"And because body becomes soul, soul
becomes body, running is a total experience. It is an art
and more then an art."
George Sheehan
Diane Crooke-Szwajkowski
Almost 12 years ago I was asked to start a race in Doylestown.
And so I did, and the Doylestown 5K was born! After seven
years serving as race director, I stepped down and became
the secretary for the board of the Bucks 5K Series.
Seems my life has always had running in it. I started as a
sprinter in Junior High and High School. In college, I started
running longer distances. In my early 20's I began racing
Duathlons, onto Marathons in my thirties. Twelve marathons,
many half marathons, countless 10k's and 5k's, I am now in
my forties. On July 25, 2004 I completed my first Ironman
Triathlon, it was only my third Triathlon. This was one of
the most memorable times of my lfe, for it was at the finish
line I became engaged. "Ironman Joe", as we called
him, now my husband ask me to marry him. Joe and I completed
the Ironman, and little did I know that at the finish line
he would get down on his knee and give me an diamond. My son
Cody, held the ring all day, and when we came into the Olympic
Oval at Lake Placid he handed the ring off to Joe. Needless
to say, running has been a big part of my life!
Since running has been such a gift in my life, I like to give
back that gift. One way I give back is to be a part of the
running community. My involvements have been with: Our Lady
of Mount Carmel Cross Country and Track Teams where I helped
in coaching. Now, I serve as the Race Director for the "Friends
of the Dove 10K" the race is a fundraising event for
Peace Valley Nature Center.
In March of 2005, I was hired as Assistant Race DIrector for
the Philadelphia Triathlon in Fairmount Park. The first olympic
distance triathlon held in Philadelphia. The race to be held
this June 2006 has already been sold out. The "team"
will also be staging a first time race in Atlantic City NJ,
this September.
Professionally, I am a Certified Massage Therapist and USUI
Reiki Master/Teacher in private practice for over thirteeen
years. I facilitate a class on "Relaxing your Body and
Mind" through the Central Bucks Commmunity Schools. I
work part time as a Personal Fitness Trainer and Indoor Rowing
Instructor at Philadelphia Sports Club at Highpoint.
In my spare time, I love to work out with my husband Joe.
We swim, bike and run. I cross train indoors with weight training
and rowing. In the Spring and Fall I enjoy watching my son
Cody row for Bucknell University. I enjoy art, reading and
the out-of-doors.
I have been a part of the Bucks 5K series since the beginning,
and have watched it grow into a first class event. I am grateful
to be able to be a part this great event and to be around
folks who have a passion for the same thing I have. Running,
I suppose is in my blood!
I hope to see you at the races. And remember, it starts with
a single step! Good luck this season and run your best! If
you can dream it, you can do it. Enjoy life!
Diane
2006
