President’s Corner
From Solo Miles to Team Smiles
A few weeks ago, several of my TeamFTC teammates and I went to breakfast at the
Bagel Bakery after one of our track workouts. As usual, we chatted about running, but
then Coach Enoch posed a question: “For the time you’ve been in Gainesville,
what’s one thing that’s changed for you?”
That was an easy question for a couple of
teammates who’ve only been here six months or
so—how much can really change in that short a
time? But for me, it took a little more thought. I’ve
lived in Gainesville for 43 years! I came here as a
teenage college student and now I’m a semi-retired
professional engineer. Along the way, I became a
husband, father, and devoted dog dad. So how do I
answer that question?
To keep it running-related, I thought about how my approach to running has
changed. When I first started, I ran four to six days a week, logging the same
three to five miles at a time. These days, I run four days a week—two track
workouts, a long run, and a recovery run—much more focused and intentional.
But as I thought more about it, I realized there was an even bigger change that
running had brought into my life.
The biggest change for me as a runner wasn’t in mileage or workouts—it was going
from a solo runner to a team runner. For almost 20 years, I ran mostly alone.
Occasionally I’d do a lunch run with coworkers, but most of the time it was just me,
the road, and my iPod Mini. I always thought running solo gave me time to think and
meditate.
Then, in 2016, the Florida Track Club launched a pilot training program leading up to
the Tom Walker Half Marathon. We met three times a week for training. I joined, even
though I wasn’t going to be in town for the race—and that decision changed
everything.
It took some getting used to—talking during long runs and being social—but that pilot
program eventually became TeamFTC. Nine years later, I hate missing a workout with
the team. Being around other runners is so motivating. Although I still struggle a little
bit with being social at 5:45 am! We all have different goals, but we share the love of
the running. And when the injury and sickness bug hits, teammates are there to lift
you up. Races are now more fun too—running with and cheering on teammates.
Was this the biggest change I’ve
experienced over 43 years in Gainesville?
Probably not. But it’s certainly one that’s
had a major impact. I went from being a
solo runner to part of a running
community, and that shift has transformed
not only my running but also my life. Along
the way, I’ve made some truly great
friends—people who make the miles, and life itself, that much better.
Kenny Vogel,
FTC President 🍑🍑
by Matt Stamey
As runners, we all face setbacks — sore muscles, injuries, or missed training. But after cancer, Crohn’s disease, and major abdominal surgery in the past two years, my perspective on running and recovery shifted.
I have heard the phrases “celebrate the wins” and “show up with what you have that day” before, but I didn’t fully understand them until I was forced to. Cancer taught me that how I feel can change by the day, even the hour, and comparing myself to “before cancer” only added stress. Instead, I began checking in with myself each morning: some days I could run, some days I just stretched, and some days I rested. Whatever I did, I tried to do it with intention.
Then this summer, emergency abdominal surgery knocked me from 20–25 miles a week to barely standing upright. That inner voice nagged, “You ran 10 miles a few days ago and now you can’t even walk?” But when I managed to shuffle down the hospital hallway, I felt like I’d just crushed a long run. Thankfully, that moment was captured in a photo — huge smile, thumbs up, full of joy just for standing upright.
That moment reminds me that the feeling of accomplishment doesn’t depend on the size of the task. It comes from doing what you can in that moment, without comparison, and celebrating it.
So if you’re sidelined or facing a challenge, remember: you still have that same strength and joy inside you. Do what’s available today, and celebrate every win — no matter how small.
Running taught me how to celebrate the big moments; recovery reminded me to celebrate the small ones too.
Previewing the Tom Walker- 5K and 10k
by Luis Sordo Vieira
It’s almost time for one of our biggest races–the Tom Walker Half Marathon and 5K. To get warmed up, or simply to get out for a run, 33 runners laced up their shoes to run the 5K and 67 runners ran the 10K at the Tom Walker Preview. Matthew Veretto won the male category in the 10K with a chip time of 35:26, with Emily Davey-Osuch winning the female category at 46:57. Hannah Hosay won the female category in the 5K with a chip time of 19:03, and L. Dykstra won the male category in the 5K with a chip time of 23:58. Now everyone is warmed up for the Tom Walker!
Upcoming Events
Tom Walker Half Marathon & 5K The iconic and popular Tom Walker Half Marathon & 5k will return to the beautiful Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail on November 9th. Deadline to register and get a guaranteed shirt is coming up on October 17th! Preview below. This year, the Tom Walker Half Marathon starts and ends at First Magnitude Brewery. Every 21+ runner and volunteer receives one free drink (21+ can get a free beer or wine).
FTC Jingle Belll 5k and Holiday Join us on December 20th this holiday season for a family-friendly 5k jog around Haile Plantation! It’ll be followed by food, socializing, and some reindeer games.
🚨🚨🚨🚨 🚨🚨🚨🚨 Volunteering opportunities
🚨🚨🚨🚨 The Tom Walker Half Marathon is one of our two biggest races of the year. Due to the large amount of runners (we are expecting over 3President’s Corner
From Solo Miles to Team Smiles
A few weeks ago, several of my TeamFTC teammates and I went to breakfast at the Bagel Bakery after one of our track workouts. As usual, we chatted about running, but then Coach Enoch posed a question: “For the time you’ve been in Gainesville, what’s one thing that’s changed for you?”
That was an easy question for a couple of teammates who’ve only been here six months or so—how much can really change in that short a time? But for me, it took a little more thought. I’ve lived in Gainesville for 43 years! I came here as a teenage college student and now I’m a semi-retired professional engineer. Along the way, I became a husband, father, and devoted dog dad. So how do I answer that question?
To keep it running-related, I thought about how my approach to running has changed. When I first started, I ran four to six days a week, logging the same three to five miles at a time. These days, I run four days a week—two track workouts, a long run, and a recovery run—much more focused and intentional. But as I thought more about it, I realized there was an even bigger change that running had brought into my life.
The biggest change for me as a runner wasn’t in mileage or workouts—it was going from a solo runner to a team runner. For almost 20 years, I ran mostly alone. Occasionally I’d do a lunch run with coworkers, but most of the time it was just me, the road, and my iPod Mini. I always thought running solo gave me time to think and meditate.
Then, in 2016, the Florida Track Club launched a pilot training program leading up to the Tom Walker Half Marathon. We met three times a week for training. I joined, even though I wasn’t going to be in town for the race—and that decision changed everything.
It took some getting used to—talking during long runs and being social—but that pilot program eventually became TeamFTC. Nine years later, I hate missing a workout with the team. Being around other runners is so motivating. Although I still struggle a little bit with being social at 5:45 am! We all have different goals, but we share the love of the running. And when the injury and sickness bug hits, teammates are there to lift you up. Races are now more fun too—running with and cheering on teammates.
Was this the biggest change I’ve experienced over 43 years in Gainesville? Probably not. But it’s certainly one that’s had a major impact. I went from being a solo runner to part of a running community, and that shift has transformed not only my running but also my life. Along the way, I’ve made some truly great friends—people who make the miles, and life itself, that much better.
Kenny Vogel,
FTC President 🍑🍑
Race sponsorship opportunities
We’re excited to offer sponsorship opportunities for 2 of our upcoming big races— an excellent way to showcase your brand while supporting community health and wellness. By becoming a sponsor, you’ll gain visibility among active, engaged runners and spectators, and demonstrate your commitment to fitness and local events. From logo placement and social media promotion to on-site engagement, we offer a range of options to help you make the most of your sponsorship.
Join our current race sponsors:
Platinum
- McCall Griggs Realtor
Gold
- Dr. Kim Kazimour
Silver
- Earthwise Pet Jonesville
- Renaissance Printing
- James Ferrer (Sponsor of Tom Walker Half)
Bronze
[PICTURE]
Running Reminded me to Celebrate, Healing Reminded my Why
by Matt Stamey
As runners, we all face setbacks — sore muscles, injuries, or missed training. But after cancer, Crohn’s disease, and major abdominal surgery in the past two years, my perspective on running and recovery shifted.
I have heard the phrases “celebrate the wins” and “show up with what you have that day” before, but I didn’t fully understand them until I was forced to. Cancer taught me that how I feel can change by the day, even the hour, and comparing myself to “before cancer” only added stress. Instead, I began checking in with myself each morning: some days I could run, some days I just stretched, and some days I rested. Whatever I did, I tried to do it with intention.
Then this summer, emergency abdominal surgery knocked me from 20–25 miles a week to barely standing upright. That inner voice nagged, “You ran 10 miles a few days ago and now you can’t even walk?” But when I managed to shuffle down the hospital hallway, I felt like I’d just crushed a long run. Thankfully, that moment was captured in a photo — huge smile, thumbs up, full of joy just for standing upright.
That moment reminds me that the feeling of accomplishment doesn’t depend on the size of the task. It comes from doing what you can in that moment, without comparison, and celebrating it.
So if you’re sidelined or facing a challenge, remember: you still have that same strength and joy inside you. Do what’s available today, and celebrate every win — no matter how small.
Running taught me how to celebrate the big moments; recovery reminded me to celebrate the small ones too.
Previewing the Tom Walker- 5K and 10k
by Luis Sordo Vieira
It’s almost time for one of our biggest races–the Tom Walker Half Marathon and 5K. To get warmed up, or simply to get out for a run, 33 runners laced up their shoes to run the 5K and 67 runners ran the 10K at the Tom Walker Preview. Matthew Veretto won the male category in the 10K with a chip time of 35:26, with Emily Davey-Osuch winning the female category at 46:57. Hannah Hosay won the female category in the 5K with a chip time of 19:03, and L. Dykstra won the male category in the 5K with a chip time of 23:58. Now everyone is warmed up for the Tom Walker!
Upcoming Events
Tom Walker Half Marathon & 5K The iconic and
popular Tom Walker Half Marathon & 5k will return to the beautiful Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail on November 9th. Deadline to register and get a guaranteed shirt is coming up on October 17th! Preview below. This year, the Tom Walker Half Marathon starts and ends at First Magnitude Brewery. Every 21+ runner and volunteer receives one free drink (21+ can get a free beer or wine).
FTC Jingle Belll 5k and Holiday Join us on December 20th this holiday season for a family-friendly 5k jog around Haile Plantation! It’ll be followed by food, socializing, and some reindeer games.
🚨🚨🚨🚨 🚨🚨🚨🚨 Volunteering opportunities
🚨🚨🚨🚨 The Tom Walker Half Marathon is one of our two biggest races of the year. Due to the large amount of runners (we are expecting over 300 runners!!), having volunteers like you at the race is of utmost importance. Sign up here to volunteer. Volunteers receive a free drink (wine or beer for 21+) and Tom Walker shirt. 🚨🚨🚨🚨
Call for Newsletter Stories
Ran your first mile? Finished your first 5K? Completed your first run after injury? Do you have a story to share with other FTC members? Reply to this email if you are interested in sharing a story with the FTC community. Select stories will be featured in upcoming newsletters.00 runners!!), having volunteers like you at the race is of utmost importance. Sign up here to volunteer. Volunteers receive a free drink (wine or beer for 21+) and Tom Walker shirt. 🚨🚨🚨🚨
Call for Newsletter Stories
Ran your first mile? Finished your first 5K? Completed your first run after injury? Do you have a story to share with other FTC members? Reply to this email if you are interested in sharing a story with the FTC community. Select stories will be featured in upcoming newsletters.