Will the New Millennium Lighten NOVA?

The President's Corner As I pen this my final column, I find it difficult to believe my year as president is almost over. So much seems yet to be done: a social event here, a race to manage there. Then again, perhaps that's being a bit too ambitious (more about to follow). Where has the year gone? In this issue...
President's Corner
Annapolis Ten-Miler; What Hills?
Have I Said Yet How Much I Love Downhills?
The 6th Annual DC Area Hash Red Dress Run
Bottle and Cork 10 miler
Steamtown Marathon
Steamtown Marathon - The Sequel
Surviving A Torture Test
Upcoming Elections
Membership Dues Now Due!
I can't begin to say. Just as we seem to be breaking into stride, the finish line appears. Oh well, since this is a relay race, it's time for me to pass the baton (a hint that elections are coming up)! I must say, though, that each year in my life now seems to move a little faster than the one prior. This appears to be a phenomenon experienced by many of those who, like I, have broken the 40's barrier (something to do with glimpsing of our own mortality and measuring our achievements heretofore? I think not!!). If only my track times would mirror this.
Having used the last newsletter to look back on the year, I won't belabor the point by doing so again.   Rather, I'd like to look toward the new year (and new millennium) and offer a suggestion of streamlining and refocusing the club. I suggest we consider cutting back on some of what the club tries to accomplish. How much we retrench is debatable, but that we must, in my estimation, is not. From a small group of runners who assembled for pickup track workouts, tempo runs, and unofficial parties, the club has too quickly evolved into a corporate being that tries to be all things to all people in the running community. Okay, perhaps I exaggerate here, but just a little. The point is, we've now reached a point of overreaching, and our ambitions far exceed our resources.
Despite our evolution, the countervailing message from you has been that the club should be about training and some socializing. Everything else is superfluous. This I conclude from the difficulties experienced in recruiting volunteers and attendees for club events. Thus, I've asked myself whether we need to be sponsoring races, managing races, hosting picnics, and trying to force happy hours. I don't think so. What we should be doing, rather, is focusing on the few things that you seem to value most - supervised track workouts, tempo runs, and an occasional party - and do them right. (It goes without saying that maintaining the listserv and web site is essential). Anything else distracts us from focusing on that which we value the most.
So during the upcoming months, I hope you all will give some thought to my suggestion and consider what you want from the club. Feel free to offer your own suggestions, as many of you have done during the year. But do remember that making a suggestion is easy, executing it is another matter. This club supposedly operates through the efforts of its members, not just its officers. If you're not willing to help execute your suggestion, ask yourself whether you should be making it.
Now let me take this opportunity to recognize a stalwart of the club, Mike Hart, who is retiring from officialdom. Mike has served as vice-president, president twice-over, and treasurer twice-over, and has volunteered for countless events . In short, Mike is an institution within the club. When in doubt, one can always ask Mike. If a job absolutely has to be done, Mike can be relied on to take care it. During my tenure, it's been comforting to know that if I started to take a tumble, he'd be there to break my fall. The club will surely miss his official services, and I wish him the best with whatever the future brings.
Finally, let me ask whether you're all prepared for the Y2K disaster-to-be? I happen to be. I've assembled my disaster kit already - stockpiles of running shoes, high-carbo canned foods, water and gatorade - just in case. Truth be known, I can't help but discount the doomsayers (the real doom and gloom ones, that is). Maybe my prevailing optimism does me a disservice on this one. I can't help comparing the situation to a favorite nursery rhyme of mine, Chicken Little, who went around warning, "the sky is falling, the sky is falling." I hope that's apropos. However it unfolds, I look forward to running with you all into the new millennium. And Happy New Year early, by the way!
Deane Burke

Annapolis Ten-Miler;
What Hills? I think it behooves me, as a former journalist, to put a stop to misinformation and myth. The Annapolis Ten Miler is not hilly!!! Yes, there are hills. But I've been on roller coasters that have more hills. That said, it was a fine, fine day for a ten-mile run. I am always amazed (okay, so I amaze easily) at how close Annapolis really is to DC. The sign, on Rt 50 as you exit the Beltway, indicates it is only 16 miles away. Some of us run longer distances on the weekend than that. But at the god-awful early time in the morning one had to get up to be there by 8 am, it was a lovely and non-stressful drive.
This was my first Annapolis Ten-Miler, and EVERYBODY warned me that it was a hilly and relatively tough run. I suppose if you are a "racer" then it is a tough run. But as just a runner (I define a racer as a person who goes to races and expects to place, or even win. A runner, a category that I occupy, is someone who likes to run and enters races to get the t-shirt, to exercise, to sightsee and perhaps to see if they can better a previous time but will more than likely not kill themselves to break that time) it was a nice run.
It was a bit warm that day. Many folks were proud that they had their best PW (personal worst) in years on this day. If you're going to do poorly you may as well do the best poorly you can possibly do, right?
Starting out at the Naval Academy's stadium, we headed through the streets of Annapolis. This part of the course is basically flat. The runners wind through Annapolis, into the downtown area, and then a lap around the Academy grounds. The course exits the Academy grounds, makes a right, and then its over the Saint Louis Arch. Well, not exactly. But the bridge over the Severn River arches up and over the river. You do get a nice downhill on the other side. The course on the other side of the river, which technically is no longer Annapolis, is where one encounters the hills. This only lasts for maybe two and a half, to three miles perhaps.
This part of the course is through neighborhoods of lovely old homes and lovely neighbors. These folks set up their own water stops to hand out water to runners. One neighbor even handed out orange slices to the runners. It was quite nice. Much different than some of whining and complaining one hears from residents in DC, when races take up the roadways for a short period of time. After the up and down of the neighborhood, the bridge looms in sight again. Up and over we went, back into Annapolis and to the end.
Besides what I consider a nice course (could use a few more hills ), the giveaway at this run is classy. This year it was a water bottle fanny pack with a water bottle. It even has side pockets so you can carry Metro fare when you need to Metro home because you've wizened up and decided NOT to do that stupid 20 mile run (or stop at a bar, or get a snack, etc.) AND the super nice thing about it is it doesn't bounce when you run, causing great chaffing on your back. Can you tell I am most impressed with this giveaway? The only kicker is, you have to actually run to get your giveaway. They don't hand it over to you until you hand over your timing chip to them.
For anyone who has never done this run or is wavering about doing it next year, the giveaway will be a way cool nylon jacket, in red, black and white, with pockets and a mesh lining. Tres chic. For us runners (those who sign up to get the t-shirt, remember??) these giveaways are all the inspiration we need to run 10 miles.
Maria Bertacchi

Have I Said Yet How Much
I Love Downhills? Coming off of a lousy spring/summer racing season and turning 45 years of age, I must say 1999 hasn't been an up year. Lately though, things have been looking up. The Georgetown 10k seemed like perfect preparation for the Army 10 miler, my real goal race for the season.   On September 25, I ran a very solid time in the Virginia 10 miler in Lynchburg, Virginia.   Besides being the Virginia 10 mile championship, it has to be the hilliest 10 mile race I have ever been in. I have always wanted to do the Georgetown 10k, but it never seemed to fit in with my fall marathon training plans. This year was different (look Mom, no marathon!). Sunday, October 3rd dawned cool, crisp and very pleasant at about 60 degrees and low humidity. I felt good and ready to go, but I've felt like that before, only to feel the weight of a bear on my back about 2/3 of the way through the race.
Crossing Key Bridge from our parking spots in Rosslyn, Ly Pham and I could see scullers going smoothly down the Potomac, south toward the Kennedy Center. M Street was the expected mob scene as we turned the corner. Lots of folks were warming up and chatting with friends. The usual thoughts ran through my mind: how much I love moments like this, and where can I find a port-a-potty? We headed down to the C&O Canal for a two mile warm up, discovering that lots of other folks had the same idea as evident by their numbers. What a great way to spend an early fall day, trotting down the dirt trail, laughing and telling jokes to keep the nerves calm. We headed back up to M Street and did 8 striders, finishing about 4 minutes prior to race time.
Then it was a mad dash under the tape and around the Champion Chip mats and into the crowd.   While bouncing away to calm my nerves, I saw a familiar face outside of the race area: NOVA's own Fred Carson. Wearing his number and a somewhat befuddled look on his face, he seemed to be asking himself, "what am I doing here on this side of the race area?" I yelled out to him that he should to be on this side, and he just grinned and eventually got in with the rest of us.
As the announcer started getting the crowd warmed up and the race-day pit hits my stomach, a little voice in my head asked, "How hard are you willing to push it this time? Can you overcome your innate laziness to really find the inner strength or will you be a wimp? Why hold back, since the Army 10 Miler is sooo far away you can taper all week and be ready for next Sunday?" As you can see, I was having quite a conversation with myself. But then the word "go" boomed from the loudspeaker.
Except the first two miles, which were partially downhill and flat, I really didn't know the course well. Although I knew I was holding something back for the Army 10 Miler, my first 2 miles were good ones for me at 6:38 and 6:52. However, the first hill of the race on Reservoir Road was a kicker. I was able to keep focused and kept thinking that these were little hills compared to Lynchburg the week before. Up 49th Street and I was feeling tired. The third split at 8:01 gave me doubts about the day and my goal time of going under 45 minutes. The short downhill at the 5k split, though, was all I needed to reinvigorate me (have I said yet how much I love downhills?) and get me going again. I strode long and worked up my leg turnover rate, focusing on my arm form. I was starting to pass lots of folks, when we hit Mount Garfield. Now, all of us runners understand that any hill that begins with a name of Mount something is likely to be steep, but this was ridiculous. I decided to attack this hill the best I could. One well known NOVA runner who will go unnamed here, started to walk. I couldn't believe my fortune, I was going to pass her (I rarely do in races). But drats, she started to run again before I caught up. My 4-mile split was worse at 8:24. Close to anaerobic, with my chest heaving, I was hurting. Suddenly, becoming a wimp had a certain appeal. I asked myself, "When would I ever feel good again?"
Once we crested the last hill on Foxhall Road, a change came over me. Downhill road rage took over my brain and body (have I mentioned yet I love downhills?), and I zoomed. That rarely felt, but absolutely fierce, desire to pass everyone in front of me took over. I passed the hill-walking runner during mile 5. The mile 5 split was super at 6:37. I gave up thoughts of holding anything back for Army. This was my race! I was cruising with that little voice talking to me again, but this time saying, "Yes, you can hold on to this pace."   I was starting to feel nauseous (that means I am running fast!). The mile 6 split was heaven sent at 6:40, as I crested what seemed like a big hill on M Street and saw the red, white, and blue balloon arch of the finish line. I threw all there was left in my legs and cruised in at 44:32.
After the finish I saw Betty Blank and asked, "So Betty, how was your race?" "Really lousy," she replied, "but I took first in my age group." Only Betty can make first place sound so lousy! I saw Fred and asked him how he did. His reply was, "Not bad. I did a 14 mile long run as a warm-up, but now I have to wait around until the beer taps are allowed to flow at 11:00 a.m." No wonder he looked so dazed before the race. The chili and fudge of M St. tasted great going down, but made my stomach suffered for it as I ran back across the Potomac on a calm beautiful day.
While nowhere close to my PR, I felt very pleased with myself. I had finished in the top 10 percent of my age group (an age group PR), with my highest place finish for the year. I thought that would keep me motivated and going for quite some time to come. Later, though, the relatively flat Army 10 Miler was sloppy and wet and not even close to my goal time. However, I was satisfied with a top 10 percent finish again and another age group PR. Next, I think I will look for another hilly race, since I think I enjoy those more (have I mentioned yet how much I love downhills?).
Grant Pettrie

The 6th Annual DC Area Hash
Red Dress Run
Question: How do you know its fall in DC?
Answer: The city is overtaken by runners wearing red.

You ain't never run a run if you haven't run in a red dress. For those of you who, because you try to stay away from folks who desperately need medicating, wouldn't otherwise know it, Saturday October 2, 1999 was the Sixth Annual Red Dress Run.
What is a Red Dress Run? Well, its basically that -- a run in a red dress. The only qualification is you wear a Red Dress. Each year the DC area hashes host an annual red dress run through our nation's capitol. How utterly scandalous!
For those of you who do not know what hashing is, here is a brief description. It's a run based on an old British children's game called "Hounds and Hares" (which is apropos, since most hashers are extremely juvenile). The "hares" lay a trail for the "hounds" to follow. They use flour to mark the trail and leave a series of marks to indicate to the pack either they are on true trail or they have sorely veered off course and, obviously, have no clue as to where they are.
Why a red dress? This fine and noble tradition began in San Diego. Perhaps apocryphal, the story in a nutshell has it that a San Diego hash, upon hashing past a most beautiful woman wearing a red dress, started a red dress run in her honor. It caught on! Most hashes in the United States hold an annual red dress run, but none are as large, crazy, or spellbinding as DC's.
This year 798 hashers showed up at Lulu's on M Street to take part in this classic event. Folks wear all sorts of dresses from the truly tasteless to the most chic. It seems to be the men who feel the need to accessorize and doll themselves up more than the women.
The Red Dress Run, began, as all hashes do, with a circle in a park just a few blocks away from Lulu's. We gather. We sing. We do a feeble warm up. We send off the hares. And then we're off!
There's probably nothing more annoying to the drivers of DC than almost 800 runners (wearing red dresses) clogging up the streets. We stopped traffic on every street we took to and crossed. I'm sure it had more to do with the sheer volume of people and not the odd sight we must have presented. DC is used to freaks. Look at Congress.
One of the most memorable moments (at least the ones I can remember and write about in a family newsletter) was the pack running up Rock Creek Parkway, near the Water Gate and Kennedy Center, totally stopping traffic. We all ran past waving at the drivers, who in turn honked their approval.
Another was running past the Lincoln Memorial, stopping tour buses and frightening tourists who were having reflective moments at all the war memorials. We also must have stunned the small group of people at the "Save our Liberty" rally which was going on at the foot of Lincoln's memorial. From the sounds of it they appeared to be Militia types touting the right to be armed to the teeth. Fortunately, we must have unnerved them, because no one opened fire. However, the Park Rangers looked highly annoyed at the stream of Red Dress clad runners running next to the reflecting pool on our way to the Washington Monument. They probably would have opened fire on the pack, if they were armed.
Past the Washington Monument we went, over Independence Ave. to a parking lot near the IRS building (there is such a beast!). This is where we had our beer stop (did I mention hashers drink beer, mostly at the end of a hash, but sometimes, as with this run, at the beginning, the middle and the end.) We imbibed both water (gotta re-hydrate you know, especially after all that beer) and beer.
The hares took off again. We headed back to Independence Ave., turned right and crossed over to the Mall somewhere before the Air and Space museum. Straight down the Mall we ran. I had my picture taken with a couple from England, who were laughing so hard at the sight of all these runners in red dresses.
As we neared the Smithsonian Metro stop, several of the Red Dress Mismanagement were handing out metro cards. Down into the station we lumbered and onto the platform we did go. Destination: Foggy Bottom. We must have filled at least two whole trains in order to get all of us back. We even behaved on the trains since there were some civilians mixed in. I'm certain we must have stunk too, since it was a hot day and there was not a dry dress in the house, er, train.
Once at Foggy Bottom, we took off, out of the station and back to Lulu's where Channel 5 (or 7) or whatever the number was, were waiting with their cameras rolling. We were big news!
At Lulu's we ate, drank, danced, drank again, and had a good ole time. If you've never seen 800 people run through DC in red dresses, I suggest you come out next year for the run. It'll bring tears to your eyes!
Maria Bertacchi

Bottle and Cork 10 miler Once again, the weekend of the Bottle and Cork 10 miler was another successful weekend. Things started off right Friday morning as I, driving to Dewy Beach, decided to hit the Outlet Stores after crossing the Bay Bridge. In quite the buying mood, I bought all kinds of things and got some really good deals.
With the top down on my miata, I was again sailing to the Beach. First to arrive, I dropped my things off in the house, quickly changed into my bathing suit, and hit the beach. Glad I was to actually see a beach there, since Floyd the hurricane had hit the week before. I laid out, read my book, and enjoyed seeing the ocean. A couple of hours later found me back at the house among the gang, who had finally arrived.
We decided to eat-in for the night, so everyone chipped in for a delicious spaghetti meal, complete with salad and bread. Just what the doctor ordered for a 10 mile race the next day. We spent the evening talking and relaxing before retiring to bed.
Rising early next morning, we headed to the race first thing to pick up our packets. This was no ordinary race mind you, it was a pump and run race. That is, racing followed weight lifting. The women had to bench 60 percent of their body weight. I benched 65 pounds 25 times, and Ly Pham benched 60 pounds 18 times. After that, we had to run 10 miles. The course was a fun one: nice and mostly flat with some rolling hills. I actually ran with some guy through the half way point, chatted with him all the while. That was something I normally don't do - talk when racing - but I felt great. By mile 5, however, he started to fade and I left him behind. One mile of the course took us over the boardwalk, where we had to dodge people unattached to the race who were also using it. After the boardwalk, we hit the roads again with 3 miles to go. I saw Coach Andy Anderson about two miles from the finish. His yelling my name gave me the final inspiration I needed , since I was beginning to fade. Covering the final mile in 6:37, I finished up with a 69:36, for 2nd woman overall. Right behind were Ly Pham, 72:30; Daryl Knuth, 68:25; Fred Carson, 79:21; and Pam Bowers, 83:12.
After the awards ceremony, we went back to the house, changed to our swim suits, and hit the beach. Again, it was a beautiful day with not one cloud in the sky. Hanging out till 4 p.m., we, of course, had to hit" Coconuts" for their special deal on Shrimp and drinks. We stayed there and watched the sun go down. Loving the beach as I do, I asked myself, "Why don't you do this more often?"
If you've never done the" Bottle and Cork" run before, don't miss it next year!!
Betty Blank

Steamtown Marathon Yes, I ran the Steamtown Marathon. It was touted as a fast course and a good qualifier for Boston. Armed with that knowledge, and knowing that I had not attempted a marathon in about 4 years, I proceeded to sign up for this challenging event. The race course winds through approximately 8 small towns (plenty of town folk to cheer you on) and finishes in downtown Scranton, PA on a « mile downhill to the finish. Race day weather was about 61 degrees with a forecast of rain, and mother nature certainly did not disappoint as it rained practically the entire race.
The first 7 miles of the race are mostly downhill, so the 10 mile split produces a rather quick time. Personally, I knew my legs were in trouble by 4 miles as the left calf muscle had tightened, with the other soon to follow. The right hamstring cramped at 10 miles, which further informed me that the effort probably would not be a personal best time. Actually, around mile 17 my mind and the body began to signal that the remainder of the race would be a physical and mental battle for survival. I did finish the race at around 3:07:45, a plus 17 minutes to my « marathon split time. I must say that my legs never felt so beat up in my entire life. I would run this race again, but I would train on lots of hills to prepare my calves and quads for the inevitable pounding they would take from the elevation changes. I will run a consistent marathon one of these days. It is my promise to myself. I do recommend this race to anyone who would like to run a fast hilly course, but beware of the hype, it still is 26.2 miles of road kill to the end.
Mike Hart

Steamtown Marathon -
The Sequel The Steamtown Marathon, a point-to-point race finishing in Scranton, PA, was promoted by Runners' World and the Northeast Pennsylvania (PA) tourist bureau as one of the faster marathons out there. The reasoning behind this is the net difference in altitude between the start and finish line (which adds up to about 918 feet or so). Given the fact that I didn't get my application for Marine Corps in on time, the drop in altitude was the strongest motivator I had for choosing Steamtown.
Because it was my first marathon in a while (2 years), I found it far easier during the seemingly never-to-end pre-race period to only remember the fun part of running in past marathons. I doubt that few will argue with me that every marathon does have at least a few pleasant moments (slapping little kid's hands, screaming while under bridges or tunnels, sharing interesting conversations with people, waving to spectators, taking in the scenery, enjoying the local flavor). However, no one is immune to the underlying physics controlling the allocation of fun during marathons: that the likelihood for an occurrence of a "cherished moment" decreases as the distance traveled during the race increases. Don't get me wrong; cherished moments can occur after mile 20. But these are typically connected with such milestones as making it past the crest of a hill they never told you about, making it to the next water stop or porta-john, or crossing the finish line. Very cute kids with painted faces and homemade signs saying "Yer Almost There!!" decorated with flowers or balloons, for some reason, just do not have the same kind of impact on you as they might have had at mile 8.
The morning of October 10th was dark and rainy. I awoke to the street noise of cars splashing through puddles. No, this was not the most motivating of weather conditions, but as I braved the move into the wet outdoors I kept telling myself that at least it was not cold. As the events of the day progressed, it turned out that the rainy weather was just about the only glitch in the race-coordinator's logistics. Steamtown overall was a very well planned, organized and executed race. From the ease in registration, to packet pickup, to the pasta supper, to being able to park for free two blocks from the finish, to the buses that got us to the start, to the high-school that kept us dry, to the 50 plus kids walking around to see if we had any questions, to the short porta-john lines, to the water/gu stops along the route, to the finish line logistics, to the finding your bag at the end of the race, this all was as professionally executed as I have ever seen. I found out later that "real" runners were in charge of all the planning and everything, and it really showed what a difference having the right people in charge can make.
For a field of fewer than 2,500 runners, there were plenty of spectators along most of the route, the majority of whom appeared not to have too much in common with marathons beyond the fact that one just happened to be going through the middle of their town. Regardless, the enthusiasm we runners felt from the folks who gathered along the route was unwavering and genuine. Outside of town, the scenery was outstanding, and I got a big kick out of waving back to all the folks, young and old, who gathered on their respective front porches, coffee mugs in hand and shawls around their shoulders, waving incessantly to all those going past. These are the parts of PA that we don't get to see from the interstate, and I would guess that things haven't changed all that much during the past 50 years.
As most people are aware, everything that goes up must eventually come down. Well, the opposite is the case when it comes to the course for Steamtown. It is a whole lot of down for the first 20 miles, then some flat, then some up. And then some more up. The little chart showing the various elevations along the course seems to want you to believe that the uphill portion of the race isn't all that bad, given how rested you will still be by the time you finish running downhill for the previous 23 miles. Well, I fell for it. Becoming complacent, I was ambushed by some pretty good steep stuff when entering the outskirts of Scranton. But at least I had the consolation of knowing, while in the midst of experiencing those wonderful sensations associated with a good old-fashioned Pennsylvania "bonk", that I had only 3.2 miles to go to the finish line. Being able to see the finish line from two miles away (and the little hills that stood between you and stopping) was a bit of a tease, but somehow I persevered.
Would I recommend Steamtown? Absolutely. But plan on hills and then more hills, and get your hotel reservations in early!
Mark Shaughnessy

Surviving A Torture Test Howard Nippert is on the verge of earning his Ph.D. in exercise physiology. He's a dissertation short of the title 'Doctor.' So why would he take his body to the limit and then past its limit just to cross one solitary white line?
Nippert, a Tech graduate, cross country administrative assistant for Tech's track program and a former Tech athlete did what most people would call self-inflicted torture. Nippert ran in the IAAF 100K World Championships in Chavagne, France in early June. He ran 7:11:55 for the 62-mile race. That's seven hours, 11 minutes and 55 seconds. He finished third for Team USA, helping them to a ninth-place team finish. A seven-hour race? "It was long," Nippert said bluntly.
Actually, it was more of a battle of perseverance then a race. The race starts with a 2K loop in Chavagne and then is broken up into four circuits of a near 15-mile loop through the country sides of France. "I had been warned to not get carried away too soon," he said. "The first lap, I was pretty relaxed and in 50th place. Just where I wanted to be. "On the second lap, I started to pass people who got out in front early. I started getting excited and started picking it up a little bit instead of maintaining my pace. I was catching people too fast and I got to excited. I started thinking I was invincible, bulletproof. I found out I wasn't."
When Nippert hit the 50 K point, he was on pace for a national record. His time was so fast that it would have placed him third at the most recent 50K National Championships and he had another 50K to go. Nippert, who will turn 34 on July 15, had shown he was fast at 50K before. He won a 50K race in Charleston, W.Va., and the JFK 50-miler in Maryland, which is the biggest Ultra race in North America. An "Ultra" race is any race over the Marathon distance of 26.2 miles. In Nippert's Ultra races, he beat some of the best runners in the nation. The Maryland victory earned him his invite to the World Championships, where he would compete while wearing America's red, white and blue and the confidence to take on the world.
"At the beginning of the third lap, I was in 15th place," he said. "Then I was thinking I was maybe going to finish in the top 10. Halfway through that lap, I started slowing down. The way I looked at it, I wanted to be in complete control. It was my chance to make a statement. So, I went out and ran real aggressive. It was that last lap that killed me. It seemed like a fair exchange." Nippert had exerted too much energy in the second lap when he became too excited while passing most of the field. When, he hit the final lap the exhaustion caught up to him. "I threw up six times on the last lap," he said. "My digestive system shut down. Everything in my body was trying to get me to stop. I didn't have anything when I got to the finish line. But it's just all different when you've got USA on your chest." So despite losing his breakfast, lunch and dinner, Nippert crossed the finish line. "I didn't have anything when I crossed that line," he said. "I'm not excited about my finish and time. I ran absolutely as hard as I could. I had absolutely nothing left. I don't think you can be upset at the end of a competition if you used everything you had."
Fortunately for Nippert, he wasn't alone. Mike Cox, Steve and Lori Taylor also were there serving as crew members for the USA Team. "All three of them were terrific," Nippert said. "Steve has run in several national championship events so I just tried to follow his lead. What he did, I did. Those guys took care of everything for me except for running. All I had to do was get to the line." After the race the foursome took in some sights. "We saw the Louvre, Eiffel Tower and Jim Morrison's grave," he said. "I felt absolutely terrible. They wanted to see the stuff so I just dragged myself around."
Lori Taylor was one of the first persons Nippert met when he came to Tech from Warwick, N. Y., to run cross country and track and earn a degree in biology. He met Steve two years later. "I had it all figured out that I was going to be the No. 1 runner at Tech in my junior year," Nippert said. "Steve transferred from West Virginia that year and that pretty much took care of that." When Steve landed the men's head cross country coaching job at Tech, he hired Nippert as a graduate assistant. Nippert held that position for three years and earned his master's in biology in 1992. After three years, the graduate assistant funds ended and Nippert has been an administrative assistant ever since. "My favorite part of the job is dealing with the athletes," he said. "Seeing athletes who are fired up about making progress. I also enjoy the academic side. I make sure their grades are where they should be. I ride them pretty hard about study hours, proper preparation and seeking out tutors when needed. That's what they're here for ultimately."
Nippert has now set his sites on wining the 100 K National Championships in October. Yes, win. "Anything less than winning won't be acceptable," he said. "I don't want to come off as cocky. But that's the way I train. I don't believe there is anybody in the country that can outrun me at over 30 miles." His confidence has not been damaged. "It's been a progression for me," Nippert said. "I've always been running the event that was best for me at that time. This is the event that I can be successful at the highest level. And I love it." The man who was second fiddle to one man in college isn't settling for anything less then being the best. "Just because I haven't done something before doesn't mean I can't," Nippert said. That's an attitude which Tech student-athletes can only benefit from.
Neal Richards (submitted by Ly Pham)

Upcoming Elections On December 7, 1999, during our monthly meeting, we will have Club elections and appointments for Club officers and positions. None of the current officers have agreed to run again, except Andresa Padden. If you would like to run for office or would like to nominate someone, please contact Deane Burke at burked@erols.com or at (703) 243-0914. Here are the elected positions and their responsibilities as well as the appointed positions:
Elected Positions

President
Establish club policies. Conduct club meetings. Handle other club affairs (e.g., deal with TC Williams HS and Arlington County, coordinate club social events, act as club representative, and supervise club web site).
Vice-President
Assist president as needed; ideally, eventually take over as president. Coordinate volunteers for races and social events.
Membership
Receive membership applications and distribute membership cards. Maintain club membership roster and listserv.
Treasurer
Maintain club checking account (e.g., paying all club bills and depositing membership dues). Provide periodic income and expenditure statements.

Appointed Positions

Newsletter Editor
Communications
Race Coordinator
Race Results Coordinator
Social Coordinator
Merchandise Coordinator
Coach

Happy Holidays
to all!

Membership Dues Now Due!
Membership dues for calendar year 2000 are due in December. For your convenience, we've included a renewal membership application in this newsletter. Please don't procrastinate in filling out the application and mailing it with your check to our Membership Coordinator, Suzanne Cote.