Need is the mother of invention. We were evangelists really, although we didn’t know that. Undated, unnumbered, the first issue of the Sisu Striders newsletter was simply a call to arms. Mimeographed, of course. Summer, 1974.
“Sisu” is a one-word description of the spirit of the Finnish people. It translates awkwardly as “pride, determination and courage.” To us, it also describes the spirit of the distance runner, whether a noon-time jogger or a world-class competitor.
Running is fun. But preceding and underlying the enjoyment of running is adversity. The runner overcomes this adversity with a combination of pride, determination and courage. The result is a robust feeling of well-being, a feeling of accomplishment, a certain joy in the sensation of exertion and, above all, a state of health achieved by too few Americans. These are the rewards of hours of hard work and discomfort.
Like so many similar things, it seems that when the rewards of running are at their highest, the temptation to quit is always lurking in the shadows, supplying you with a constant stream of excuses, minor injuries, adverse weather conditions, something better to do, waning interest, loneliness, etc.
The competitive runner usually has the constant stimulus of future competition to keep him/her going. It is more difficult for the “fun” runner because the motivation is of a much purer nature.
For either type of runner, however, there is a paucity of encouragement in Northern Arizona. Few Races exist and most runners are isolated by natural shyness and by the lack of any structure in the local running scene.
The two greatest sources of encouragement for the runner (beyond his/her basic motivation) are competition and companionship. Not just the companionship of having someone to run with but the comradery of sharing the secrets and discoveries of running. There is so much to learn and so much to share that only another runner can understand or relate to.
For this reason, the SISU STRIDERS is born. But beyond this need for encouragement, are more practical reasons for forming a local running club.
It has become apparent to many local runners that Northern Arizona not only could easily support a road running and track club, but indeed has use for such an organization. Having driven to Phoenix and back after having raced in the heat, it has become obvious that less distant competition would be the more intelligent course of action.
The problems of transportation are great, particularly in the current “gas crisis.” And, surely, the travel time can be put to better use. In addition, many runners do not wish to compete vigorously, but desire an occasional competitive effort to judge their condition, or whatever….
The Sisu Striders propose to offer runners and joggers of all ages and both sexes a club. The aim of this club is to encourage competition and association with other runners.
The Sisu Striders is being organized by runners for runners. Races will be held regularly. A newsletter will be published on a regular basis. The newsletter will contain information of local races, and on races in other areas. In addition, advice on running, opinions, features on local runners, etc. will appear whenever articles are available.
Besides the newsletter, we hope to offer club members discounts on running equipment through local sporting goods stores. The Alpineer on S. Beaver St. has come to the forefront in this regard.
They will be carrying running equipment in the near future and club members will receive a discount on these articles. We expect that the other local sporting equipment dealers will follow suit.
Tee-shirts inscribed with the emblem of the Sisu Striders will be available to memebers [sic] at cost. The emblem can also be silk-screened onto your own tee-shirt, or any other article for that matter, for a charge of 50 cents.
Since we’re on the subject of money, we might as well raise the topic of membership fees. We have agreed on an annual fee of $10.00 per person. In exchange for this fee the club will provide
- One free tee-shirt
- A year’s subscription to the newsletter.
- A one-year subscription to Running – The Journal of The Scientific Study of Distance Running.
- Waiver of entry fees at all local club races.
- All of the rights and privileges associated with membership.
What’s left of the $10, after all these expenses are taken care of, will be used to encourage running in Northern Arizona.
We hope to accomplish this goal in two ways. We will first try to educate the public about the physical and emotional benefits of regular running. Secondly, we hope that the enticement of rewards and recognition at local races will stimulate participation. This encouragement of, or promotion of, participation is one of the major goals of the Sisu Striders.
The other major reason for our existence is to provide regular competition and stimulation for the active runners of Northern Arizona.
If you think you would like to join or would like more information, contact either Ned Frederick in Biological Sciences 313, Scott Baxter at the Alpineer on 406 S. Beaver St. or write : Sisu Striders, Box 267, Flagstaff, AZ 86001.
Scott Baxter
Ned Frederick
Jack Welch