Track Shack I 40 Years Running 10 There’s been a lot of reminiscing recently because Track Shack is celebrating 40 years of running in Central Florida. It’s hard to mention Track Shack’s history and not remember Jim Kirwin, aka “miJ”, as most runners called him. Jim Kirwin was a legend among the Orlando running community. I feel fortunate to have known him, even for a short time, and truly it was not long enough. Jim directed the marathon training programs for Track Shack early on, starting in 1991 with the Jeff Galloway Program.These programs paved the path for those of us running today. In fact, MarathonFest, as we know it now, was an idea that Jim had as a hybrid training program. These were humble beginnings and 12 runners joined Jim that year for the start of life-changing running experiences that continue today. I heard stories about Jim long before I met him. Jon and Betsy introduced us when I volunteered to help coach a triathlon program with Jim. Once we met we soon became fast friends. He certainly lived up to his reputation; he was everything I’d heard and then some! His passion for running, his love of people, and a ‘wicked’ (miJ was from Boston) sense of humor, made him one of a kind. Jim was diagnosed with stomach cancer several months after I met him. There were surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation, and a long recovery process. He amazingly pulled through and, in true ‘miJ’ fashion, came back to work. He even hoped to run another marathon but the cancer returned, taking his life all too soon. There is an old adage that we are all replaceable, but I beg to differ. Jim Kirwin was not replaceable; he was unique and, therefore, irreplaceable. When asked to take his position as Program Director, I knew I could never fill his shoes; no one could. But Jim prepared me for this opportunity. He shared with me his ideals, goals, and dreams for the training programs; working with him I learned his organizational skills and attention to detail. I decided to accept the position of program director so I could honor my friend by continuing his legacy offering a variety of running programs for everyone; beginning runner to seasoned marathoner. So, here I am today, some 15 years later! I believe miJ would be pleased to see how the programs have evolved during that time. Today, over 550 MarathonFest and Galloway runners and walkers are training for events happening all over the world! Our 5 & Dime speed building program and our Zero to Fit and children’s running programs the Cheetahs, number well over 100 participants. To say Jim Kirwin profoundly impacted my life is an understatement, but I’ll say it anyway because I don’t know how else to express the magnitude of his impact upon my life and my gratitude. One of the many things Jim taught me was to make sure that all any runner has to do is “just show up” to our workouts. So, yes, that’s all you Remembering “miJ”...Track Shack’s First Coach have to do, just show up. This sounds simple, but it’s not, it’s the first step in the process of becoming a runner. It’s a commitment to improve your health and fitness, and, more importantly, it’s an investment in yourself. Show up ready to run. But, if you can do that, Track Shack will take care of the rest.We have the staff, the support, and the programming, so all you have to do is show up! You never know who you might meet and what experiences lay ahead for you! I met “miJ’ when I showed up, who might you meet? By Susan S. Paul, MS Training Program Director for Track Shack Fitness Club Running legends Jon Hughes, Jeff Galloway and Jim Kirwin Next group training sessions begin October 16 Zero to Fit A 10-week, group-coached program for adults ready to improve their overall fitness through running and walking. Meets twice a week in Orlando and Lake Mary. Five and Dime A 10-week speed building program for adults to improve their 5k and 10k times. Meets twice a week in Orlando. Cheetahs Running Club For kids age 8-12 who want to learn proper running techniques while having fun. Packed with games, practice runs and a focus on sportsmanship. Meets twice a week in Orlando.. Start today! Run to TrackShack.com