Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/303138
MAY 2014 | Washington Athletic Club Magazine | 31 Now 82, Ralph has 55 marathons under his belt, the last of which he ran two years ago. Ralph says he couldn't have done it without the influence of his friends in the WAC community. "There's a great sense of fellowship here," Ralph says. "I've created friendships at the Club that have lasted over 40 years." Longtime friend Michael Watkins agrees. Michael joined the WAC in 1992. After trying to work out at various times of the day, he finally found his niche with the Men's Fitness early morning gang. During his first morning visit, he met Ralph. They now golf together in the summertime and get together for outings with both of their families. RUNNING STRONG Mary and Allan Kollar joined the WAC in 1976. Like Michael, Allan found a routine with the morning crowd. Mary, meanwhile, formed a close-knit running group of women who trained together for more than a decade. Mary and Allan also helped organize an early morning Christmas breakfast at the WAC—a tradition that has lasted more than 20 years. As the breakfast grew, it eventually moved to the Noble Room. Two years ago, the group held a dual celebration for the holiday and Ralph's 80th birthday. "We've met our closest friends here," Allan says. Mary says she learns a lot about people while getting ready in the women's locker room. "Oftentimes we become friends with people and it's not until years later that we find out what they do for a living," she says. "We know each other by our friendships at the WAC." Tom Wolfe agrees. Tom joined the WAC in 1992. Like Ralph, he arrives every day before the doors open to begin a hefty individual workout routine that includes walking the stairs while wearing a 108-pound weight vest. "It's incredible," Tom says. "You feel like you know people because you see their face every day. The short interactions you have embody the positivity of the WAC experience." By 7 am, the early morning men have packed their gym bags, and a new wave of members enters the Club. " You feel like you know people because you see their face every day. The short interactions you have embody the positivity of the WAC experience. " —TOM WOLFE familiar faces