Runners
of the Delta unite!
It’s not easy being a frustrated runner.
Being riddled with guilt pangs when those young runners
go trotting by your window as you’re slaving away
on a deadline (double that guilt when the runner is not
so young). Reading your latest copy of Runner’s World
magazine while munching double-stuff Oreo cookies. Having
a dresser drawer full of clean, crisp mesh tees and shorts
and Asics shoes with no scruff marks.
Yes, it’s a burden to be a frustrated runner. But
I’ve decided to take action to assuage my guilt and
renew my lungs and legs. If you, too, are a runner, I ask
that you join me. If you’re not, read on anyway. There’s
a role for everybody in my scheme. First, a little background.
In my single, pre-DBJ days in Ridgeland, MS, I was a running
fanatic. Never great, I nonetheless was religious in my
mileage and training, hitting the asphalt about six days
a week, rain or shine. I’d go through a pair of running
shoes every three months or so and tried to run every 5
and 10K in the Jackson area, of which there are quite a
few. I even won a medal in one 5k race for my age category.
Never mind that I was the only runner in my age category.
Moreover, you could always find a running partner in Jackson.
Whatever your pace, jogging almost equals golf as a favorite
pastime of Metro businessmen and women. My own accountant,
Tony Huffman, was and is one of the best runners in the
state. While I could never dream of keeping up with the
likes of him, I did hit the streets with fellows like architect
Larry Singleton, computer whiz Gerry Printz, and David Dean
with Dean and Dean Architects. I also did double digit jaunts
with a young lady who was a Methodist Rehab therapist from
Chile and posted my longest-ever run, some 20 miles, with
a Cancer Society team in training group in the Eastover
neighborhood.
The point is there was always a run to be had. Sadly, I
can’t say the same since I moved to the Delta. Yes,
there are runners, and good ones, but I haven’t found
the camaraderie that was to be had in Jackson. I’ve
got some ideas to change that and maybe you can help.
Let me mention that I have tried to find some running partners
here in the Delta, but sometimes schedules just don’t
fit. For instance, I hate early morning runs, a time during
when Ned Mitchell of Cleveland gets going. I tried running
with Ned...once. It was too early and he was too fast. Then,
Celia Ryals of Union Planters and I got together for a late
afternoon run and it was great. Unfortunately, she had the
audacity to get married and move away. I’ve heard
tell that Daniel Vassal with Delta Council runs, but it
could be just a rumor.
So, I got it alone when I can which is—once again—much
too infrequently. And while I do love the solitude of solo
jogging, I sometimes wish that I could find a group of folks
to hit it alongside with. That said, an idea came to me
the other day that might help me and the Delta at the same
time. How about a Delta Running Club?
Regional running clubs have been popping up all over the
country. Mississippi already has a few that I know of, on
the Coast and in Tupelo. Why not in the Delta? It’d
be fun, a chance for fellowship and would represent yet
another first for our region. I’m willing to get the
ball—and charter–rolling if any of you folks
reading want to join in.
A Delta Running Club could get recognized by the Mississippi
Track Club, merchandise discounts would probably be arranged
for members, fun runs and training sessions could be held
around the region...the list of benefits goes on and on.
I also envision a new, huge Delta 5 or 10K in Cleveland
or Clarksdale similar to the 300 Oaks Run held annually
in Greenwood. We really need another official MS Track Club-sanctioned
race in the Delta. I can see an October or November “Cotton
Row Gallup” bringing visitors–and revenue–from
all over the state to Cleveland, for instance. Folks would
come to run, to stay, to eat, to shop...you get the picture.
So who’s with me? Let’s lace up and start a
Delta Running Club! Maybe, just maybe, it’ll give
me enough incentive to get back out there, log those regular
miles again, and overcome my frustration. Drop me an email
at jack@coopwood.net or give me a ring at 843-2700. I look
forward to hearing from and meeting you soon.
Now, where are those clean, white Asics? DBJ
JACK
CRISS
DBJ Executive Editor
