President’s Corner
What a great way to ring in the New Year with our favorite passion – running. The
Frank Shorter Mile was another fun race to kick off an exciting calendar of races.
The next 3 months we hit the road for some longer races to hopefully take
advantage of great running weather. FTC Mary Andrews Marathon is up next on
January 19. Registration is still open and volunteering is always an option!! Then
it’s the annual trip to Micanopy for the 5/10 miler and new this year is a 5k/10k on
the Archer Braid Trail starting in Archer. As it starts to warm up we get back to the
iconic Tobacco Road 5k followed by our annual track meet. In June we have the
first of 2 trail runs at San Felasco North (Alachua). The Melon Run on July 4 is
always a favorite. We take a break in August–it’s just too hot!, to have a Club
social. We hit the fall calendar with a 4/8 mile race back at San Felasco, Next up
is the Tom Walker Preview 5k/10 and the Tom Walker Half Marathon. The location
of these races will be moved as the Boulware Springs Trailhead will most likely be
under construction for renovations. And wrapping up 2025 will be our annual
Jingle Bell Jog and Holiday Social. Other exciting running events in Gainesville
this year include the USATF Masters Indoor Championships and the World
Masters Indoor Championships (more information below). Take advantage of
these events being held in our City.
I am looking forward to another great year of running and supporting the
Gainesville running community. As always, if you have any suggestions please
contact the Track Club at our email thefloridatrackclub@gmail.com.
Kenny Vogel, FTC President
by Deborah Scheuer, [edited by Luis Sordo Vieira]
This past 4th of July, as the sun rose over Gainesville, excitement buzzed in the air as runners stretched, laced their shoes, and exchanged smiles before the start of the FTC Jack Gamble Melon Run. Among them stood Sylvia Montesinos, a quiet figure whose journey to this moment was nothing short of extraordinary. Once a walk-on member of her collegiate cross-country running team, Sylvia carried her affinity for running into adulthood, balancing her love for the sport with her demanding career as a psychiatrist. She explained, “Running has always been in the background of my life. There is something about running that always gives me a sense of well-being.” She also enjoyed yoga, hiking, kayaking, and other activities. But life threw her an unimaginable challenge nine years ago when, at 47, she suffered a debilitating stroke. ¨After my stroke, when I had to learn to walk again and could not even jump, I had this idea that I’ll never be able to run again.¨ Yet, she refused to give up. Through years of grueling physical therapy, she fought to reclaim her mobility—learning first to stand, then to take shaky steps, and eventually to jump.
Her journey back to running began with walking the Turkey Trot in Jacksonville, passing her childhood home. Inspired by the sight of her neighbors jogging past her home in Gainesville, Sylvia dared to dream of running again. She next participated in a 5k in Jacksonville, mostly walking with a bit of running. She was further inspired when she heard about the FTC Jack Gamble Melon Run and wanted to return to running more seriously. Sylvia didn’t just show up at the Jack Gamble Melon Run—she crossed the finish line in a triumphant run-walk, a testament to her strength, determination, and unyielding spirit. She shared, ¨At the Melon Run, I reconnected with that positive feeling of being next to other runners, being at the start with anticipation, then crossing the finish line. That very personal journey where you go into your own goals. I realized that if I can run a block, I can run a mile, and I´m working my way up to that¨. She appreciated that there were many volunteers on the course who could help her if she needed it. ¨Ï felt very supported in the beginning and the end. It was a very positive and uplifting experience, and I plan to do it again! ¨
After the Melon Run, she decided to get a form assessment from Coach Enoch [Nadler, owner of Team FTC] to increase her weekly mileage. She explained that ¨Coach Enoch helped me understand that the stroke threw my cadence off, and with his guidance, I was able to increase it. It was transformative to know that I can return to running and that it´s OK if the journey is one of small steps¨. She now looks forward to going out first thing in the morning for a run-walk, and it helps reset everything as she starts a new day. She plans to continue doing the Melon Run, the Thanksgiving 5k in Jacksonville, and possibly some of our other local races. She shared that ¨One of my goals for this year is to continue increasing the time I can run.¨ Sylvia’s story reminds us that every runner’s path is unique. For some, it’s about speed; for others, like Sylvia, it’s about courage, perseverance, and triumph, no matter their pace. So, as the runners of this year’s FTC races take their marks, let us celebrate not just the speedsters but the fighters, the dreamers, and the survivors like Sylvia—proof that every finish line crossing holds a story worth telling.
USATF Masters Indoor Championships and the World Masters Indoor Championship
There are two indoor track meets coming to Gainesville in the coming months. First is the USA Track and Field Masters Indoor Championships. Next is the World Masters Indoor Championships!
2025 USATF Masters Indoor Championships: February 20 – 23, 2025.
- This event is open to all levels, runners 25+ years old on the day of the event.
- Events are sprints, all the way up to the 3000 meter. All on the indoor track.
- This is the USA Championship for age group masters runners.
- Entry: price goes up after 1/21/25 and closes on 1/28/25. Entry info here.
- 2025 USATF membership required in addition to the entry fee for $55
2025 World Masters Indoor Championships: March 23-30, 2025.
- This event is open to all levels, runners 35+ years old on the day of the event.
- Events are sprints, all the way up to the 10k, as well as an 8k cross country event. **10k and cross country are the only events off the track and are likely best for more recreational runners.
- This is the World Championships for age group masters runners; you will represent Team USA!
- • Entry closes on 1/23/25, so sign up ASAP if you want to run. Entry info here.
- 2025 USATF membership required in addition to the entry fee for $55
Jingle Bell Jog Race Recap
by Luis Sordo Vieira
Oh what fun! On a very cold Dec 7th, seventy nine runners joined us at Haile plantation for a family friendly 5k and social event. Robert Grote took the overall place with a 16:33.8 clock time, with Anuska Narayanan from Huntsville, Alabama taking the female overall at 21:42.22. Luis Mascarenhas won the males Masters fastest time at 21:40.18 and Jess Morey won the female Masters category at 24:27.9
The event was concluded with a catered breakfast, hot chocolate and coffee, as well as some reindeer games! Of course, none of this would be possible without our amazing volunteers and race directors. What a way to celebrate the holidays. Full results can be found https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/Gainesville/JingleBellJog5kandsocial here.
Upcoming Events
FTC Mary Andrew’s Marathon The FTC Mary Andrews Marathon is in its 5th year and as always we expect another awesome race. The weather is looking like it will cooperate for our runners. Age group and overall awards include a commemorative coffee mug with a sample coffee pack from Long Run Coffee, electrolyte infused coffee. Finisher medals are heart shaped with the race logo in it. And post race food for all runners and volunteers will be catered by the Egg and I food truck. Still time to register for both to run and volunteer. Come on out and have a great time!
FTC Micanopy 5/10 mile Come run on the beautiful roads of Micanopy on Feb 8,
- Registration is open!
Results from FTC Board Elections
The election results are in and our 2025 Board members are:
- Ken Vogel, President
- Katie Avery, Vice President
- Doug Waldo, Treasurer
- Deborah Scheuer, Secretary
- Jim O’Sullivan, At Large
- Harlie Bassitt, At Large
- Kristina Von Castel, At Large
- Stephanie McGrail, At Large
- Linda Bloom, At Large
Sponsors
We thank UCAN for partnering with us to help runners with their fuel and hydration needs.