Hello, fellow BTC Members:
Can you feel that? The telltale signs that fall and winter are right around the corner are here. Lower temperatures, cool breezes, and most importantly, no more squishy shoes on your long runs! The change in weather also denotes racing season for many of our long distance running members. By the time you read this, many of you will be in a full taper for your big fall race. Many BTC members will tackling Chicago, Chattanooga, Marine Corps, and New York, just to name a few.
For those of you training for half and full marathons, this time of year is especially exciting. You have worked hard all summer and now you begin to wonder if you are ready. You start double-checking your travel plans to make sure everything is buttoned-up. And tiny butterflies begin to occasionally visit your stomach and make you tingle all over. I don’t know about you, but I love that feeling!
I mention all of this simply to say that even though running is an individual sport and we all become focused on OUR race, OUR travel plans, OUR finish time, it actually takes a team to achieve your goals and dreams. Every Saturday nearly 200 runners come out to the BTC long and moderate runs to get in their miles, as a group. Every time you visit a water-stop on the route, the camaraderie between everyone is evident. After the run, dozens of runners stick around to chat and drink coffee and to talk about the day’s run, their upcoming races, and whether they feel prepared or scared out of their mind. ☺ It is that team environment that is invaluable and one the BTC excels at providing.
On a recent long run I was asked to lead one of the pace groups. In that group were two visitors from out of town. A gentleman from Georgia and one from Mississippi were in town visiting family, and they were thrilled to learn there was an organized group run they could join. We chatted for nearly 13 miles, getting to know each other better, and simply enjoying the company of other runners on a beautiful morning. Upon finishing they both exclaimed they wished the cities they lived in had a running club as active and well organized as the BTC. As David said, “If I had the support of a group like this to help me train, I think I would have reached my running goals long ago.”
I loved hearing this! The sentiment David expressed is exactly why the BTC exists, not only to foster lasting relationships between like-minded people, but to help you achieve your goals and offer support along the way.
This will never be more evident than at the upcoming 4 Bridges Half and 7 Bridges Full Marathon in Chattanooga, TN on October 18, 2015. All summer long, the BTC has been training as a club for these two races. Through much laughter, a few tears, and a lot of miles, the race is just about upon us. Hundreds of BTC members, either taking part in the BTC Triple Crown Challenge or utilizing the 15% discount on race registration offered to BTC members, will be hitting Chattanooga to undertake these events. We are going to have a huge presence, both on the course and at the finish line!
While out on the course, shout out your support to other BTC members, slap a few high-fives when you can, offer a kindly smile to those who may need it, and most importantly, have fun! This race is the celebration of all your hard work. If it is not fun, you are missing the point. Lastly, once your race is done, grab your family and friends and make sure to stop by, hang out, and celebrate your accomplishment at the BTC tent in the finish area. It is going to be a great time, and I can’t wait to see all of you there!
As I said earlier, running may be a solitary sport, but it sure helps to have a team helping you the entire way.
Kindest Regards,
Alex Morrow
BTC President