December - Space Coast Runners

December 2008 Page 3CAROL’SCORNERAt the beginning of November,we visited my daughter, Tracy,in Seattle. It was cool andrainy the first few days, but onthe last day that we werethere, the sun came out andthe temperature was quitepleasant. Tracy is training forher first half marathon – theSeattle Marathon - on November30 (same day as SpaceCoast), so we decided to get arun in for her, and a walk for Tyand I. We walked a warm-upmile from her apartment to theGreen Lake area, past gorgeousfall foliage color of yellows,reds, and browns.Here was a Mecca for outdoorenthusiasts of many kinds!There were ball fields, tenniscourts, and a sprint track. Acrowd gathered for a HighSchool Crew competition, withparents setting up canopiesand cooking hot foods and beveragesfor the contestants.Several boats skimmed the waterin practiced rowing rhythm.Ducks and geese frolicked inthe water and along the banksof the lake. People played withtheir dogs in a fenced playarea.Surrounding the beautiful lakewas a 2.8 mile long, two-lanewide asphalt path, plus an additionallane of fine, darkgravel. The outside lane of thepath was designated for“wheeled” traffic. We observedbikers, skaters, and skateboarders.On the inside twolanes were walkers, runners,and mothers with strollers.Grassy park areas surroundedthe running path with room forrelaxing or games. As we weremoving along, I was noticingthe overall healthiness of thepeople. Young and old alikewere out enjoying the cool, butclear day, all at their own pace,but moving in harmony. It wasan inspiring, uplifting environment.All I could think about was howwonderful it would be to havesomething like this in BrevardCounty! Imagine a placewhere we could run or walk orbike without having to deal withtraffic! A place where familiescould go for a weekend afternoonouting. A place to meetwith loved ones for a walk anda picnic. And, of course, aStarbucks on every corner!This is my Christmas wish.Have a very, very happy holidayseason!THANK YOU, SUE STROUT!By Marlene WhiteWith the objective of giving back to Space Coast Runners, SueStrout came up with the idea to organize a fund-raiser for the benefitof the club. With permission and support from her employer,Lockheed Martin, Sue organized a luncheon for company employees,the proceeds from which will go towards sponsorship of theEye of the Dragon 10k.Photo at right shows Sue receiving the 2007- 08 Space Coast RunnersRunner of the Year Series Female Grand Master (50+) award.