Few things are more exciting than the beginning of new challenges. You get to my age and it is those new windmills to tilt that are the real spice of life.
Many but not all of you know that earlier this year I handed the presidential reigns of Team Nebraska over to Kelly Crawford. Kelly is the right man at the right time, heart of gold, good people skills, huge fan of our sport.
We’ve been going through a mentoring period and while I’m still involved in the day to day operation of the club I have been trying to significantly reduce the time and effort required. I was recently asked how much time I’ve devoted to Team Nebraska since founding the club in 2001. Easily 2500 hours a year for a total of well over 25,000 hours. “What!, That’s more than 40 hours a week!” was the reply. Yep, it sure is. Many of those working late at night when insomnia had me gripped. Being available for phone calls and emails and visits on schedules accommodated if not preferred. Every single weekend, both Saturday and Sunday.
My children first (and last and always) and Team Nebraska and not much else over the last ten plus years. I’ve loved every minute of it and wouldn’t have had it any other way.
A legitimate board of directors was also set up. Tim Langdon and Matt Pohren joined Kelly and Linda in that capacity. Tim will be assuming Linda’s club VP role very shortly. She too is stepping away from leadership responsibilities of the club and has her own goals in life to pursue. Linda has given a tremendous amount to the Nebraska running community over the last 7 years. She also has served at the national level on the WLDR Executive Committee and headed up the Women’s Athlete Development Program for the entire US since 2008. Her record of service to our sport is impeccable. She is a treasure.
But there comes a time in any good organization when new blood and new ideas are necessary to ensure continuation and growth and longevity and success.
I’m also stepping down from my long held post as USATF Nebraska Association LDR Chair in a couple of weeks. I created this program in ’01 and have given it my best efforts, indeed my all, to grow it into a recognized entity within the realm of 56 associations across the country. With Team Nebraska carrying the banner, mission accomplished.
I’m going to count 2012 as my best year. Bringing a USATF National Championships to Omaha being a decade long dream realized. Two new LDR member clubs and a large jump in individual membership being another highlight. Once again hosting 4 association championship events (Ni-Bthaska-Ke, Big Blue Run, Swamp Stomp, and Trail of Terrors-aka Monster Dash).
What is left for me to do?
In just a few weeks I’ll embark on a journey that is frightening and exhilarating at the same time. Believe it or not I’ve got a Real Job. For the first time in a quarter century I’ll be receiving a paycheck, and that necessary to provide for my children as well as myself.
Looking forward to a Fresh Start. A Clean Slate and the opportunity to start a new chapter in my life.
I’ll still be posting here, for a while at least. I’ll never be at a loss for words, or the need to be heard or read, dratted ego of mine. My musings may end up elsewhere eventually but I’ll give you plenty of heads up on how and where to find me.
Feliz Viernes!
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