Boston Send-off / Spring Party
Boston Send-off Party & Spring Social
Wednesday Apr 11, 6:30-9:00pm
Location: Six Paupers – Hockessin DE
Meet your fellow members!
Join us as we wish our fellow PCVRC Boston marathoners a safe and successful marathon. Various appetizers/finger food will be served, compliments of the club. Drinks will be available from the bar.
Although an RSVP is not necessary for this event it is always helpful if you can us know if you plan to attend to ensure that we have enough food for everyone.
Contact: Rachel Bleacher
Email:
From President Ray:
RRCA National Convention 2012 in Memphis, TN
See photos/comments at http://www.facebook.com/Roadrunnersclubofamerica
The Road Runners Club of America national convention is hosted by a different member club each year, in cities across the nation. They are scheduled to coincide with a prominent local race, usually a 10K or half marathon. This was the second convention that I attended as Delaware State Representative. Last year’s was in Fredericksburg, VA, and I had also hit the 2007 event in Chicago when PCVRC joined the organization.
“The mission of the RRCA is to promote the sport of running through the development and growth of running clubs and running events throughout the country. The RRCA supports the common interests of runners of all abilities during all stages of life by providing education and leadership opportunities along with programs and services that benefit all runners.” With steady growth over the past few years, there are now over 1,500 member clubs. The convention is designed for members to share information, learn about programs such as insurance, Kids Run the Nation, Runner Friendly Communities and to learn how promote clubs to help runners achieve their goals.
After my Thursday 3/15 flight through Chicago to Memphis, a shuttle brought me to the beautiful 25 story Hilton Hotel in an affluent suburb of the city. For the 2nd year in a row, I roomed with the Maine State Rep, who’d get on local TV to support a charity run he’s doing: http://www.rrca.org/services/news-entry/rrca-maine-state-rep-featured-on-memphis-new-channel
The State Rep Meeting was all afternoon on Thursday. We introduced ourselves to the group, got a “2012 Objectives” briefing from Executive Director Jean Knaack, and discussed topics such as:
Championship events (national, regional, state). These are meant to publicize RRCA while supporting events such as CR Half & DE Marathon.
Social Networking – use of Facebook and Twitter to help RRCA and individual clubs maintain contact with members, recruit, and share photos and event updates.
A Welcome Reception was held and at each meal throughout the weekend, we were encouraged to sit at different tables to meet as many of the approx 240 attendees as possible. Just about all states were represented.
Group runs were held at 615am on both Friday and Saturday morning and we ran about 10k through the local neighborhood of small and large mansions as the sun rose. The formal Convention Kickoff included a presentation on the insurance program, ideas on reducing risk during events, and best practices. We then broke into separate regional meetings (4 groups) to discuss local progress.
During lunch, guest speaker Dave Wottle recounted his amazing victory in the 1972 Olympic 800 meter event and shared how running has continued to inspire him to encourage others to get involved.
We then opted for our first choice of Breakout Sessions. I attended “New Revenue Sources for Clubs”, which focused on selling club merchandise, and photographing races to sell photos online. Any such initiatives rely on dedicated volunteers, who should always be recognized for their help. Other offered sessions included USATF Course Certification, putting on a mega-event, conflict resolution within clubs, running for seniors, and chocolate milk as a recovery drink.
Friday afternoon was also the official Annual Membership Meeting, where officers were elected and a recap of RRCA’s initiatives & financial status were presented. That evening, we bussed to downtown Memphis for a private ribs dinner at Rendezvous, followed by some time wandering around famous Beale Street – the party side of town.
After the Saturday group run, I grabbed my bib for Sunday’s half marathon at the mini-expo at our hotel. My morning session was “Beginner Runners Programs” where leaders of the Memphis Runners Track Club explained how they organize a 10 week training program each summer for adults, as well as 2 4-week children’s programs each year. Participants aren’t required to join the club. They gave us plenty of advice & helpful tips on how to successfully stage these beneficial events for a very nominal fee through sponsorships and dedicated volunteers. Each of these programs culminates in a race and serves as “graduation”. The Memphis Runners Track Club (www.memphisrunners.com) has over 2,500 member families (3600 runners)!
I then hit the session on “Nutrition and how it affects your body as you age”. Eat your veggies and hydrate! Our lunch speaker was Chris McDougall, author of author of Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen (I had run right behind him that morning without recognizing him.).
My afternoon session was “Preventing and Overcoming Running Injuries”, always quite popular! A Physical Therapist demonstrated and explained recommended warm-ups, cool-downs, proper form, and commented on minimalist running shoes.
During our evening reception in the ballroom, a silent auction and live auction were held to raise money for RRCA programs. Items such as signed sports memorabilia, marathon entry packages, wine baskets and tech shirts were auctioned. The Awards Banquet featured:
RRCA Hall of Fame:
Joe Vigil (coach of Deena Kastor & Meb Keflizighi)
Abdi Abdirahman, 2012 Olympic Marathoner (spoke with us via Skype)
Linda Somers-Smith, holder of several age-group records, qualified for 7 US Olympic Marathon trials. She’d take 2nd place in Sundays Half.
Runners of the Year included Ryan Hall and Terry McCluskey (age 64) who easily won his AG in the Half. Even the Mayor of Memphis echoed the general theme of many of the convention speakers & award winners: Running as a healthy exercise that can increase the fitness and decrease health costs in the USA.
Sunday’s 14th Annual Germantown Half Marathon is similar in size to CR, with around 1,400 finishers. It was a bit warm, but the course had just gentle rolling hills and my time was right around what I’d hoped for, since I really haven’t gotten serious mileage in. 1:43:30 for 14th of 50 in my AG. My roommate Blaine won his 30-34 AG…sometimes you just need to be satisfied to hang out with fast runners!
As we all know, runners tend to be some of the best people around, so the convention is a chance to socialize with each other while learning how to increase participation in our local communities. Hopefully we can increase enjoyment of runners and to make the world a better place. Each member of an RRCA club is a member of the overall association. Find out more at www.RRCA.org or contact me with questions.
Ray 302-633-1482…………………………………
Summary of the Adrenaline 5K from Tom Steenkamer
The 2012 Mid Atlantic USATF Grand Prix racing season opened this past Saturday with the Adrenaline 5k in Haddonfield NJ. A fine St. Patrick’s day morning greeted the 900+ competitors with temperatures approaching 50 degrees by race time. PCVRC was well represented with 14 members toeing the line in what has historically been one of the fasted 5k courses in the region. Once again the competition reinforced the intensity of this appropriately named race with 24 competitors finishing in under 16 minutes and a winning time of 14:51.
PCVR’s own Mike Digennaro led the team finishing 3rd overall in 15:11. John Costello, a recent addition to the race team, also ran well putting down one of his best 5k times in a couple of years. There were also several age group award winners from the club. (Contact Rich for your hardware.) Race times for the USATF age grade scoring are based on chip times (thankfully – see below) and PCVRC garnered 411.392 points for 5th place in the club standings. It appears to be the start of another highly competitive racing season with only 8.26 points separating the 2nd through 5th place teams. It’s notable that perennial powerhouse SJ Athletic Club is currently sitting in 4th place and last year’s runner up club, Athena, did not have enough runners to score.
On a personal note I managed to become the casualty of my own pre-race routine. Running a few minutes behind all morning I found the clock approaching the 9AM start time. Gathering myself I broke into a quick jog to the starting line only to hear the sound of the starter’s horn while still 100 meters away. Navigating through the field for the first 800 meters I finally managed to find room to race. The finish line clock time did not look to be in my favor but I knew that the chip time would be the deciding factor. Later that day the official results showed that I had spotted the field 46 seconds. I hope that doesn’t happen again!
Thanks to all who competed. The next race in the series is this Sunday in Wilmington at the Caesar Rodney half marathon. Cannon time – 9:30 AM. We are expecting large club participation so come out and cheer on your friends. Club members Chip Bixler and Bruce Hubbard will be continuing their consecutive race appearances with number 27.
USATF GrandPrix team standings
Bryn Mawr Running Club – 426.542
Greater Philadelphia Track Club – 419.678
Downingtown Running Club – 414.069
South Jersey Athletic Club – 411.662
Pike Creek Valley Running Club – 411.392
Mike Digennaro – 3
15 10 86.044
John Costello – 65
17 39 84.230
Jay Coughenour – 56
17 16 82.722
Thomas Steenkamer – 128
18 26 82.007
Daniel Suher – 33
16 26 78.499
Carole Feole – 318
22 48 76.389 . . . . . . . 411.392
William Lee Kauffman – 169
20 2 76.040
Dirk Sweigart – 164
19 53 75.356
Daniel Simmons – 284
22 5 75.245
Sheri Herrmann – 250
21 21 72.600
Richard Szymanski – 346
23 16 61.891
Gerald Herman – 686
29 9 59.177
John Schultz – 876
35 50 57.302
Ralph McKinney – 840
33 47 50.567