President’s Message.
RUNNING IS GOOD FOR YOUR SOCIAL HEALTH, FAMILY BONDS, AND LONGEVITY!
As the President of Tamalpa Runners, I am thrilled to share with you the many ways in which running can enhance not just your physical well-being but also your social health, family bonds, and overall longevity. Our community is built on the foundation of mutual support and shared passion for running, which extends far beyond the trails and tracks. In this message, I reflect on the personal and communal benefits of being part of such a dynamic group, and how our collective efforts contribute to healthier, happier lives for all.
I volunteered to serve on the Board of Directors for Tamalpa Runners as I felt my association with this group benefitted my family and me greatly, and agreed to serve and give back to the group. But more than this group, board members are serving all the families in Tamalpa as well. By doing so, we are benefiting our schools and our communities, too.
Tamalpa members do much for our communities. Read a few prior Gazettes and you will see what I mean. Tamalpans are coaching youth running groups, school groups, prison groups, and adult running groups. Tamalpans serve as volunteers at track workouts, road workouts, and trail runs. We create and lead race events all year round. Tamalpans represent Marin County in running competitions locally, statewide, nationally, and even internationally…every year!
On a personal level, reflecting on my experiences, running is a hobby that has given me many of my long-time friends, varied travel experiences, and even led to meeting, dating, and marrying my best friend, Danielle Herrerias! We were introduced by a common friend I met at a Monday Night running club at Fleet Feet on Chestnut street in San Francisco. I also met Kevin Mangan at these Monday night runs…he had recently moved here from New York City and became one of my groomsmen in my wedding!
I’ve also worked in the business world with many friends I met through Tamalpa…one of whom I just passed on the street in the Financial district just moments ago!
Having friends is key to a long life, they say, and friendship built on common interests are the longest lasting. Running therefore is not only good for our physical health, it is also vital to our mental health and longevity!
Finally, what example are we setting for our children? Develop healthy practices, build lasting friendships, and recreate together as a family. Running is something we can do together, unlike many of our children’s other sports where parents are just drivers and spectators. Our family ran together and attended Tamalpa runs together starting at early ages, and reinforced a healthy lifestyle that all our kids still pursue today.
So, congrats to you for being a member of the Tamalpa Runners community. Consider volunteering with other Tamalpans, and enjoy your greater mental health, family bonds, and longevity!
See you on the roads and trails of Marin!
Paul Herrerias.
Paul
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