January fairly flew by. I want to thank everyone who have already paid their dues, the $25/year (or about $2/month) helps keep AREC functioning and provides you with a fun, safe, social running environment. On that note, we have ordered 110 dri-release (technical material) t-shirts, and we estimate they will be available for distribution to club members in 2 weeks. Additional shirts will be available for purchase for $12 ($15 for non-members). Also, we will be looking at an AREC hat (if you are interested, talk to any of the board members).
Hey everybody… don’t forget that it’s still dark out there on our Wednesday night runs, so please come prepared with a reflective vest or a flashing light to wear. (If you have an extra, bring it for someone who might forget!) The number one priority of this club has to be everyone’s SAFETY on the streets; otherwise there wouldn’t be anyone to run with. Be patient, Daylight Saving Time begins in exactly 2 months. If you don’t want to wear a vest, then come out at 8am on Sunday mornings for the AREC run. It continues to be a great way to start the day. Anyway, football is over (great Super Bowl, huh?) and the marathon season is beginning to wane, so your Sundays should be starting to free up. You can go to church afterwards… I try not to leave you with any excuses.
Speaking of Sundays, this past one shined at the Redondo Beach Super Bowl 5K/10K. The race was challenging and fun, but the best action took place at the Nike-sponsored Air Stream Trailer area. Amenities included a Club Run LA dri-fit shirt, music by DJ, raffle prizes, personal port-a-potties and lots of food and drinks.
Everyone appeared to have a great time. If you weren’t able to participate this time, you’re in luck. Nike was so pleased with the Long Beach response to the training runs, that they are returning to The Yard House for 6 consecutive weeks beginning on March 16th in preparation for the Nike Run Hit Wonder race on Sunday April 25th at the LA Coliseum. Take note that they will be on Tuesdays this time rather than Mondays and I’m sure Nike will be looking for more pace leaders. Like last time, it’s a fun, no-lose situation for everyone involved. Thanks to Nicole Meldrum, Brook McReynolds, Emmett Rahl, Liz Caporelli, Alex Hammerschmidt, Todd Rose, Todd Byers, Colleen Shea and Bernard Dean Mills for volunteering to be pacers every week (oh, but didn’t they look great in their snazzy Nike clothes and shoes?).
Last month, we reported that Dennis would be taking over marathon training duties. Due to his year-end goal of a marathon a month, he feels he wouldn’t be very helpful in coordinating weekend long runs. The person or persons would be responsible for organizing and implementing AREC – led long distance training runs in preparation for the Long Beach Marathon and ½ Marathon. Training should begin roughly 6 months prior to the October event. Any assistance would be deeply appreciated. Let’s go for a run!
Finally, last Wednesday, I mentioned it’s time again to start talking about the Jimmy Stewart Relay Marathon, which takes place on Sunday April 18th (1 week prior to the Run Hit Wonder), and begin putting teams of 5 together. Regretfully, I must tell you that the race organizers have increased the entry fees from $125/team ($25/person) to $200/team ($40/person). I have written the Race Director to remind them of our club’s strong past participation, and express our concerns with the sudden large price hike. I am hoping for a quick response bearing news of some form of compensation to the club, but don’t hold your breath. I’ll keep everyone posted, but at least remember that race proceeds go to charities, which are tax deductible!