Marathon Pasta Party – The annual Marathon Pasta and AREC Awards Party will be held Friday, October 14th. We are still finalizing the location, but we will need volunteers to help with set-up, clean-up and pasta cooking are definitely needed. We’ll have a sign-up sheet as we get closer to the date.
Upcoming Election – AREC holds elections every 2 years, and these elections need to be held by the end of this year. The top 4 positions are elected and then other positions (as needed) are appointed. For example, it would be nice to have 1 or more Training Coordinators, so the responsibility would not fall on Todd Rose’s shoulders. One position I would like to see filled and actively run is the Social Chair, since our Wednesday group likes to run and then socialize.
Hope for Heather – Heather’s fundraiser on August 7, 2005, raised over $25,000 to cover her expenses for upcoming treatment in Switzerland. Several hundred runners (including 44 members of AREC) participated in either the 2- or 4-mile course. Heather Stevens, who writes a monthly column for A Running Experience Club also ran (very well, too!) an extremely hot course and was speechless due to the tremendous outpouring of support.
Heather Update – I talked to Heather this past weekend to get an update of her upcoming treatment, etc. She went in last week for a blood test and further tests revealed a bit of a blockage, so Heather had emergency surgery, where they inserted a stent to relieve some of the pressure. She is home and resting, though swears she will be at AREC on Wednesday. She can give you more details next time you see her.
Heather receives her second treatment in Switzerland September 15 – 28.
Safety. Blah Blah Blah. Safety. We can’t repeat enough, run safe. You will notice that it’s getting dark earlier. You may want to consider wearing reflective clothing, especially a reflector vest once Daylight Saving Time ends. Also, continue to be aware of your surroundings. AVOID Running in the Middle of the Street. LOOK before running across the street (even if you think that it’s not a busy street ever!). PAY attention to people and the cars. Consider NOT wearing headphones (they just distract you from hearing warning signs!)
Membership – We are still taking new memberships. If you have been running regularly with us for a while, getting the benefits of the club, consider joining and becoming an official member. See Emmett or Todd for more information.
Marathon Volunteering – What really makes a great race is the volunteers. Even if you are running the marathon or half marathon, there are still responsibilities you can undertake that are extremely helpful, including bag stuffing, registration help, etc. In 2003, I served on a No Parking Sign placement committee DAYS before the marathon. Since the Long Beach Marathon is OUR (Long Beach’s) marathon, consider giving back to a great race! See one of the Todds for more details.