  |
|
JSU Librarian and Marathon Runner By Dr. William A. Meehan President, JSU Jacksonville State University faculty member’s love of marathon running has evolved into an opportunity for others to enjoy the sport and a little friendly competition between departments at JSU. Mrs. Laurie Charnigo, assistant professor and assistant librarian at JSU, has been competing in marathon races for the past three years. A marathon race is 26.2 miles long and traces its origins to the Olympics. A native of Griffin, Ga., Mrs. Charnigo earned a master’s degree at the University of Alabama before joining JSU in June of 2002. “I started running to relieve stress and just fell head over hills for the sport,” said Mrs. Charnigo. “I even met my husband while running.” Mrs. Charnigo, who began running about five years ago, ran 14 miles her first time trying the sport. Now, she runs close to 40 miles per week training for marathons. Her training partner is Mrs. Kim Stevens, also an associate librarian at JSU. Mrs. Charnigo recently ran in the Mercedes Marathon in Birmingham, the Rocket City Marathon in Huntsville, and the Gamecock Gallop, a 5K race held annually at JSU. She has won the race in the women’s division for the past three years. This love of running has also rubbed off on other members of the staff at JSU’s Houston Cole Library. The library now has several employees who participate in marathons and various road races around the state. Mrs. Charnigo and her teammates won first place in the Gamecock Gallop for the highest number of participants for three consecutive years. These results have fueled a friendly rivalry with JSU’s ROTC Gamecock Battalion, and with the Department of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation. The “road warrior” team from the library, led by Mrs. Stevens, issued a challenge to all departments at JSU to participate in the Gamecock Gallop. The next Gamecock Gallop will be held on 29 Oct 2005. Mrs. Charnigo also helped coordinate other road races in the Jacksonville area. During the spring semester 2005, she was the administrator of a 5K run sponsored by Jacksonville Lions Club. The race will now become an annual event to help raise funds for charitable groups in Calhoun County. Some of the services include providing glasses or distributing food for the needy and transporting the elderly to doctors. “I enjoy running marathons because you learn discipline and it challenges your willpower,” said Mrs. Charnigo. “You must have a strong willpower to finish a 26.2 mile road race.” Mrs. Charnigo is now inviting people who are interested in participating in the Mercedes Marathon in Birmingham to join a training group that will be running on Sunday mornings. The marathon will be held on 12 February 2005. For more information about the Birmingham race or about marathon running, call Laurie Charnigo at (256)782-5245 or send e-mail to |
 |
|
[Pagemaster] |
 |