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Lead Stories: Tuesday, October 7, 2008

New Post by Once A Runner Author John L. Parker, Jr.

Posted September 24th, 2007 at 8:12 PM by Jimmie R. Markham

Section: News & Results, Motivation, Success Stories, Track & Field

John L. Parker, Jr., the acclaimed author of the cult-favorite track & field novel Once a Runner who recently suffered a life-threatening “severe cardiac event,” has finally recovered enough to actually be able to post a note on his CaringBridge website. After all these days of uncertainty, I’m sure he won’t mind if I post it in its entirety for the running community to read:

Hi everyone. This is a quick note from the actual JP, not a stand-in. I’ll have a lot more to say in coming days about this long strange journey I’ve been on, but I just wanted to pop on quickly to thank everyone who has commented on this web page or sent good wishes, prayers, or (what we used to call in the 60’s) good vibrations my way. I have read every single comment and many brought actual tears to my eyes.

Novelists try very hard to make hard fast connections with their readers and I have been aware over the years from the occasional note, letter or email that I had at least partially succeeded with *Once a Runner* years ago. But the comments and good wishes from readers on this web page and elsewhere have been just plain humbling.

Thanks to my brother Jerry, and my wonderful Catherine, for everything. In “everything,” I include–literally–my life.

Of all the notes on his guestbook, perhaps the most intriguing one was signed today by none other than the legendary Olympic gold medalist (and former Florida Track Club teammate) Frank Shorter. To read the note from Shorter and stay informed of the latest great news regarding JP’s continued recovery, you can visit his website: [CaringBridge]

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On the Road & Around the Track:TFS News Briefs 9/13/07

Posted September 13th, 2007 at 1:29 PM by Jimmie R. Markham

Section: News & Results, TFS News Briefs

U.S. Olympic Trials Marathon Just Got “Officially” Interesting
The leading contenders in the U.S. Olympic Trials Marathon on November 3rd, 2007 have officially entered the race. Dan Browne (unattached / Nike), Ryan Hall (unattached), Abdi Abdirahman (unattached / Nike), Meb Keflezighi (unattached / Nike) and Alan Culpepper (unattached / Nike) are among the entrants. You can see the entry list at: [USATF]. Also, please vote for who you think is the favorite to qualify by voting in TheFinalSprint.com’s poll in the column to the right (Below the RSS Feeds)!

Wariner: Sub 43 in 2007?
Jeremy Wariner will continue chasing his dream of becoming the first human to run a sub 43 400m Dash this Sunday in Berlin. He is also scheduled to compete in Warsaw, Poland and Shanghai, China later this month. Read more at: [IAAF Golden League] and [JeremyWariner.com]

Marathoner Jenny Crain Remains in Critical Condition
Jenny Crain remains hospitalized and in critical condition after being hit by a car while training in Milwaukee on 8/21/2007. You can contribute to her Make It Happen recovery fund and read more at: [Make It Happen] [The Register-Guard]

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