With each passing Thursday, I realize the impact our “Reach The Beacon” and other training groups have had on individuals who, just six months ago, could barely run a mile.
Take Brett Leland. Brett started with, and could barely keep up with, our 101 level group. But Brett not only ran and completed Beach To Beacon, he has continued to succeed and grow his fitness base. Three weeks ago, I was overseeing the group doing its weekly repeats, and Brett was averaging faster than the 201 group. I knew then that he had arrived and look forward to even more success from him. He’s lost 40 pounds and will run the Maine Half Marathon this weekend.
Tim Hayes and Brandy Rogers started out to get in shape for their wedding in early September. Both started out in our Run/Walk program designed to ease participants into a structured running program. I was amazed and thrilled when both ran 1:10 for Beach To Beacon, which is quite an accomplishment for beginners. They both recently dropped their 10K personal best by more than four minutes at the Portland Trails 10K. Both also looked great for their wedding.
Janice Gaigner is the ultimate success. She epitomizes what it means to compete, give back to the community and always be there as a friend. I have coached Janice for three years, starting with Team In Training in 2005. She started out with a goal of running the marathon for a family member to raise money for leukemia and lymphoma. She succeeded in raising money and awareness and completed the Bermuda marathon, when just 18 weeks before she could barely run two miles.
Two weeks before Beach To Beacon, Janice was running with our group over the B2B course when she took a spill. Her arm hurt, but she didn’t think much about it. As it turned out she had a rotator cuff tear, but was determined to finish the race with her daughter. Nothing ever gets Janice down — she’s the ultimate optimist and just laughed about it, but you could see her getting antsy to run, when the doctor told her to stay put for a few weeks to let the arm heal.
Janice never waivers on her objectives, faith or loyalty to a friend and will always be there if you need a volunteer or just someone with a sense of humor. Just ask the Maine Track Club Roasters Run in Falmouth, which sets up those water stops every two miles. Or ask Howard Spear, director of the Maine Marathon, or the beginning “Moms on The Run” group Janice works with.
She’s always there, competing, living, giving back and having fun — and for that she is our success of the year!
John Rogers is the owner of Maine Running Company on Forest Ave. in Portland. Send questions or comments to him at jr@mainerunning.com or check out the store’s website at www.mainerunning.com.