Even though it’s been cold (but not rainy… yet), it’s gratifying to see such a nice crowd on Wednesdays. Must be the camaraderie… and the beer (one of the many reasons new runners say they run). Let’s try and increase our run group on Sundays as well. Let’s say you find yourself out partyin’ on Saturday and no running event on Sunday (come Spring, hashers, this WILL happen!). Why not come on out for a nice leisurely run to work off that hangover?
With the increase in size, let’s continue to address SAFETY. Awareness has increased over the past few months; I notice runners alerting others to cars or other hazards. One particular area of note is after the first turn on Wednesdays. When there are a lot of runners, there is a tendency to run in the middle of the road, so you can chat with your friends. Even though Campo is not heavily driven, drivers do not expect to see people running in the middle of the street. Please make an effort to run as close to single file as possible (I mean, you wouldn’t run down the center of PCH, no matter how many people you were with, would you?!?).
Membership. Nag, nag, nag. Actually, as often as we mention membership, one benefit of AREC is that we don’t shove it down your throat. We want people to come and run or walk without feeling they HAVE to join. That being said, if you like the group, please support us. For a yearly rate of $25/year, even if you came to only half of our runs and events, it would cost you about $0.30 each, and you get a nice blue technical team shirt out of it. If you live in the same household (or a family of 2 or 3), the cost is $40… and you each still get a t-shirt!
Board Meeting. On February 1st (tonight, if you get this today), we are having our first board meeting. Even if you haven’t renewed your membership, please consider attending. AREC has always been about a club for you. Board meetings are where we discuss club benefits, events, etc. Maybe you are thinking of going out of state to run a marathon… and you think it would be a great club outing. Presenting this idea gives us a chance to pursue that dream. The meeting tonight is at Coach’s in Seal Beach. From Limerick’s, head toward PCH on 2nd, turn right and continue South into Seal Beach. When you get to Main Street, turn left (76 gas station on the left) and then right into the Pavilion’s/strip mall parking lot. Coach’s is on your left in the construction zone. We will start about 7:45pm, in the back room.