emerald
platform
Running in the ‘Pear’
When I struggled out of bed and saw the rain drizzling
from the hunkering gray clouds I thought I was still in
Eugene No, this was Southern Oregon — but it was familiar
running weather. It was six-thirty in the morning and I
squinted to the west — in hopes the sky would break by
eight-forty-five — race time.
cort fern aid
sidelong glances
This was the sixth running of the Pear Blossom mini
marathon. They call it a mini-marathon even though it
measures only 20 kilometers. It starts in downtown Medford,
then almost at once, heads out of town
A steady rain fell on the runners gathering at the start. I
debated back and forth whether to leave my “sweats" on —
just wear my pants — or to strip down to shorts and singlet
and brave the wet and cold. In the end I decided "Ah, screw
it," and took off my "sweats.”
My preparation for this race had been disappointing. I
wasn’t at all sure I could go beyond 10 miles. While I jogged
waiting for the start, trying to loosen-up, my knee was aching
and my legs were plagued by little aches and pains. I was
worried.
The drum-roll grew louder. The runners greeting friends
became quiet. I scanned the spectators but didn't see her
Then the cannon went off and everyone jammed up
Once things were sorted out I found a comfortable pace
and stuck to it.
Despite the rain — which was letting up — the atmos
phere was congenial. Runners were talking, joking, snorting,
spitting and waving to friends lining the race course. I held
my pace, weaving through the tangle of runners.
It's probably weird, though most times when I run I
mentally play music. At last year's Pear Blossom I listened to
"Black Market Clash” throughout the race It annoyed me
when I reached the top of Henley Hill and some Bozo had the
theme from Rocky blasting from a cassette-player This year
it was the theme from Chariots of Fire at the top of Henley Hill
— but I was hearing “Police on My Back” and "Spanish
Bombs.” I put my hands over my ears as I reached the top
I thought I saw her behind a camera I was about to call
out when I realized no it wasn't her
I noticed another runner dodging through the slower
runners. He had all the sophisticated electronic devices and
the latest in runner’s wear. I drew even with him We didn't
say a word to each other, exchanging instead a competitive
glance. I would pass him and he'd stay on my shoulder. Then
he’d pass me and I’d lock onto his shoulder.
We fought each other for four miles — until he got three
strides on me and I knew he had me that day
Miles 9 through 12 went by so swiftly they were almost
surreal. To my surprise I noticed my knee wasn’t — and
hadn’t been — hurting It was probably the new Sauconys,
though I was glad for them 'ol endorphins "Endorphins
don’t fail me now,” I muttered.
I was nearing the final two blocks The crowd on either
side of the chute were cheering each incoming runner My
legs were throbbing. My lungs were burning I hoped she was
somewhere in the crowd. The time-clock read 1:23:50 — and
counting. I fought the impulse to calculate and pushed even
though it hurt. I remembered last year when I was so happy to
have even finished I didn’t think to look at my time. The
seconds were fleeting. I clenched my teeth and charged,
watching the clock all the way in.
"Hey, there's Cort,” someone shouted
Sunday, my legs felt like wood. It still hurts going down
stairs. But, I’m damned satisfied with my showing in the Pear
Blossom, even though I was about twenty minutes behind the
winner, Ashland’s Ric Sayre. I’ll be there next year.
Emerald endorses 7 for IFC
There’s a veritable mob of 35 aspirants
scrambling for the seven spots on the In
cidental Fee Committee In an effort to save
voters the time-consuming task of picking
and choosing among the 35 names on the
ballot during the elections Wednesday and
Thursday, the Emerald is recommending
seven candidates who we believe will serve
the students’ best interests on the IFC.
• Jeff Nudelman, a supporter of SPA
(Students for a Progressive Agenda), has a
responsible outlook on the programs IFC
funds He encourages the growth of vital
organizations
• Barton Hill, a biology sophomore,
wants to work with IFC funded programs to
decide with the programs on their budgets
Hill appears to be very organized
• David Lesser, a political science junior
running on the SPA platform, has been
actively involved in many campus organiza
tions He is presently director of Off-campus
Housing
• Devin Wate has a background in
business which will aid in his participation on
the IFC His stance is that of a fiscal
moderate, which will promote a balance
inside the IFC.
• Doug Rappaport, a sophomore Eng
lish major, brings a degree of experience to
the IFC. He was recently elected chairer of
the Residence Hall Goverance Committee,
an important non-student-government
position
• Mary Shrauger is new to student
government, but brings a keen enthusiasm
for the job She is concerned with equattffrtg
IFC funds among the various programs
• Betzy Fry has the most IFC experience
of all the candidates She worked with Alan
Contreras, ASUO vice-president of program
administration Fry wants to reevaluate cur
rent IFC expenditures
What is noteworthy about these seven
candidates is their realistic approach to the
IFC The Emerald urges the University voters
to cast their ballots for these seven
candidates
etters
Very concerned
As a student at the University
for four years I have been very
concerned about how my extra
fees have been spent I have
watched in amazement as the
IFC has used my money to fund
nonacademic, special interest
groups I feel it is high time to
elect IFC members who favor
funding school related groups,
not fringe organizations Mike
Cross is just such a candidate
Mike is experienced in student
government For two years he
served in student governemnt at
LCC. In my association with him
I have found him to be very
articulate, well versed in issues
facing the University, and able
to make tough decisions
Mike Cross wants to change
the direction of the IFC Dave
Ridenour, Doug Green, and Eric
Stillwell share these same
values Together they can and
will make a difference in how
our hard earned money is spent
John Wesley
Master Urban &
Regional Planning
Above all
Color, style, depth, if possible,
but, above all, accuracy is the
primary goal of the responsible
journalists
The Oregon Daily Emerald7
Charles O. Porter
Baker Bled.
Vote White
We have known Randy White
since our tenure began at the
University and have found him
to be most appealing as a
candidate for a position on the
Erb Memorial Board
We need someone who will
work within the framework of
student government and have a
receptive ear to the needs of all
students in this upcoming year
Next school year doesn 't have
to be the year that we all go
without Your vote does make a
difference We urge your vote
for Randy White for Erb Memor
ial Union Board
Derek Covey,
Kelko Hayashi
F
staff
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