| PAGE UPDATED 1 APR 2008 |
| WHAT IS NEW? - NORTH FLORIDA NEWS Published as a service. Accuracy not guaranteed. For comments or suggestions, contact Michael Bowen, RRCA State Rep. (North Florida) (850) 308 1953 or via e-mail |
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| Michael's Manic Moment for the Month:
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PERSPECTIVE |
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| I go to New Orleans' Crescent City Classic 10K every year to spend some time with those I love most: my wife, my closest friends and the athletes I'm honored to coach. It gives me time to chat with friends from other clubs and events who face the same challenges we do here. When you look at a race like CCC, it's unrealistic to think something so simple as a running race can be produced without the help of people with open pocketbooks. And, naturally, the persons who open their pocketbooks want they will receive in return for their support. It's not exactly quid pro quo, but you hope people will appreciate your investment; stop by your business to thank you. Even better, stop by your business to thank you by spending their money. A small, vocal (or is that verbal?) group will hit a club's bulletin board or chat room to talk about the good and the bad. Some don't hesitate to voice their opinion. I do it, too. It's put me in some hot water in the past year, but that's part of life, I guess. Club reps, individual members, and some state reps chat with me via e-mail or telephone, or in person at races, to express their opinions. We may not always agree, but we work with a sense of honesty and within (relatively) official channels. Civil discussion is good. It's a sign of a healthy organization. I'm new to the political side of this business. I studied social sciences and political science in college, but I am the last person who aspires to politics. I'm an athlete and a coach. I try to find the facts and answer the questions I receive. It's easier that way. I've said things that upset people, and eaten humble pie in the process of explaining my case...all because it's easier to grind a person on a rumor mill rather than talk to them and get the straight story. To paraphrase a line from the X-Files: The Truth - about RRCA's intentions, policies and dealings - Is Out There. It's on the web page, accessible by you, the individual club. If you can't find the answer, you can always call (or e-mail) me, or Ken Bendy, or even Jessica at the national office. Official channels are always your best source of information. Love you all. Have to run! |