Who's Who on the UVRC Board
By: RJ Jones
The dust has settled, the roar of the crowd dies down, and now your newly elected UVRC Board stands victorious from the grueling combat (aka an online election)! If you missed it, we had a recent changing of the Board members this year and there are a few new faces and many returning ones. The UVRC Board are the folks that are facilitating the behind-the-scenes work that keeps our club running smoothly and us moving forward both literally and metaphorically. Usually, people don’t want to know “how the sausage is made” but I think it is important (under all circumstances) to get to know the people that you elect; what their goals are, how you can relate to them, and also to see that they are quirky members of the community just like you! Which is why I asked my fellow Board members to write up a quick bio and answer some questions about themselves to help you get to know them and also so you can recognize who they are when you see them! These are your representatives that are committed to making changes in the club and the community so I highly encourage you to say hi when you see them and tell them your thoughts about ways we can make the running club even better! So in alphabetical order here are your current UVRC Board Members!
Cara Baskin
Position on the Board: help where needed
Where are you from: Suburbs of Philly
Goals on the Board: I'd love to get people together more often or outside of structured workouts
Running/Athletic Goals: Complete a hut traverse and a multi-day adventure!
What would your running theme song be: We Can't Stop by Miley Cyrus
Describe your perfect run: A climb so steep there is no expectation to run, tons of moss and mushrooms, and a technical descent where no one falls! Ok ok it's a hike.
Favorite stretch: Child's pose or half pigeon
What are reading/watching/listening to: I'm watching Love is Blind Season 3 and I feel like my brain is maybe turning to mush but the drama keeps me coming back week after week.
Geoff Dunbar
Position on the Board: Board member at large. Also series coordinator for the Upper Valley Running Series
Where are you from: Originally Cleveland OH, been in Hanover for the last 13 years
Goals on the Board: Keep the UVRS going!
Running/Athletic Goals: Running goal #1: Avoid major injuries. #1 permitting, would love to pace CBHM and CHaD, and qualify as UVRS finisher
What would your running theme song be: I'm a podcast while running guy... screw you music!
Describe your perfect run: We lived in Marin County for one year, and the trail running there was amazing! Mount Tamalpais, Muir Woods, the Dipsea Trail, Tennessee Valley Beach... such great runs and memories. Especially when my wife Nancy ran with me; pretty rarely in those days due to childcare issues
Favorite stretch: I wouldn't say it's my "favorite" thing, but my IT bands are very balky and need lots of stretching.
What are reading/watching/listening to: I just finished reading "Legends and Lattes" and it was a great comfort read.
Anything else you’d like to add: I was one of the founding UVRC members 12 years ago. My main reason for founding the club was to run with friends, new and old. So, let's go for a run!
Kristine Flythe
Position on the Board: Treasurer/Leb. Rec. Liaison
Where are you from: Rhode Island
Goals on the Board: Continue assisting all members and be as supportive as possible to further club involvement and benefits
Running/Athletic Goals: Ideally to get my kids running with me, and to avoid getting shin splints.
What would your running theme song be: Anything fast-paced, and or something I can sing to. There are just so many options.
Describe your perfect run: HAHA well I can share one of my most memorable runs is running in the rain on a trail race. Although wet and cold when most folks were running around the puddles I loved running through them.
Favorite stretch: Any stretch where I can feel it is a great stretch.
What are reading/watching/listening to: Oh this is a good one. I often listen to music and PINK is a favorite. However if I’m going with what I’m spending most of my time doing it’s either coaching my kids in a sport of the season or helping with our school Parent Teacher Organization.
Robert Jones (RJ)
Position on the Board: President
Where are you from: Phoenix, Arizona. I came for an internship 8 years ago and I guess I lost track of time
Goals on the Board: To help more people enjoy running!
Running/Athletic Goals: I would like to do a double-digit run at least once a month. But my discipline is like the house of straw that the little pig built; a poor architectural decision and also it will collapse at the slightest provocation
What would your running theme song be: Get Over the Barrier (the Roaring Version) by the Falcom Sound Team. It’s from a video game and the Falcom Sound Team decided to crank the epicness to 11 and then break the dial clean off
Describe your perfect run: Just warm enough where I can wear a tank top and shorty shorts and feel comfortable, mostly flat with a net downhill, ideally no one else is around so I can sing out loud when the moment strikes me and not feel self-conscious, and ending at a nice bench or somewhere where I can flompf down and stretch and then get a cold drink. It’s the Rail Trail, I want to run on the Rail Trail all the time. Vert is for chumps
Favorite stretch: Sumo Squat!
What are reading/watching/listening to: I just watched Speed Racer for the first time. It is SO GOOD! My retinas were almost incinerated from all the color and brightness, but it was worth it.
Anything else you’d like to add: My sub-goals are to become locally famous as “that weirdo that runs on Route 120 all the time and appears to be dance-running”. And also to develop a catchy slogan for UVRC.
Elena Karis
Position on the Board: Board member at large
Where are you from: Currently White River Junction, previously too many to list!
Goals on the Board: Bulking up our social calendar
Running/Athletic Goals: Run slower and lift more!
What would your running theme song be: Funkytown by Lipps Inc.
Describe your perfect run: Moose Mtn loop on a clear, crisp fall day
Favorite stretch: Love a good supine spinal twist
What are reading/watching/listening to: I recently watched Reservation Dogs on Hulu and can’t recommend it enough! Hilarious and heartfelt.
Randall Reynolds
Position on the Board: Pacing Volunteer Coordinator
Where are you from: Connecticut/Vermont
Goals on the Board: Provide a fun environment for fellow runners
What would your running theme song be: Song Beat Control - Tilly and The Wall
Describe your perfect run: Running out my door on a combination of trails and roads that passes by several Witch Windows
Favorite stretch: Pigeon Pose
What are reading/watching/listening to: I have not been reading or watching anything lately as I have been working on a weather station and indoor temperature webserver for home. I do listen to many podcasts. Lately, I have been listening to a snowboard podcast, The Bomb Hole, and A Brief History of Mathematics.
Matt Sherman
Position on the Board: I’m a member of the UVRS (Upper Valley Running Series) and Social Committees. I also put together the Runner Profile in the monthly newsletter so let me know if you would like to nominate any of your friends!
Where are you from: I was born in Minnesota but grew up in Central Wisconsin and consider that home.
Goals on the Board: Increasing sustainable initiatives and awareness
Running/Athletic Goals: Potentially running my first race in 3 years after coming back from an injury.
What would your running theme song be: ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’ by Queen
Describe your perfect run: Right now it’s any run that doesn’t leave me feeling a little too tight the next day!
Favorite stretch: Can’t say I have one but I’ve been trying to be more consistent about practicing yoga, especially targeting the low back and hips.
What are reading/watching/listening to: Oh where to start! I’ll keep it simple(ish). I’m listening to an audiobook titled ‘World Without End’ by Ken Follett and it’s a 45 hour journey about monks and builders filled with political and personal drama. I also happen to be reading a book called ‘The World We Make’ by N.K. Jemisin, so apparently I enjoy books about worlds.
Helene Sisti
Position on the Board: Secretary
Where are you from: Wilder, Vermont
Goals on the Board: Continuing to create a welcoming environment; To support members in reaching their running goals - whether it's a 5k or a 50k!
Running/Athletic Goals: Run the Covered Bridges Half-Marathon in a time that is faster than my last (and first) Half-Marathon in Concord, NH
What would your running theme song be: Anything from the Rocky IV soundtrack - thinking of the training montage scene when Rocky runs in deep snow always gets me pumped!
Describe your perfect run: A perfect run is gently rolling hills, about 70 degrees, all on soft dirt, and with a running buddy to push me! Oh, and a lake to jump into when we are done!
Favorite stretch: Pigeon pose all the way.
What are reading/watching/listening to: I just finished The Last Dance and was completely engrossed. Chicago Bulls were all over the headlines for the entire 1990's. It was so interesting to see the personalities and team dynamics behind the scenes. I finished it over a week ago, so now, I am actually about to start one of Phil Jackson's books! :)
Tim Smith
Position on the Board: Formally President, presently Tuesday Night Track Coach (also Vice President)
Where are you from: I was born in Wisconsin, raised in upstate (western New York), but have lived in New Hampshire since 1988
Goals on the Board: I wanted to see the club grow into a year-round program (TNT use to go from April to October), and for us to support the more competitive sprite of the club (on-going). I am also interested in more professional coaching (two of us are now certified).
Running/Athletic Goals: Less injuries and more races
What would your running theme song be: Theme from Chariots of Fire
Describe your perfect run: "Golden Runs" (as I call them), are recognizable because you negative split without trying. Golden sunlight, dew speckled meadows, or perfect snow also help!
Favorite stretch: Huddler stretch. Not really useful, but very relaxing. Also reminds me of my steeplechase days
What are reading/watching/listening to: Reading: Fiction: Mysteries & Adventures. Non-fiction: Nature & Wilderness (non-tragic) adventures/exploration.
