oried presidential career of El Presidente.  Well, I would like to think that it has been storied, anyways, possibly the greatest reign of any Sierra Challenge Express President to date, but I’ll let history do the deciding on that (no disrespect to past presidents of course….)  What I can honestly say from my perspective, that it's definitely been at times, trying and more stressful than I was wanting or ever hoped for, but ultimately after 4 years, it has been a rewarding experience.  Going back to my first presidential address (which I started – shameless plug #1), I recalled myself as a customer in the first running store and talking to Shawn Young (the club's first president) about the club starting up and thinking that a running club was just no fit for me.  Years later I admitted to coming full circle to now becoming President of said club to which I had no fit.  Through these years and Presidential notes, I've tried to focus on the club and made decisions or gave opinions to what I thought would be best for the club as a whole and what would be best for the runners to which the club provides.  I have been privy to see a handful of new club members join and thrive (who couldn't?) under Coach Ray and tell me how much fun they have.  I have been privileged to work with many different people serving as board of directors and many of the countless and selfless volunteers that have made the club races as successful as they are.  Given the emails that I receive through our email address (which I started – shameless plug #2), interest continues to grow as people continue to seek out new ways to make what can be described as a mundane activity, fun and exciting.  I have had an absolute blast seeing all of us experience what fun the club is outside of running at our annual picnics (which I started – shameless plug#3...sense a trend??? Ok, I'll stop and rest on my laurels now even though I could go on... Stroller Champ x 2 baby!!!).  While I can brag about what a great President I have been (for awhile...), the truth of the matter is that the club is great because of you the runners, Coach Ray, and our volunteers.  No Board of Directors or even the almighty El Presidente could take credit for the success of the Sierra Challenge Express.  As I look back on the past years, I am content with what has transpired (mostly) and look forward to what the future holds for the next poor sap (everyone welcome Dave L to the party!!!) to take the position.  I recall Shawn proclaiming how he “broke for the door” as soon as Deb took the reins of the club.  While I now understand the sentiment and want to make my break for the distant horizon to never look back, I will definitely be around to share some expertise and aid the club in any way that I can.  I know that regardless of who takes over the club, they will share the same sentiment that I have that it will prove to be a rewarding and memorable experience.  I want to state publicly and personally that I want to thank each and everyone of you who read my addresses, have run with me, have volunteered for club functions, and just been a part of Sierra Challenge Express.  While I am not known to be a social person, the club has provided me with a great social network and one that I am proud to have been a part of, let alone lead.  Thank you for allowing me to be a part and help to represent the Sierra Challenge Express.  

For the final time,