55th Annual RRCA National Convention

Education Sessions and Speakers

General Session:

Insurance & Risk Management – Sponsored by Star Insurance and K&K Insurance

Presented by Terry Diller – Attendees will learn about best practices in risk management from recent lessons learned from insurance claims, litigation, and more.  Learn about the RRCA insurance program  and it benefits your club and event.

Terry Diller has worked in the insurance industry for nearly 30 years.  His agency has handled the insurance program for the RRCA for 19 years.  He has also handled the insurance programs for other sports organizations such as the Iditarod Dog Sled Race, the AAU, the United State Tae Kwon Do Union and Cycle Oregon.  Terry runs on a daily basis and considers the four Boston marathons he completed to be the highlight of his running career.

Session # 12

Rethink Recovery with Lowfat Chocolate Milk: Nature’s Recovery Drink.

Continuing Education for Coaches:

Join us for a “refuel clinic” to hear a national expert talk about post-exercise recovery, specifically surrounding lowfat chocolate milk and its many benefits including the perfect carb to protein ratio, 9 essential nutrients and electrolytes. Our Spokesperson will also touch on different studies done across the nation on recovery and offer tips on how athletes can rebuild and refuel their muscles to get them to their next workout. Q and A

Presenter: Nancy Clark M.S., R.D., C.S.S.D. is an internationally known registered dietitian, board certified specialist in sport dietetics, and author of the best-selling "Nancy Clark's Sports Nutrition Guidebook.” She has a private practice in the Boston area. Some of her clients have included members of: Boston Red Sox, Boston Celtics, Boston College, and many collegiate, elite and Olympic athletes from a variety of sports. Nancy is also contributor to Runner’s World and active.com.

Session # 4

Bringing the Community into the Club – Beginning Runners Programs

Showcasing the most popular beginner running programs in Memphis: The Women Run/Walk Memphis Program, The Kids Running Program, and the Youth Villages child/coach mentor program. You will also learn about grant and sponsorship opportunities and how to apply these formulas to YOUR club in YOUR town.

Presenters:

DJ Watson is a lifelong "middle of the pack" runner who aims to finish races on the same day she starts them.  Currently training for her 6th Marathon in Chicago this fall, she is also a  RRCA Certified Coach and chronic Volunteer who serves on the MRTC Board of Directors, as Co-Director of the Women Run Memphis Program, Race Director for the Celebrate Munford 5K and the Road Race Series 10 miler and somehow also managed to snag being Co-Director of the 2012 RRCA Convention. In her spare time (ha!!!)  she tries to show up for her "day job" and take car of her family of two sons, 2 dogs, 3 cats and a very understanding huband.  Welcome to Memphis - we are thrilled to have you here. 

Terri Lee Clarke, married to Saint Richard of the Clarke, mother of four grown children (who grew up to be awesome, fun, funny, interesting adults and promptly moved out), grandmother to one darling angel faced perfection of male two-year-oldness and also mom to my substitute children, Dog and Cat, I’ve worked part time from home for the Memphis Runners Track Club for the past five years. I love my job, I love interacting with runners of all ages, shapes, sizes and speeds, I love working races, my favorite being in weather that is 20 degrees and windy or 100 degrees and 100% humidity, both of which make my hair look really good. After a couple years of naggly injuries and life getting in the way I'm happily back to steady running and look forward to doing my second marathon in the past year at the end of April. As Co-Director of the 2012 RRCA National Convention, along with George Higgs and DJ Watson I want to say that without George's hard work, dedication and commitment this convention would not be here this year, and without DJ's hard work, dedication and direction the convention would resemble a plate of tangled spaghetti noodles. DJ and I are also Co-Directors of the Women Run/Walk Memphis program, a 10-week couch to 5K training program that is extremely gratifying due to the literally thousands of woman over the years whose tears at the finish line make everything worth it. And thanks for all the laughs, ya'll.

Paul Spunky Ireland, I  have been a runner for 35 years. I have done 6 marathons. I helped start the Bartlett Runners and we have been running every Wednesday night for almost 25 years. I started the Runners Club at Youth Villages in 1998 as a volunteer. I am now on staff at Youth Villages as the director of the Runners Club. We have over 250 kids in our club and run with them 3 days a week in preparation for local races. I have been married for 45 years and have 1 son and 2 grand children. I am a lifelong Memphian and past president of the Memphis Runners Track Club. I have also been the Spirit Station director for the St. Jude Memphis Marathon for the past 5 years.

Jeanine Watts, MRTC Kids Director since 2006 and MRTC Member since 1995. Jeanine has been a certified fitness instructor for 25 years. She has certification with the American Council on Exercise; RRCA Running Coach; Spinning Coach and Personal Trainer with ACE. She has been involved in the completive sport of running for 22 years and triathlons for 15 years. In the Memphis market Jeanine is at the top of her field in running and triathlons. In addition, she worked in the fitness field for the YMCA of Memphis for 21 years. Jeanine was on the foundation of the MRTC Kids Program and she continues to lead the charge for the Memphis Runner Track Club. She has coached many runners and triathletes with Team InTraining and the American Stroke Association. Jeanine’s business career has been with FedEx for 28 years in the executive ranks of Finance. She has a Master’s Degree in Business from Christian Brothers University . She makes her home in Slayden , Mississippi . She enjoys her country farm with her husband. She is the mother of twin boys that have grown and produced six grandchildren that she cherishes.

Session # 9

Senior Running – “Running through your 60’s, 70’s and 80’s…

A roundtable discussion of issues related to running in your later years. Our panel is made up of highly accomplished runners in their 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. This is your opportunity to ask questions and discuss issues that affect runners in their later years.

Gerald Holbrook - Began running at age 51, current age 80. Entered my first race after 6 months of running, The first Elvis Presley and the only Elvis 10k. Fnished in 58 minutes, my 10k P R lowered to 42 minutes several years later. Entered and completed 17 Marathons in an eleven year period, including Boston. Marathon P R 3:33, at age 59, again at age 60. Completed over 700 races at all distances, one mile to Marathon. Ten years served on Memphis Runners Track Club Board of Directors, 2 years as President. Current holder of several Tennessee and Shelby County race records for a male over 75.Inducted into The Legends of Memphis Running in 2006.

Jane Ridsdel Scott Cox- DOB: 2/10/38, Age: 74, Nationality: English- American, Major Health Problem: Rheumatoid Arthritis - diagnosed at 54, Started running as a sport: Age 65, Experience: 1 marathon at 71 and about 20 half-marathons

Glenn Munson- Glenn Munson's first track coach was his father Donald who was an AAU champion in the 1940's and competed seveal times against the legendary Emil Zatopek. Glenn ran his first marathon in just under five hours at age 50 and two years later ran his p.r. and first Boston Qualifier. His proudest running achievements are qualifying for Boston for 10 consecutive years and running along side his daughter as she ran her first marathon in Pittsburgh in 2010. Glenn was the Registrar at Rhodes College in Memphis for 28 years and is now the Associate Registrar at the University of Memphis.

Session # 5

The Adolescent Athlete

Continuing Education for Coaches:

Richard P Erali, DPM, will lead the session with a focus on the common injuries of the adolescent runner - their biomechanics and anatomies, diagnoses and treatments.Dr. Erali is a native of New York and is board certified in podiatric surgery. He has practiced podiatry for 32 years. He is a graduate of Cornell University, earned a Master's Degree in Education from Cortland State Teachers College and received his Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) from New York College of Podiatric Medicine. Dr. Erali specializes in corrective foot surgery, pediatric foot evaluations, nail care, diabetic foot care, sports medicine (running clinics) and traumatic injuries. Dr. Erali has a special interest in working with runners. He is an RRCA Certified Coach and has run in more than 30 marathons.

Session # 11

Social Media as a Communicating Effectively With Your Club Members”

Using Facebook, Twitter, Newsletters, & Websites to effectively communicate with your members. You will receive tools to keep up member interest as well as communicating timely information to your club.

Presenters: Brent Manley- Brent Manley has been a member of the MRTC board since 1998 and is starting his seventh year as editor of the Roadrunner, the club's newsletter. A runner since 1985, he has completed 46 marathons and two ultras and is seven states away from running a marathon in all 50. For his day job, he is editor of the world's largest-circulation magazine about the card game of bridge.

Jessica Grammer- I love running, socializing and helping others! That brings me to where I am today. I have the pleasure of helping individuals and businesses, including an awesome running store and running group(s) in Memphis, grow through social platforms online.

John Payne, current VP for the Memphis Runners Track Club, has served on the board for 5 years. He is an avid runner, just completing his 10th marathon at the New York City marathon in November. He is the administrator for the Memphis Runners Track Club twitter account (@memphisrunners) and is active on other social media aspects of the club.

Session # 6

Little Red Riding Hood Redux.....A new spin on Conflict Resolution"

Interactive activity with participants. Presentation will include: Understanding Conflict, Causes of Conflict, Healthy and Unhealthy Ways of Managing & Resolving Conflict, Preventing Conflict.

Presenter: Karen Phillips Is a Tennessee Supreme Court, Rule 31 Listed General Civil Mediator. She provides private mediation services throughout West TN. Karen is also a recruiter for Bethel University, McKenzie, TN, in their Master of Arts in Conflict Resolution Program. Prior to becoming a mediator, Karen worked in the field of Social Work; working for a School system for 18 years serving students and their families, grades Pre-K through 12th gr., Juvenile Court as a counselor in Protective Services and the State of Hawaii in their Children & Family Services Department. Ms. Phillips has over 30 years of working with parties, assisting them in resolving conflict. Karen is the head coach, Intermediate 1 group for the MRTC Women Run/Walk Memphis program.

Session # 1

“Charity Races” Joining Forces To Put On A Marathon Or A Mega Race

Join the St Jude Marathon race directors as well as the director of the long standing mega race "24 Tour D'esprit"  as they outline how running clubs can partner with non-profit and charitable organizations to establish a race to the mutual benefit of both. Particular interest will focus on the St.Jude Marathon Weekend and the partnership between the Memphis Runners Track Club and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. We will also showcase the 24 Hour Tour d'Esprit, the most unique running event in the south. The 14th annual event supporting the Haiti clinic will take place the 1st weekend in October, 2012.

Presenters: Wain Rubenstein-Wain has been the race director for the St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend since its inception in 2002.  Prior to that he was the race director for the First Tennessee Memphis Marathon for five years.  He has been on the board of the Memphis Runners Track Club for over twenty years, and served as president twice.  He is currently Director of New Races.  He also served as Tennessee State Rep for the RRCA for eight years.  Wain is married and has two adult children.  In his day job he is the Administrator of the Youth Services Bureau of the Juvenile Court of Memphis and Shelby County.

Erin Martin is the Event Director for the St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend. Erin has worked for ALSAC/St. Jude Children's Research Hospital since 2008. Prior to St. Jude, Erin worked for the YMCA for eight years in Florida, North Carolina and Tennessee. During her time with the YMCA, she was the race director for several road races including 5Ks, 10Ks, half marathons and marathons. She enjoys cycling, hiking, running and pretty much all outdoor activities. She is married to her very best friend, Jerry Martin and has two amazing girls, Sydney Grace, 3.5 and Millie, 2 who she loves and adores. "I have the ultimate job- organizing a marathon and doing it for the children of St. Jude!"

Dr. Gordon Kraus- Native Memphian: graduated from Univ TN medical school 1980; Board certified Internal Medicine; private practice of hospital and office based care for 28 years; clinical instructor for Univ TN medical school; long term member of the MRTC, recreational jogger having completed several marathons including Boston, NY, Marine Corps, Paris, Philadelphia, and Memphis. Active as president of Haiti Medical Missions of Memphis having recently returned from the established clinic and rehab center in Haiti. Race director for the 24 Hour Tour d'Esprit, the most unique running event in the south. The 14th annual event supporting the Haiti clinic will take place the 1st weekend in October, 2012.

Session # 7

“Purchasing an Electronic Timing System For Your Club”

Should your running club buy an electronic timing system and, if so, what considerations, including cost, RFID technology & customer support best fits your needs. War stories from the field – we will tell you all about the real world!

Presenters:

George Higgs- George Higgs has been a member of the Board of Directors of the Memphis Runners Track Club since 2008; is an avid runner with over 40 slow marathons to his credit & was instrumental in the decision & selection process of timing equipment for the MRTC.

John Payne, current VP for the Memphis Runners Track Club, has served on the board for 5 years. He is an avid runner, just completing his 10th marathon at the New York City marathon in November. He was active in the selection process of the timing system that the club currently uses, is the head timer for the club and times for Best Times CCT at several of their events every year.

Session # 2

New Revenue Sources for Clubs

Earning additional revenue for your club: Examples will include marketing your club’s brand in merchandise and running apparel, race services, and online photo sales.

Presenters:
Blair Parker -Blair is an avid runner and active in the MidSouth running community. He takes thousands of pictures for the MRTC every year. A licensed landscape architecture and he approaches photography with similar creativity. But it is his analysis and observations that have helped the MRTC build a strong photographic presence for our membership. Our 'Photogs' are volunteers and volunteer when their personal schedule allows ... and their efforts created over $2,000 in profit in year 2011.  Join us as Blair explains MRTC photography; where we began, where we are and why we have made the decisions we have. You will find his observations interesting and insightful and he will encourage your club to evaluate this 'not as difficult as you might think' revenue source.

Jessica Suzore, MRTC Board Members, Recording Secretary and Finish Line Crew member is mom of four great kids and an avid running, having a BQ under her belt.  She also volunteers at many races throughout the year as club photographer along with Blair Parker.  Her excellent eye for photography elevates race photos to art and is a big factor in the success of online photos as an opportunity for income.

Julie Cleary Dillon, PhD is happily married to her running partner – another running romance – and works a children's hospital as a speech-language pathologist.  She serves on the MRTC Board as Director of Merchandise.  She and her crew have grown this once little offering of a few shirts into a thriving opportunity for runners to get quality gear at low cost, spreading our brand around town at training runs and races and generating income flow for the club.

Session # 3

USATF Certification of a Race Course

The art and science of creating, measuring and getting a race course USATF certified.

Presenter:  Robert E. Hunter, P.E.

Rob has a BS in Civil Engineering from Mississippi State University and he is a licensed professional engineer in TN and MS.   He retired after 33 years at the local utility company and now spends many hours each week in support of Memphis Runners Track Club, typically measuring courses, placing cones, working at the finish line and helping to maintain the club’s equipment. Rob ran several hundred races in the 1990’s including 14 marathons but bad knees limit his exercise to cycling these days.  He also serves as Assistant Race Director for the St Jude Marathon Weekend.   In 2011 Rob and his small team of volunteers earned over $5,000 for the club’s scholarship fund measuring run courses in TN, MS, and AR.  While the USA Track & Field website has a very detailed manual on run course measurement, Rob will highlight these procedures and share some tips he has learned along the way.

Session # 8

Nutrition and how it affects your body as you age

Continuing Education for Coaches:

This session will focus on how nutrition affects your running as you age.

Presenter:

Session # 10

Preventing and Overcoming Running Injuries

Continuing Education for Coaches: 

This session will focus on preventing and recovering from running injuries.

Presenter: Ellen Walker PT-Senior Physical Therapist at Summa Health System Outpatient Rehabilitation at the Tallmadge Recreation Center. Ellen assists the Medical Director for the Akron Marathon in coordinating medical services along the race course and at the finish area medical tent. Ellen has spoken to various professional and community groups on the topics of running gait analysis and common running injuries and prevention. She is an avid runner completing 14 marathons and 27 half marathons in her 30+ years on the road, trail and track. She has been a coach for youth cross country and track programs for 7 years.