Members & Guests:
Hope you are continuing to enjoy our new website. Please be sure to check the calendar for event updates.
EVENT CANCELLATION: We regret the confusion engendered by the cancellation of the Belle Haven 8K on July 23rd. Given the weather reports available to us in mid-afternoon, which clearly (and accurately) severe thunderstorms and a flash flood warning for early evening, the decision to cancel was prudent and correct. The severity of the predictions did not call for a "race-time" decision, as would be the case if the prediction was for the ordinary scattered thunderstorms that we experience on summer afternoons.
Due to a communication mix-up for which I take responsibility, neither the Race Director nor the club president were on site. That will be corrected in the event of future cancellations. This type of weather system is very difficult to predict, but in this case, the only uncertainly was exactly when the storm would hit, not whether it would hit, nor where. Had it come about 15-30 minutes earlier, the severe rain and lightning would have created a hazard for those competing and those gathered at the finish. As it was, some of those who attended the race faced severe driving conditions afterwards.
We will also endeavor to improve our electronic communication of such cancellations. Our website will remain the first and principal means. The SLR list received an email reporting the cancellation. As part of the website improvements, we hope to create an email distribution list that will be matched to all important website updates.
For those who did show up, and those who organized the "fun run" that took place, thank you both for your participation and your patience.
1. Next Race: Track Championships: Wakefield HS, July 30, 6:30 pm: The Club's annual 1-Mile and 3K track championships will take place Wednesday, July 30, starting at 6:30 pm at Wakefield H.S. in Arlington VA. Wakefield HS is located just northeast of the corner of Route 7 (Leesburg Pike) and George Mason Drive. We will begin with a mile race for younger persons (14 and under). Following that, there will be a 1-mile racewalk, and the mile events should be expected to start around 6:50 pm. Depending on registration, the event directors will organize and seed heats by gender, age group, and time. Based on past registrations, there will be Open races for men and women, as well as Masters (40 and over) races for men and women. Additional heats will be added as required.
After a short break, we will proceed to the 3K events. We usually run two heats. Expect these events to start not later than 7:40 in order to finish before sundown.
There will be no Track Workout at Washington-Lee HS on Wednesday July 30 due to this event.
2. Bluemont 5K, Tuesday August 5, 7:00 pm: The next non-track race will be Tuesday, August 5, 2008, at 7:00 pm at Bluemont Park in Arlington. Remember that we now start our Bluemont races at the "far" pavilion, located about 500M down the trail from the pavilion closest to Wilson Boulevard. Precise directions will be posted here and on the calendar closer to the date of the race. Race director Richard Rapine is seeking volunteers to help out.
3. 10-Mile/10K Training Programs Have Started!: The annual 10-Mile Training Program commenced on Saturday morning, July 12, 2008, at 8:00 am. The program will meet for the first 3 weeks (July 12, 19, and 26) at the Gotta Run store on So. Joyce Street in Arlington (Pentagon Row Shopping Center). After that, locations will vary. The "goal race" for this program is the Army 10-Miler.
This year, we will run a 10K training program in conjunction with the 10-Mile program. The "goal race" for this program is the Rediscovery 10K, run in mid-October in West Potomac Park.
If you have not signed up, there is still time. Peter Lamberton, the Club's VP for Training Programs, is the director of both programs. He can be contacted at: plamberton@ftc.gov
4. National Marathon and Half-Marathon Training Programs -- Runners & Coaches Needed: registration for the March 2009 Suntrust National Marathon & Half-Marathon has opened. A discounted entry fee of $75.00 is available for a short time only, so check the race website and register. www.nationalmarathon.org
The DCRRC will once again direct the Reebok-sponsored official training program for the National Marathon & Half. This year, we will add two locations to those already established at Georgetown Running Co. and Gotta Run (Arlington). These are Potomac River Running in Reston, and Fleet Feet in Adams-Morgan.
We are now looking for coaches. The program starts Saturday November 8. Coaches will receive a full outfit of Reebok running gear (which they should wear at all workouts) and Club-supported training. We welcome applications from all, but will give priority to coaches who have or will complete the RRCA Coaching Certification Program, as well as those who have served as coaches in prior DCRRC training programs.
This is a great way to serve the Club, the running community in DC, and your own development in the sport. Contact the Club President if you are interested. president@dcroadrunners.org
Runners looking to sign up for the Training Program should do so through the National Marathon website.
5. Volunteer Needs -- Longer Term: The chief Club task not currently filled (other than by the president, Rob & Judy Wolfe, Pat Brown, and others who chip in when needed) is Manager of Race Equipment. This job does NOT require that the manager bring the equipment to all races, or even come to all races. However, we would like to have someone who can regularly check in on the van, maintain an inventory of our equipment, and help the RDs with access to keys to the van and stoarage locker. Also, the Equipment Manager could, working with the president and Board, order and arrange for delivery of new equipment as needed.
Given the location of the van and storage locker, it would be helpful if the volunteer for this position lived in Arlington or Alexandria. Less stress on that person.
Please let the Club President know if you are interested!
6. 20-Miler Registration Open: Registration is now open for the DCRRC National Capital Area 20-Miler, on Sunday, September 28, 2008. Registration forms will be available at Wednesday night workouts, Club races, and in many area running stores and sports clubs. In addition, there will be on-line regsitration through RacePacket at the link below.
Please note that there is a 4-hour time limit for completion of the race. Also, no headphones are permitted. Also, discounted registration will end on August 31, 2008, and there is a 500-person entry limit for this race. Thanks to race director Chuck Evans, and his "technical directors" Bob & Delabian Thurston for all the work they put into this race.
VOLUNTEERS ARE URGENTLY NEEDED FOR THIS EVENT! If you can volunteer, please contact Delabian Thurston at delabian@aol.com
Also, if your school, church group, community group or other organization has "volunteer requirements" for high school students, this is an excellent opportunity to volunteer, get credit for the students, and get publicity for your organization. Please contact the Club President at president@dcroadrunners.org if you can help in this way.
Registration link: https://www.racepacket.com/secure/regmain.php
7. Larry Noel 15K Registration Open: The 50th Annual Larry Noel 15K will be run in Greenbelt Maryland on Sunday, August 31, 2008, starting at 5:00 pm. Registration is available through the same RacePacket address listed above for the 20-Miler.
There is a 2-hour limit for completion of this race. Also, absolutely no headphones permitted in the race, as in all DCRRC-sponsored events.
Ed
