Recently, many people have asked me who I thought would be a good officer, or whether I thought they would be a good officer. At first I would rattle off a list of names along with their accompanying positions. As I have thought about it more, the list of names has grown longer so that my recommendations for positions have doubled-up. Now, I know the club has two treasurers but I think three plus social chairs would be a bit excessive.

Originally my qualifications for a candidate where based on my perception of how they would handle the office right now. But, people rise to their responsibilities. I have little worry that anyone could handle the tasks of any position.

I think the only qualification for anyone is that they understand what makes this team great. We are not great because we race an arbitrary distance in an arbitrary time. We are not great because we have a kick ass training plan. Nor are we great because we throw parties into the wee hours of the morning.  This team is great—as Katrina put it—because anyone who wants to be here is welcome: the only requirement is that they show-up.

And people stay because this team is a refuge from all the things in life that assail them. I would run out of fingers and toes if I tried to count all the people who have told me in the past year that they need to run every day. They cite their addiction to the act of running or their need to socialize. The friendships and comradery have gotten many through rough patches. They love it here. Officers in every position need to understand and respect that.

Every action, decision, and policy needs to be done, made, and created with that greatness in mind. I look forward to passing the mantel to the next administration. I am excited to see the ways they will affect the club and its members for the better. And I hope they understand the responsibility of their positions.