Part of what has made the Winter Park Road Race so special over the last 10 years is the man whose memory it has honored. James C. “Jimmy” Barnett, M.D. was a Winter Park resident, skilled surgeon and avid runner, and this race was always one of his favorites. A physician who specialized in sports medicine at Jewett Orthopaedic Clinic for 20 years, Dr. Barnett was also team physician for the Orlando Magic. He and his wife died suddenly and tragically in a plane crash in 2000.
For many years before his death, Dr. Barnett was a fixture in Winter Park and in the local running community, and could often be seen running through town. And many local runners today still sing Dr. Barnett’s praises for treating their injuries and joint problems, and encouraging them to get back in their running shoes. As a dedicated runner, Dr. Barnett emphasized the blending of fitness and exercise in improving the quality of life for the patients he touched.
Betsy Hughes of Track Shack, said, “Dr. Barnett was our go-to orthopedic doctor within the running community because he actively participated in the sport. He was also a physician who took time to listen and understand his patients’ concerns. Hi is very missed.”
This year, Jewett staff, physicians and patients will be joining together as “Team Jewett” for the race, running and walking together in Dr. Barnett’s memory. If you knew Dr. Barnett as a friend, colleague or patient, you are welcome to join them and also, please be sure to meet by the Jimmy Barnett tree in Central Park around 8:45 am after the race for a brief ceremony and photo.
Christmas came early for me this year; not the weather though it was cold Sunday morning. My gift came from my daughter Emma, when she asked me to run the Disney Princess Half with her. We had been doing her long runs together and last month she mentioned that it would be fun to run together. It had not occured to me to do that since Jon and our staff help produce the event and work some long hours prior to and day of. But I am so glad I did! We had a blast running the half with almost 12,000 other ladies. Emma made us skirts to wear, she was yellow for Princess Belle and I had pink for Sleeping Beauty; unfortunately mine did not make it past the port-a-let break at mile 9. We saw so many friends on the course, plus met new ones! It was fun to see the event come alive; even just running the course was amazing after only seeing Disney courses on bikes when Tom and I used to measure them together in the middle of the night. Emma and I used all my running tips, though I need to practice the lipstick one; lost a couple items from my spibelt near mile 13. There were many spectators and cheer squads, we saw folks we knew at the water stops, we never stopped practicing our princess wave or smiling! The grandparents and brother Chris (home for spring break) surprised Emma at the finish line. It was a great morning, a great run and my special gift from Emma.
So many miles to run! MarathonFest headed out to Apopka on Saturday morning to run some hills in preparation for hilly races this spring. We got a little wet, but it wasn’t too bad.
We also were very well represented in Tampa with many of our runners participating in the half-marathon, the Challenge, and the full marathon. We had a few runners qualify for Boston and others set PR’s. The weather was cold and rainy on Saturday for those doing the Challenge but it was perfect on Sunday morning for the full and half marathon. Runners doing the Challenge picked up lots of bling! They had more medals than they could carry, several tech shirts, and even a sweatshirt. If you like race schwag, you might want to consider the Challenge next year!
Now we continue on with our training! Some of our runners will participate in the Princess Half Marathon on Sunday (Have you seen the medal? It’s very cool!) and others will complete a 20 miler in preparation for Boston or Nashville.
Let’s face it, some runs are better than others. And those are the days where all is well. It’s the other runs that make us tough! We trudge through the distance, we trudge through the day and just hope and pray the next will be better. Sure our diet plays a part, our sleeping schedule, even our stress; but know on even a crummy feeling run-you still did a run. You still got out there and worked out. That in itself should help you through your day.
Jon and I went down to Gasparilla this weekend. Jon ran a great half and I had the chance to run with an old friend through downtown while cheering folks on in the race. Judy was once a top masters runner in the US and even though she doesn’t compete anymore she is out running every day for an hour. She is my running idol; plus her stretching routine is unique! She picks up trash near her neighborhood most mornings! How awesome is that? A combo deal; looser hamstrings while helping her community.
It’s a busy running week in Central Florida. High school track is underway, we’ll be at Lake Brantly this Saturday, the Disney Princess is Sunday, we’ll be there too! Plus we are gearing up for the WPRR and the finale of the Track Shack Grand Prix Series March 13! Whew, I’m tired already just thinking about all that, but Chris will be home on spring break and we’ll have some fun family time…see you on the roads!
What running equipment, besides your running shoes, can’t you live without? Tell us why.
This month, the writer of our favorite answer, the one that is witty, inspiring, helpful or entertaining will receive a complementary entry to the Jim Payne Blue Ribbon 5k Run for Kids House. Please enter your email address when posting your comment; email address will not be published. The winner will be announced on the 15th of March.
So did you beat the bananas in the House of Hope Run Around the Pines 5k presented by Florida Hospital? How much fun was that? The mugs were awesome that the banana beaters received for MILK, ‘cept Jon’s was pink so he passed it on to Emma. We are so fortunate to have an incredible group of folks at Track Shack Events coordinate all our fun marketing ideas. So if I haven’t said it recently, thanks Natalie, Ann, Annie and Emma! for all you do to make our events fun and organized!
Wow! We are already at 100 posts. Thank you everyone for reading, commenting, and contributing to this blog.
To celebrate our 100th post, we’re adding a new category to the blog- Vlogs. It will include instructional videos, and behind the scenes view our events and stores. We hope you like them!
To start us off, Track Shack employee Dan will give a quick how-to on the Foam Roller.
The winner of the February blog is Nicki
Thank you to everyone who shared their story. It was very hard for us to pick a winner as you all had great stories.
The February Run it, Live it, Share it question was: How has walking/running changed your life?
Nicki replied saying: “I have always loved running. However, in the past 6 months it has become more than an exercise routine for me. I suffer from chronic depression. For years I thought I could “fix” it myself by keeping active and eating right. I was wrong. Once I got the help I needed, I realized that not only does running give me the endorphine boost I need, but it also gives me the “me time” I need. My running time is also my reflecting time. I realized the most important thing ever back in November while I was on my morning run-I totally love the person I am, and I am 100% happy with where my life is right now. Since that morning run, I have walked around with a smile on my face and, more importantly, in my heart.
Thanks again for your contribution Nicki !
The March Run it, Live it, Share it question will be posted on Thursday, Feb 25th.
New prizes will be awarded to the winner!
FreshPoint Fruit of the Race Start your morning with a ripe wholesome banana, and you’ll have asubstantial boost of energy to stay strong in the Run Around the Pines 5k. Bananas are a great way to stay hydrated after an intense run. They’re packed full of carbohydrates, potassium, vitamin c, and are fat free!
To highlight the importance of eating fresh produce for optimal healthy living, we want you to eat your fresh fruit, feel great and get ready to ”Beat the Bunch of Bananas.” We’re not kidding! Every runner or walker who finishes in front of the running bunch of bananas receives a Yoplait travel mug! Look on the bottom of the mug to see if you are one of 10 winners to win a fruit basket or a $250 gift card to Publix.
I love hugs. Once in awhile a customer is so happy, so satisfied or maybe out of pain and I get a hug. It’s pretty awesome. I didn’t really get any hugs on Saturday but I got to high five 1000 kids at our annual Track Shack Foundation Smile Mile. I received probably 978 smiles and 12 cries…a mile is a long way for some and these kids just needed a mommy type to reassure them until their own mom, dad, brother, sister or coach reached them, scooped them up and hugged them. Smile Mile is an amazing event, one we enjoy doing every year, one that plants those “fitness” seeds in the minds of the next generation.
What Makes the Winter Park Road Race Special?
