Live and work but do not forget to play, to have fun in life and really enjoy it ~ Eileen Caddy.
This epitomizes the very art and heart of the one who we will tag “Runnerific”, Sir. Gregory Tomlinson. At a shallow glimpse, one can easily forfeit the opportunity to witness his fascinating magnetism. It is what makes Gregory intriguing, intense with a shade of exceptionality. Urbane, seemingly quiet – but he is NOT, this athletic whizz and sports enthusiast, certainly knows how to create tremors at any sports and fun related events.
As a father of an adult daughter, an IT Manager at the Gleaner Company (in charge of Projects & Efficiencies), Gregory strikes the perfect balance between his professional life and social faculties. For Gregory, life is a deck of cards - each card presents the unknown, but with each card comes the gift of living, evolving, experiencing and learning. Team Track & Mingle caught up with the enigmatic Gregory and now, we mingle…
How best do you describe Gregory?
“I love to have fun, I love Sports, especially track and field as well as football”. “Running is a passion and a process, since Knox College (competing in the 800m, 1500m, and the cross-country races), running and I have forged an intimacy”.
During the World Championship, World Cup, Boys & Girls Champs and any other major sports meet; Gregory ensures he collaborates his vacation period with these events. His heart is bonded perpetually, with the gift of Sports & Fitness – it weighs more than what passion is, it is soul!
While running expresses his passion and soul, for him, it evokes lessons that complement physical, emotional and psychological prowess.
If you were to be an animal, which would it be?
“A dog!” “They are very loyal and easy to communicate with”. Gregory enjoys a good chat with dogs, and he likes the ebullience of them wiggling their tails, gently barking -gesticulating their communicative peculiarity.
What is your most embarrassing moment?
“I went to work a few years ago and ended up tearing my pants at the crotch, luckily I was wearing a decent underwear”.
Gregory to date finds that moment hilarious with a stitch of mystery, still contemplating the reason the crotch was a compromised area.
What would you change about the past if you could?
“I would have made choices that lead me closer to sports management.” Gregory’s core is intricately woven with health and wellness; a former aerobics coordinator, a competitor in business house meets, a former distance runner at Sonics Running Club, as well as Go Run Running Club and, an avid road-runner at Pacers.
What about life connects with you the most?
“The biology of life, it is simply amazing”. Gregory enjoys being a spectator of the evolution of life, the way in which life changes, matures and evolves. He is captivated by every cord and melody of life – children nattering, animals gallivanting, plants emerging, and nature changing its mood.
What is your pet peeve?
“I do not like people with a nasty attitude”. Gregory finds a rotten attitude extremely repugnant. It is his conviction that, sheer fellowship, equity and unity produce a fulfilling life.
Any weird habits?
“When I used to do night clubs years ago, I would reach home and smell my cologne mixed with the club environment, maybe it smelled better than my cologne”.
While running, what is your mental state?
“To execute a good run by running properly! I watch the way in which my hands move, my strides’ speed and distance, my breathing and my focus”.
What is your grand message to other runners?
“Stay in your zone, do not spend energy competing with other runners in that, do not compare talent and skill. We are all differently aligned and gifted, work on your ability and improve with each run”.
Which current runner (s) are you influenced by?
“Janetta, she is a great athlete, and I am impressed with her ability, drive and gentleness”.
“Kemroy, he is very good, a natural and talented runner. Also, he ensures others are ok during the process of running”.
The prism of his introversion may color Gregory’s persona for many, but; his untainted philosophical views are nothing shy of true strength, audacity and directness. He enjoys a healthy laugh, good vibes, a compelling run route and anything that will emerge a FUN card from the deck of experience.
Team Track & Mingle wishes to “Big Up” Gregory Tomlinson, and certainly appreciates his commitment to the Pacers Family.