW thought Ric Roberto’s name was “Tony.” Even today some still call him Tony or Tony Ric Roberto. The short answer is he just looked like a Tony. The full story is the club started out small, but shortly after moving into the clubhouse it began to grow – very quickly. Many new members resulted in many new names to remember. At that time, I think there were at least three Tonys’ who joined around the same time, so even though Ric is a memorable member of the club, he was appointed the name “Tony” because he looked like a Tony. It just seemed easier to call him “TOOONNNY” as he swiftly ran by.

I interviewed Richard Craft (the club founder) a few months ago. He mentioned Moonlight Mile runs that took place in the club’s infancy.Oh is that what he’s calling them now? Back then, we weren’t clever enough to pick a catchy title like that. They were merely “Midnight runs” and everyone who participated in those runs knew exactly what the protocol was. We met at a specified time, and no, there were no clocks involved with those runs. If you warranted a “star” after completion, you had to have run it in the nude. It was OK to have your shoes on, but not much else. Your clothes were left at your starting point and retrieved upon return. The stars were a sticker or rub-on that was placed just below the shoulder on our right arms. Those that participated were on a quest to get the most stars, with the goal being to get stars all the way around your arm. Now you can also see how the “sex lamp” fit the cause of expression at the time.

You had plenty of fun with RAW, but you also helped to build the club and served on the board.LGRAW was not just fun, everyone was like a second family. We started and finished our days together. There was an enormous amount of work, just like anything that you believe in and want to succeed at. The passion, the desire and the mission to be more than just a running and walking club was never ending, as I am sure it still is today. The ability to be “ourselves” around other like-minded and purpose-driven friends was an amazing experience for all of us. We cherished each other as much as we did the opportunity to help as many people as possible live out their dreams of being more, doing more, and achieving more out of their everyday lives. Titles and positions didn’t matter. I strongly believe all that really mattered was being there for others and doing as much in our power as possible to make a “positive difference” in the lives of others. We grew in numbers, not because of what we said, but because of what we did to help others experience more. We all wore many hats to help make a positive difference in running, walking and living.

Back when a strong holiday party turnout was around 30 people, we’d have parties in your garage. This year, for the first-time, to have enough room for

everyone we rented a facility. Did you ever imagine the club getting so big?I am not surprised at all that the club has grown in size year after year. When heart and desire team up, and when you share enough good experiences for all that surround those interests, then growth just becomes a way of life, just as running is just that for most that joined the group – a way of life. The parties that stemmed out of the friendships that grew, as fast as the club was growing, were inevitable. It was just natural to spend time outside of our running habit, with our extended family of friends, and let loose, as if we needed another excuse to do so.

What contribution to RAW are you most proud of?Great question – easy answer: Being a “friend.” Sitting on the porch*, listening, learning and just being a shoulder, an ear, a voice – a “friend” and, oh yes, having that same friendship returned by others – often. Who could ask for more?

*Interviewer’s note: The RAW clubhouse used to have a wooden deck in the front and south wall of the clubhouse.

You were heavily involved with RAW in those early years, but we never see you anymore. As the saying goes, “Live, love and laugh – with no regrets.” Being a member of RAW did allow me (for years) to live, love and laugh, but I do have a “regret” and that is not being a member now and always. I vowed at a very young age that I would

Mary Simon

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January - February 2013 | FOOTPRINT 7

LGRAW is on Facebook.

Become a FAN of Lake Grapevine Runners and Walkers

page to get the latest updates in your News Feed.

Posts will keep you up to date on all RAW events. Join us today.

NEVER stop running, or walking, as long as I breathed. In my mind, it clears the head and keeps you feeling young and full of life. However, when I got laid-off for the third time, even running didn’t clear my head enough to keep those bad mind-viruses from having a strong-hold over me. There was a complete spiral (out of control) and reinventing myself for sustaining earnings. Survival became the most difficult race of my life. The party house was gone, the running days were few and far between, and the mental strength to move forward in a far different capacity was devastatingly difficult. I still have hopes of returning to my extended family at LGRAW, but I am positive, just like me, the group has changed a LOT and a different “family” has emerged, but I am positive there is still room for growth with this larger-than-life family of friends.

What would you like the RAW members of today to know about you?We started this club, with enormous help from Richard Craft, who took the “first step” to get us all going in the right direction. Don’t think of it as a “club,” think of it as family and friends on a mission to make a “better day” for each member and their families, for the community and for each cause that the group supports to allow them to have a “better day”. Richard Craft, Susan Phillips, Ray Harris, Tom Byno, Jeff Brown, Joe Luccioni, Tony Dominiec, Ric Roberto, Eileen Fontaine, K2 and the list goes on, and on with great people / friends that always allowed me to have a “better day”. Thank YOU for being the great friends that you are! Make friends in the group, because you won’t find any better ones around.

On Your Mark!Breaking the Silence By Mark Miller

No one wanted to talk about it. Not in my hometown, and certainly not in my family. Boyd, Texas, could have been the inspiration for

Mayberry, or maybe Friday Night Lights. Small town life revolves around coffee shop gossip, high school football games, and the local church. No one wants to talk about a problem like this in a place like that.

Maybe it’s time someone did.

On November 6, 2012, as our nation focused on a Presidential election, my focus shifted to one man in that Wise County town. On that day, I got the phone call that my father had died. He was 63. He died from health complications caused by years of alcoholism. That’s how he chose to deal with his depression. He could have sought help, he could have talked to someone, but he never did. The only way he learned to deal with his pain was by finishing another bottle.

He even tried to hide the very thing he used to hide his depression. You see, we were the nice family. Good kids. The son who gained recognition around town as a runner and a leader of the high school’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Besides, we’re Baptists. Baptists aren’t supposed to drink, or at least we aren’t supposed to talk about it. So my dad hid his drinking. In the garage, or the car, or in his lemonade. I have chosen to believe he hid this because he loved us. His denial was such that he actually thought we wouldn’t notice.

We did. I carried guilt for years. I ran track in college, made the dean’s list, got a good job, ran marathons, and my dad barely noticed. He was so consumed by his own struggle that he wasn’t capable of engaging those around him. He missed much of his children’s lives because he wouldn’t talk about his pain.

He also missed his granddaughter. Two days after Dad died, my sister gave birth to the most beautiful baby girl ever. Becoming an uncle was a perfectly-timed blessing to help with the grieving. Did I mention that my niece is beautiful? She is. It is a shame that Dad never got to see her. If only he’d learned to talk about his problems.

Don’t misunderstand; we tried to talk to him. Oh, how we tried. Through the years, family, close friends, and ministers tried to talk to him. We took him to doctors and tried to get him into rehab. He really didn’t want to talk about that. He refused to go to AA meetings. He was dug in. And through it all, my mother stood right beside him, pleading with him, praying for him, refusing to give up on him. She loved him through the very end. Yes, stubbornness runs in the family, for better and for worse.

What does all this have to do with running? Not much, except that runners can be addictive, too. I know I’ve used running to deal with my Dad’s problems, and my own. The morning after Dad died, I ran for two hours, my mind racing too fast for me to keep up. I am thankful that I chose my coping mechanism more judiciously than he did. After all, his DNA courses through my body.

If you have depression or an addiction, or if you love someone who does, please talk to someone. A counselor, a pastor, or a friend. You can even talk to me. I’m no expert, but I’ve certainly traveled that road. If nothing else, I have two functioning ears and a willingness to listen.

Goodbye for now, Dad. Every time I see an old Ford pick-up or hear a Ronnie Milsap song I’ll think of you and smile. In fact, it will happen far more often than that. I love you, Dad, and I’m sorry that you hurt so very much. I just wish we could have talked about it.

continued from previous page

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8 FOOTPRINT | January - February 2013

Dallas Marathon Aid Station Attention! Our volunteers at the RAW aid station at the Dallas Marathon. This year’s

theme was “Supporting our Troops.” Volunteers dressed with a military

flair, i.e., red, white & blue, camouflage, military service caps, etc.

Need to get out and exercise or need to re-hab from an injury? Our walking group is for you. It is open to all ages, fitness and skill levels.

Walking distances range from three to eight miles. You can be as serious as you wish, but be prepared to have a lot of fun. A good sense of

humor is a plus! Email [email protected] for more information.

The “w” in RAW is for WALKING!Saturday mornings year round starting from the

RAW Clubhouse.

Tom Thumb Reward

Link your Tom Thumb Reward Card to their “Good Neighbor” program to benefit RAW. Tom Thumb’s Good Neighbor program refunds 1% of purchases of enrolled rewards cards back to RAW.

If you already have a Reward Card, go to customer service at any Tom Thumb store and ask them to add an organization to your card via the “Good Neighbor” program. They should give you a form to fill out; it is blue and white and about 3x6 inches. You fill in your card number and the number of the organization you want linked to your account. The RAW number is 8637.

If you do not already have a card, you have to get one first obviously. If you lost your card and can’t remember the number, you’ll have to call customer service at 1-877-723-3929 and ask them for it.

For additional member benefits, log on through the membership page at lgraw.com.

membershipBENEFITS

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January - February 2013 | FOOTPRINT 9

Everyone’s familiar with the race volunteer. They hand us the cup of Gatorade®. They take our chip and hand us a “space blanket.” Many of us have done it – they’re necessary to every race: 5K through marathon.

But, just like there are runners who take it past the standard number of “Ks” up into the ultra-distances, there are volunteers who also take the next step. The “crews” the “sherpas,” these volunteers give their runners the extra care needed in the longer events. Keeping the same ridiculous hours as the ultra athletes, they tend to the largest and smallest needs of their runners to help them cope with the rigors of the ultra.

It’s logistics: Getting your runner fed; making sure the gear is there and that it works; watching the clock for cut-off times.

It’s psychology: It’s the “kiss for luck,” being there at every transition and course turnaround to scream encouragement. It’s pacing your runner all night on a lonely 100-mile course. It’s challenging your runner not to quit during the inevitable low point.

(for lack of a better term) It’s being a Mom: We hear that, “You’ll pop blisters. You’ll get puked on. You’ll tape feet, put ice down their shorts; whatever it takes.” and …. “I hadn’t expected people to change my socks, shoes and rub Vaseline® on my feet. I thought it was one of the most incredible (and humbling) thing I’ve ever had done for me ….”

The rewards: “It’s hard to describe how you feel; it’s like you’re part of your runner’s accomplishment, yet there is total humility and awe for what they’ve done and you take no credit….”

Club members like Byron Benoit, Kelly “K2” Richards Joe Luccioni and Suann Lundsberg seem to be around whenever there’s a runner in need. Marty Metzger would be as lost without Tia on the trails as he would be in day-to-day life. Others are picking up the skills as their guys/ladies pick up the ultra bug.

We can all be race volunteers (OK – make that a “should”). But hats off to those of us who take it that extra mile (or hundred).

Send your GBTTS nomination to [email protected]

GBTTSGIVING BACK TO THE SPORT

For more information or to purchase, contact Melissa at [email protected].

Choose from 3 Headsweats® styles. All moisture wicking with RAW logo.

RAWearBEANIES & CAPS

Beanies

Black moisture wicking beanie with colored RAW logo.

Cap

Adjustable moisture wicking white cap with black trim and colored RAW logo.

Baseball Cap

Adjustable moisture wicking black cap with colored RAW logo.

YOUR CHOICE$20

Runners’ Crews

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10 FOOTPRINT | January - February 2013

Marty & Tia Metzger

Sheila Gardner & Roy Lange

(l-r) Tony Flesch and Sarah & Jeff Bozarth

(l-r) Staci Rivero and Michelle Liles Alan & Tosca Engisch

Cori Kelly & Pedro Gonzales

(l-r) Dan Cole, Pam Truhn & Spareribs LaMothe

Crosstimbers Winery

November 30, 2012

HolidayParty

RAW annual

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January - February 2013 | FOOTPRINT 11

RAW offers online membership at www.lgraw.comYou can still renew at the clubhouse or through the mail.

Simply fill out the membership application and drop it off or send it in.

Keep your membership

current

LAKE GRAPEVINE RUNNERS & WALKERS CLUB

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION New Membership Renewal

Name ________________________________________________

Address ______________________________________________

City _________________________________________________

State ____________ Zip Code ____________________________

Home Phone ( ) __________________________________

E-Mail Address ________________________________________

I know that participating and volunteering to work in club events can be potentially hazardous. I assume all risks associated with running, walking and volunteering to work in club events. Having read this waiver and knowing these facts and in consideration of your acceptance of my application for membership, I, for myself and anyone entitled to act on my behalf, waive and release the Lake Grapevine Runners and Walkers, Inc., Road Runners Club of America and all sponsors, their representatives and successors from all claims of liabilities of any kind arising out of my participation in club activities. I grant permission to all of the foregoing to use any photographs, motion pictures, recordings or any other records for any legitimate purpose.

Male Female DOB___/___/___

Can we publish this information in the club directory? Yes No

Participating Family Members

Name ___________________ M F DOB___/___/___

Name ___________________ M F DOB___/___/___

Name ___________________ M F DOB___/___/___

Name ___________________ M F DOB___/___/___

Membership Dues $20 Single $30 Family

Signature __________________________________________ Date______/______/______

Mail completed application and payment to LGRAW (Lake Grapevine Runners & Walkers), P.O. Box 2982, Grapevine, TX 76099 or drop in the membership box at the LGRAW Clubhouse.

New Members

Membership Renewals

Welcome to all of our New Members

Alex BenavidesDavid & Becky AungstKen BaugusColleen Casey & Nick KannadyGregory ColbertJennifer & Kevin CooperJanice CrandallBarbara Davis

Tony Flesch Edward FolliardSusan & Ray HarrisGary HowsamRachel KaiserDoug & Mary KeeffeBrad & Michelle LilesTerry Marcott

Alicia & Kevin McGlincheyAlison NixonLee RebodosMindi RiceKelly RichardsElizabeth SmietanaTim & Jeni St. OngeDory Thayer

MEMBERSHIP UPDATELake Grapevine Runners & Walkers

Greg BeaulieuSara BellBen BennettScott ChamberlainCharles ClinesLindi GensertChris Johnson

Erin KarperAmber MellowFred OddoLynda ParraMartha SanchezEugenia ThompsonAndrew Zwilling

Page 12: January 2013

2013

Lake Grapevine Runners & WalkersP.O. Box 2982Grapevine, TX 76099

Non-ProfitU.S. Postage

PAIDGrapevine, TXPermit No. 243

SHARE WITH A VISITOR OR NEW MEMBER

After reading this issue, drop it off at the clubhouse for visitors to get to know us.

check us out at runnersandwalkers.com

The 2013 edition of this race will be the 15th running of Bold in the Cold and the countdown for RAW’s winter classic has begun…

Check out all the details at runnersandwalkers.com or register on-line at runsignup.com.

Like us on the BITC race Facebook page so you won’t miss out on any race updates, discounts and giveaways.

To volunteer, email [email protected].

Lake Grapevine Runners and Walkers 15th Annual Bold in the Cold 5K & 15K

SATURDAY, JANUARY 12, 20138:00 AM AT OAK GROVE PARK