23 May 2015 Running in Conway: Don Potter and the Conway Running Club
by Karl Lenser
If you happen to be driving around Conway between 5 and 6 a.m. during the weekday or weekends, you may notice several fairly large groups of runners traversing throughout the streets of the City of Colleges (and roundabouts). These early morning fitness fanatics are most likely part of the Conway Running Club that has been pounding the pavement in Conway since 1992 when the club was created by several dedicated runners who shared a vision and passion for running.
Don and Cheryl Potter, Henry Hawk, Jane Hawk, Linda Starr and Angela Ferguson served as the initial officers with Don Potter serving as president.
The CRC began with a membership base of 30 runners, and that number has grown to a current membership of 230.
Don has continued to be a fixture within the Conway running community as he has served many years on the CRC board and in many other capacities, such as a course certification official, race director for the PRU 12K and the Chase Race and has served on the Toad Suck Daze Run Committee for many years. He has been an integral part of the Conway area running scene for more than 20 years.
How long have you lived in Conway?
Twenty-five years. My wife at the time suggested Conway because her parents, grandparents and brother all lived here. After I lost her, I really had no reason to stay in Conway, but I was hooked. I love the atmosphere, size and political nature of Conway. I love to be able to call the chief of police, mayor, fire chief, circuit judges, city council members and other leaders my friends.
Your education and profession:
Licensed civil engineer, University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Retired from the Arkansas State Highway Department after 40 years. Retired from the City of Searcy as their City Engineer. Retired from the Tyler Group, Conway, as their engineering manager.
How and when did you start running as a form of exercise?
I started jogging in 1975 when I was overweight at 189 pounds. A friend at Toastmasters talked with me about running and got me excited about this form of exercise. Until I started jogging, the only activity I did was gardening, lawn mowing and fishing. My friend motivated me because after listening to him and seeing how he had slimmed down and had so much energy, I thought, “If he can do it, I can do it.”
How has running influenced your life?
Running somewhat parallels life and it becomes one of life’s basic needs — the need to move your body and muscles as they were designed to. It is enjoyable and the results bring happiness. Running is a great way to burn calories plus it provided you with many social benefits. I have made friends with an incredible number of people over the years.
What was your first road race?
It was down in Otter Creek in southwestern Little Rock. This was the only race where I did not record my time. I ran the race in a pair of cutoff jean shorts because I did not own a pair of running shorts. I recall observing the young guys that were faster than I was, and I was determined to not let that happen again. The racing bug officially bit me that day. I enjoyed all of the positive energy that I witnessed at the race.
You have directed many races over the years. How did you get involved in it?
The Grand Prix Race Series was going well in 1992. Another club that was going to host a 12K had to withdraw, so Paul Krause and I (with the board’s approval) volunteered the CRC to host the race in Conway. I learned a great deal from that experience and I have used this knowledge when I have directed other races. Keep it simple; have an accurate and safe/well-monitored course; feed the runners well and have accurate results. The key is having solid direction from the board in addition to ample supply of gifted and talented volunteers.
When it is time to relax, what do you like to do?
Travel, enjoy spending time with my bride, play with our dogs and read. I am involved quite a bit with our church and leadership ministries within the church.
You have been running for 40-plus years. What has been the key to your running longevity?
Consistency. I have been able to avoid the typical runner’s ailments such as IT band syndrome and Runner’s Knee. I was a victim of the Plantar Fasciitis Monster and that kept me out of running for nine months. I still run six times a week and have not missed a scheduled day of running in the past four years. I have run more than 60,000 miles over the past 40 years. Common sense and gradually increasing your mileage and intensity is the key.
Your philosophy of life is:
Yesterday is history and can’t be changed. Tomorrow is the future and I have no control over it and today is the only day that I can somewhat control by making prayer-led choices and sound decisions that provide happiness for myself, my bride, my family and others.
Live this day to the fullest because we have no promises about tomorrow.
A Conway resident, Karl Lenser is the director of wellness programs at Hendrix College. He has bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse. An accomplished runner, he can be reached at [email protected].
