The days are getting longer and the first days of Spring are just around the corner, so if you haven’t gotten back out and started getting rid of those extra holiday pounds, now’s the time to do it.  This is a particularly good time of year especially on the Longleaf Trace to watch as in the next few months, the natural world around us seems to change.  Every day, there is a new look and feel to the Trace, and it won’t be long until the new segment is open, one that will connect USM to Jackson Road. 

            Spring is also time for the best races, including two of my favorites, the Azalea Trail 10K in Mobile and the Crescent City Classic 10K in New Orleans.  Many of us had a great time last weekend at the first annual Sacred Heart 5K in Hattiesburg, as well as some of the longer races in the area like the Mardi Gras Marathon, the Blue Angel Marathon and others.  I loved the course that Dave Beckett picked out for the Sacred Heart Run.  In my opinion it is the best 5K
course in Hattiesburg.  It was a beautiful day and a great cause to run for. 

            The rumor mill is grinding again as the race season heats up.  Big buddies Mike “Rocket” Barnes and John “Missile” Pendergrass have been training a lot together.  In fact, they’ve been training together most every day.  Word has it that two-time Ironman Barnes is working with the Missile in the pool to help him with his swimming.  There is talk of a training program that the Missile purchased called Tonya Harding’s Training Tips for Triathletes, but he sent it back when he found out that she recommends boxing and ice skating for cross-training, and that cutting the swim course short was all he really could learn from the vixen. 

            “I’m a peaceful man”, Missile said to Rocket, “Since my days as a fighter pilot, I just don’t like violence…”.

            Meanwhile, the club continues to prosper.  I apologize for being A.W.O.L. for the past couple of months, but I have experienced a great spiritual conversion of late.  Suffice it to say, I am looking forward to being back in the thick of whatever controversy I can help assuage.  Internal strife among the members is rampant since my sabbatical, with infighting and jealousy raging.  I promise to do a better job of keeping the peace.

            Get ready to take part in some of this year’s racing.  Set a goal and meet it.  And remember like I do since turning forty, that the older the violin, the sweeter the music.

El Presidente