Huckabee leads honorees at Honors Gala.

Governor Mike Huckabee of Arkansas felt humbled to be among runners at the 3rd American Running Honors Gala on June 8. "If you had told me two years ago that I would be here tonight with your [ARA] group, I would have laughed," said Governor Huckabee to ARA/AMAA Executive Director Dave Watt. Three years ago you would have been more apt to see Mike Huckabee at a Bass Fisherman Fish Fry than at a runners' black tie gala in Washington, DC. Today, Governor Huckabee is on a mission to change Americans' habits. He has launched the Healthy Arkansas Campaign and has fostered bold initiatives in the school systems. The Governor is using himself as an example of what can be accomplished when you commit to improving eating and exercise habits (his own exercise habits were, at one time, non-existent). In his remarks, Huckabee expressed how running has changed his life. He spoke with humor and passion about how running has made him a better leader, husband and father.

AMAA was well-represented at the 3rd American Running Honors Gala. AMAA Past-President Noel Nequin struck up a conversation with Governor Huckabee about his work on cardiac rehabilitation (the Governor is working with former President Bill Clinton on heart-health issues as part of his Healthy Arkansas efforts). Current AMAA President Charles Schulman noted the focus on heart-health and deterring obesity in youth as important messages. Our resident running coach, E.R. pediatrician and pediatric sports medicine doctor Terry Adirim got motivated by the Gala. She is back to running and is committed to sending the message to kids about the importance of increasing physical activity.

ARA also honored two other sports stalwarts, Lynn Swann and Olympic Gold medallist legend Billy Mills. Billy engaged the crowd with his story of his 1964 stirring come-from-behind victory in the 10,000 meters. He also shared the story of his upbringing and how one brief special moment in Tokyo profoundly changed his life.