About Central Florida Striders  

Click link above for website

Central Florida Striders (CFS) was founded by Joe Dexter.  Joe was my brother Tim's best friend for the last 10 years of his time here with us.  Joe has just relocated from Tallahassee to Orlando and he wanted to start a different type of running club that will reach into all areas of fitness and health.  I met Joe when I went to Tallahassee to spend time with my brother in his tough battle with the cancer that took his life. 

After Tim's passing in March of 2001, I started running and two years later I ran the Tallahassee Half Marathon.  I ran a PR that cool day long ago and I owe it to my brother Tim and his best friend Joe Dexter.  You see Tim was in front of me that day, telling me to keep pushing... keep the strength... keep the pace.  I swear that I saw Tim's shadow in front of me that day on that lonely trail as the sun was coming up.  I could hear him talking to me saying " keep pushing brother Jon, keep pushing.... Joe Dexter is right behind you... closing in.... don't let him catch you".  as I made the turn around at 6.55 miles, there was Joe about 30 seconds or so behind me...... Tim was in front of me and Joe was behind me.  I turned it up and maintained a good even pace that I have not been able to match even yet.  I beat Joe to the finish in that race and I can honestly say that that was the most special race I have done since I've been running.

Joe is here now in Orlando and I am one of the first founding members of this future great running and fitness club.  I am proud to have been asked to be a member and I am sure my brother Tim has got a big smile on his face knowing that his baby brother's life and his best friend's life have crossed almost eight years since his passing.

So for all these reasons, I would like to ask fellow runners that know me to please join and support our new club and please check out the website at www.CentralFloridaStriders.com   As soon as everything is properly set up, we will be having our very first race, hopefully in August.  If anyone knows me, they know that I do not and will not do things halfway.  I know you will be hearing a lot about this club in the very near future.

If anyone has any questions, please feel free to contact me at mxracer36@msn.com or go to the website at www.CentralFloridaStriders.com .  The application for joining is on the site and contact information.

Remember, pain is just weakness leaving the body.

Jonny "Jpeg" Simpkins