Feb 3, 2000

I am not a runner. But because my daughter came to love running at the age of 12 and no one else was available to do the job, I now find myself in the position of being a cross-country coach for a junior varsity team and a coach of a running club for students and faculty at Holy Trinity Academy in Melbourne, Florida.

Our runners range in age from 10 to 42, and they run together three times a week. I ride my bike to encourage them and make sure the younger ones don't get lost.

I too was moved to tears when I read your column and was very encouraged by George Sheehan's words of wisdom. I always tell my runners to run their own race. By showing up and doing their best, no matter what their time, they are winners.

As Dr. Sheehan's said, "No one can do more, or should do less." I will pass those fine words on to my runners. (Sandy Hillyer)

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