Susan Jones (A.K.A. "Mama J")

Assistant Coach

 

"Unless we can hear each other singing and crying, unless we can comfort each other's failures and cheer each other's victories, we are missing out on the best that life has to offer. The only real action takes place on the bridge between people"

• 2003 Honoree for the 21st FOR WOMEN ONLY 5K RUN/WALK
• Participates in road races and relays of a variety of distances including the completion of 20 marathons to date
• Ran the BOSTON MARATHON in 1999, 2001 and 2002
• Multi-sport enthusiast participating in tri/duathlons in the area
• Practice Management Discharge Planning nurse at Univ. of Michigan Hospital
• Mother of 4 daughters: Lauren, Katherine, Anna and Rosemary
• Volunteer work with Hope Clinic. Traveled to Haiti on a medical mission in May 2005.
• Co-Coordinator for 'The Back Door Food Pantry' providing non-perishable food goods for those in need. Sponsored by St. Clare's Episcopal Church in Ann Arbor and The Food Gatherers organization.
• Member of The Ann Arbor Running Goddesses fitness group.
• Cairn Stone Adventure Hiking Tours to the Grand Canyon in October 
  2008 and Scotland May 2010
• The inaugural 5K SWIM TO THE MOON August 2010 finisher
  

"I love the young women I have the privilege of coaching. I admire their determination and work ethic...their great hearts and sense of fun. Those in the elite pack are to be highly regarded for their achievements, but there are throngs of us who can train, participate and perform in gratifying ways even when top medals are not earned. Winning the race is only one of the many goals. Just being out there doing your best is the most important achievement. They are learning life skills through their dedication to sport and my hope for all of them is to discover the rich rewards of a healthy, fit lifestyle...to live passionately and with gusto."

As the runner tests her mental and physical fortitude, she discovers strength, mental clarity, determination and spiritual depth with nature and her soul. The adrenalin and endorphins enhance everything in life as self esteem and courage are bolstered.

A quote from Dr. George Sheehan...physician, writer, philosopher, runner, "In facing life, no one knows exactly what is going to happen, what is going to be needed, where the search for the Grail will lead. The best we can do is be prepared. Running makes you an athlete in all areas...trained in basics, ready for whatever comes, ready to live each day, fill each hour and deal with the decisive moment."

"Challenge is the core and the mainspring of all human activity. If
there is an ocean, we cross it; if there is a disease, we cure it;

if there is a wrong, we right it; if there is a record, we break it; and 
finally, if there is a mountain, we climb it." ~James Ullman.

 

Best Wishes Saline Cross Country women~ may you realize your dreams and fulfill your goals in running and life.

"SEE IT. BELIEVE IT. ACHIEVE IT."

To my glorious gaggle of girls~ My chickadees!

With Love,
Mama J