First-ever Winter Running Club Shows Grit
By MSgt Mike Anson, FMS Athletics Director
Photos Courtesy of Tom Berry
The inaugural Winter Running Club was suggested to me by some of the veteran cross country runners who wanted to continue their training to improve conditioning in preparation for track and field. Being rather skeptical I specifically remember commenting to them, “This is going to be a lot tougher, a lot more running, than what’s involved in the afternoon PT program, so understand you’re not getting into an easier situation, OK?” They seemed to buy into it. Anyone familiar with endurance sports understands you can’t take off a few months from training and expect to make progress. As coach I was fortunate these guys conducted themselves in a responsible, mature manner during the season. They took ownership of their training, which is really a crucial prerequisite to excel in distance running. The best running program in the world is of little consequence without consistent effort, which is mentally and physically demanding over the long haul, especially in often dismal weather conditions. Honestly, going into this thing I had some doubts that were subsequently proven unfounded.
Although “fun” might not be the best word to describe the season, I think it was an overall positive and
rewarding experience.
We will continue the program next year if we have a serious, core group of cross country runners who want to keep on going.
Season highlight: Woonjo Ahn missed the bus to the Mud Run so he took matters into his own hands by running to Coyner Springs, about 3 miles from Fishburne; then he proceeded to finish 12th out of over 300 runners. He’s as tough, uncomplaining, determined, and gutsy a runner as I’ve encountered.
Frozen 10K, Jan 26, 40 runners
Cold day, small but competitive race, and hilly.
Berry, 2nd
Ahn, 3rd
Daugherty 9th
Mega 15th
Schraff 20th
Mad Anthony’s Mud Run, Feb 23, 312 runners
Cold and swampy; Berry and Turnnidge award winners among top 10 overall.
Berry and Turnnidge tied for 5th
Ahn, 12th
Daugherty, 15th
Mega, Schraff, Wren-Russ, Lind all finished in the top half
Martha Jefferson 8K, Charlottesville, March 2, 516 runners
Turnnidge, Berry, and Ahn top three among 15-19 year-olds.
Turnnidge 15th
Berry 22nd
Ahn 36
Daugherty 68th
Mega 200
Schraff 270
Congratulations and “thank you” to everyone involved. A lot of great memories and races to look forward to!
