Joe and Hope Sellers

How long have you been a HARRA member? : Joe: I have been a HARRA member from the start when the Gulf Coast running was dissolved and replaced by HARRA. Hope: 3 1/2 years

Are you a member of a running club? : We are members of Bayou City Road Runners, Houston Striders and Houston Racing

Volunteering experience: Joe: As a volunteer in my past I have been a Boy Scout, volunteer fireman, Road Runners Club of America southern region representative, running clubs President, Vice president or Board member, Race Director or committee member for various races around Houston and a volunteer when needed. I am also a member of the A.E.D. team. Hope: My volunteering experience started as a teenager helping out at my church in Florida. Even though I have never had children, I did raise a foster child for 7 years and got involved in coaching tee ball, baseball and soccer. I played on several softball teams and then was asked to serve as a coach for several girl's softball teams in Tarkington Prairie. Living out in the country, I didn't become involved with the running community until I moved back to Houston and met Joe. As everyone knows, Joe knows almost everyone in the Houston running scene and is a tireless volunteer. Some how he sweet-talked me into using my volunteering skills for races and I have enjoyed every minute of it.

Tell us about you: 

Joe:  I have enjoyed outdoor activities all my life and combining the challenges that they bring. Some favorite activities would include motorcycling, camping, hiking and animals. I started swimming when I was 9 years old through high school where I earned a scholarship award. I ran cross-country and track through out school. In my early twenties I had reconstruction surgeries on both of my lungs and got back to running to increase my lung capacities. While running at this time I met John Fredrickson who encouraged me to run a little further each time until he had me in my first marathon. The people of the running community have always been great with encouragement. After a major accident in 2002 when I was in a wheel chair for several months it was the friends in the running community and my family that encouraged me to get back out and do something again.

Six months after the accident I completed my 13^th Houston marathon and I have now just completed a total of 55 marathons. I can say that I enjoy working out and training, as a part of my life and it is wonderful to have my wife being so much a part of this also. She is my number one fan.

Hope:  Been running off and on since 1978 but seriously started training and entering races in 1989.  After a challenge from a swimming friend, I took swimming lessons and became a triathlete.  At my first three triathlons, I came in 1^st in my age group and became hooked on the "high" of competing.  Since 1992, I have competed in over 60 triathlons and too many road races and trail runs to keep track of.  Besides running, swimming and biking, I like to ride on our Harley.  I also enjoy hiking, camping, traveling, and gardening.  When I'm not doing any of those activities, you will find my nose stuck in a book.

What attracts you to volunteering and why?

Joe:  What attracted me to the volunteering experiences, I would say, starts with my parents. They have been volunteers back to the community as I grew up, through this it has shown the personal rewards that come from this service. I have been a Boy Scout for 32 years, which also encourages helping the community. The examples that I set for myself encouraged my children to volunteer at many races for years. I enjoy being able to help support by volunteering and watching the people who participate as well as giving encouragement to them.

Hope:   Since I have participated in so many racing events and utilized the help of other volunteers, it is a way I can give back to the community.  It also just plain ole makes me feel good to help out.  Guess volunteering is in my blood and I plan on continuing the rest of my life.

What is your favorite event/race to volunteer for and why? 

Joe:  What is my favorite event to volunteer for? I would say that working the Kids races have been the most fun. They show so much energy and excitement of accomplishment. I also enjoy volunteering for races where I get to see the people I care for and want to be around--these are too numerous to list. And I so miss the ones that we have lost.

Hope:  I really enjoy helping out with the Kid's Triathlon at Cinco Ranch and the Just for Kid's Run put on by HARRA..  It is a lot of fun to watch the children with all their excitement and joy when they participate in these events. I also enjoy being on the AED/CPR team and helping with the Tour de Bayou and other races.