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JUNE 27, 2013 • CAMBELL COUNTY RECORDER • A13
COMMUNITY
RECORDER
Editor: Michelle Shaw, mshaw@nky.com, 578-1053
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Confessions of a reluctant runner
I don’t know if anyone has ever told you this before, but running is awful. I have never been tempted to go running because, well, have you ever seen someone mid-sprint? They never look like they’re having fun, no matter what great results they seem to achieve. At least, that’s what I used to think. Over the Memorial Day weekend, as I was contentedly sleeping in and wallowing in sloth, my boyfriend Quincy suggested that maybe, hey, you know, we should go for a run. And I thought, Becky Halter COMMUNITY PRESS “Hm. It seems possible. MayGUEST COLUMNIST be we should go for a run.” Because I am naturally averse to exertion, I didn’t have any official exercise garb. I put on what can only be described as the World’s Homeliest Sneakers, purchased at a discount outlet some years ago, and the sartorial equivalent of plastic foot alligators. Because I apparently have never bothered to procure white gym socks, they were topped off by pink-lavender knee socks, alluringly scrunched down my ankles à la a Hooter’s waitress. I didn’t want to perspire on my cellphone, so I strapped on a plastic wristwatch. Jane Fonda would have been proud. Quincy rewarded me with an almost-convincing, “Oh. Wow. Um, you look fine, doll.” For me, the only thing worse than sore muscles is wounded pride. I was about to
have both. We arrived at a bucolic walking trail and started with some demoralizing warm-up stretches. Because Quincy has an athletic past, he showed me the ropes. My abs got a great workout laughing at ridiculous-looking lunges, teetering hamstring stretches and torso contortions. Touching my toes in my yoga clothes in public with an enthusiastic man and plethora of ‘80s accessories, I learned my first and possibly most important lesson about running: You can’t be afraid to look stupid. Running is like singing karaoke: You don’t have to do it well to have a good experience. After an appropriate amount of sidewalk silliness, Quincy and I walked for maybe a half a mile, finally amping up to a slowish run-jog. I immediately wanted to die. I had full-on heart-pounding, snot-flowing, head-throbbing misery, down to the horrific gasping sounds and flailing limbs. After what seemed like seven hours (probably closer to two minutes), we decelerated back to a walk. Quincy grinned and said, “Good job!” That moment was my second epiphany: Running is only possible for me with an enthusiastic cheerleader/taskmaster. For the entire five-mile loop, Quincy took me to task with equal measures discipline and adoration, pushing me to run more than I ever thought possible (or desirable) and then following up with lavish praise. I survived an hour of in-
I learned my first and possibly most important lesson about running: You can’t be afraid to look stupid. Running is like singing karaoke: You don’t have to do it well to have a good experience. THANKS TO BECKY HALTERMON
termittent running and walking and while I would never characterize it as “fun,” I noticed an unsettling trend: It seemed to get easier and less death-inducing with each sprint. Yes, I was pooped at the end but I was also in a somewhat delirious state. Just moments prior I had assumed that I would have to be buried beside a trail in unbecoming clothing, and I ended up skipping to the car in a haze of achievement. Epiphany No. 3: Running can be awesome. So if you see someone slogging along through Union looking like an escapee from Sweatin’ to the Oldies, I may not look like I’m having fun, but I’m on my way to feeling awesome. Becky Haltermon is a nonprofit communication professional and fashion blogger at thefrump.com.
Without any official exercise garb, the author put on what can only be described as the World’s Homeliest Sneakers, purchased at a discount outlet some years ago. THANKS TO BECKY HALTERMON
LETTER TO THE EDITOR Community service needed
As a member and officer in two of the service organizations in Campbell County, I’m concerned about the demise of such clubs. A few years ago there were Lions clubs in Bellevue, Dayton, Newport and Cold Spring. Currently, there are two in Fort Thomas and Alexandria. These attempt to serve about 90 percent of the county. Rotary also was much stronger, have clubs in Fort Thomas, Newport, Bellevue and Southgate. Currently, there is one - Campbell County Rotary and it will probably turn its charter into the international organization within weeks. Organizations such as these need to attract members. They cannot thrive on 12 or 13, with only five or six taking active roles. They provide needed roles in the community. Lions is known for its help with eye sight. Rotary is active with several community service func-
Members of the KY Krushers Fastpitch team participated in Campbell County’s Trash for Cash program. THANKS TO LAURA BIHL
tions, many times helping other organizations. Being small, these organizations when approaching prospective members they hear, “You are too small.” Do only numbers mean something? But if that person and the next join, the clubs are larger. They can only expand when someone gets
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active. They can only conduct fund-raising functions, which are a necessity, by having individuals to carry them out. Another argument heard was, “We only go for the big bang.” Think about it. The big bang is one major project in a community, such as a park in the inner city. It gets great news
coverage for a couple days. What happens when that business works with the local food service organizations? Children get backpacks, shoes, food, clothing, etc. Food banks are filled. Homeless are fed. Potential customers are getting the help they need. And, for a business, a person from that business is seen out in the community. Each organization’s members help determine what is needed. Therefore, more members, more community vision. Campbell County Rotary is in need of immediate growth. It will meet on Wednesday, July 17, for lunch at noon at Highland Country Club, which could be its final meeting. Rotary normally attracts local business and professional men and women, but anyone is welcome to join. Alexandria Lions would also like new faces. It meets the fourth Tuesday of each month at Cold Spring Barleycorns at 6:30 p.m. Look into these and other organizations - K of C, Kiwanis, VETS, etc. All will welcome
228 Grandview Drive, Fort Mitchell, KY 41017 654 Highland Ave., Fort Thomas, KY 41075 phone: 283-0404 email: kynews@communitypress.com web site: www.nky.com
you.
Arnd Rehfuss President of the Campbell County Rotary
Krushers collect trash
The experience we gained in participating in the Trash for Cash litter program was very rewarding for our team. The group covered 10 miles which included a total of 16 participants. We grouped the participants together with about five to a group and spread them out covering the 10 miles on both sides of the roadway. We found many beer bottles and beer cans and also a storage container that had fruits and vegetables in it. One of our participants even found a one dollar bill! We would like to tell our neighbors to please respect our community and dispose of trash properly in cans or bins. Thanks again for the experience!
Laura Bihl Newport, KY Krushers Fastpitch
Campbell County Editor Michelle Shaw mshaw@nky.com, 578-1053 Office hours: 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday See page A2 for additional contact information.