Thanks to everyone who replied, called, or emailed about our fall marathon plans. When you add it all up, it looks like Richmond is the preferred option for a full marathon, and that a half marathon group will be in the works for the City of Oaks.7 - Richmond
2 - City of Oaks
2 - Either Race
5 - Oaks Half
1 - Other Marathon
2 - Undecided
If the "either race" and "undecided" people jump in, that increase Richmond to 10 runners.
So what does this all mean:- I had planned to go with the majority regarding a training team which is why I picked Richmond.
- It appears everyone fully appreciates my time commitment, and is willing to accept my availability this summer.
- Ryan and Tracy P. have both agreed to co-coach the team, between the three of us and every one's willingness to help set up weekend runs, we will have things easily covered.
- I will still be the point person for Don Garber, and will update the blog, send emails, make maps, schedule clinics, etc.
- Any weekend when I know I will not be available, we will plan ahead and make sure those weekend are covered.
What if I do not want to run Richmond?
- First of all. . . not a problem. I went with the majority, but that does not mean we all need to run the same marathon.
- In fact Tim (Jacksonville), and Patti (Chicago), are doing a different marathon this fall.
- If you would still prefer to run City of Oaks, please do. You will not be alone, as it appears we will have at least five people doing the half, and probably many more.
- Everyone will continue to be welcomed during our weekend runs regardless of what you are training for.
- Don, will supply us with enough supplies for those paying to run Richmond. For those running something else, we will need some some help to get extra fluids and gels.
- No one however should ever feel that they can not partake in what we put out for our runs.
The last thing I want is to create a "haves" and "have-nots" scenario. We are all one team, regardless of what race you are running.
What comes next?
- We need to get running!!!! Practice starts next weekend. Details will follow soon.
- We need to sign up. Don is sending applications to me right now. We need to get them filled out, and sent back to the SportsBackers ASAP.
- I need you to show up! What made our team so successful in 2006 was the commitment that everybody had.
- Recently, we have had great crowds some weekends, but other weekends we have had none.
- Starting next weekend, you are in training, you need to be there for the Saturday runs as often as possible. The yellow shirt brigade is back baby!
- We need to get some weekday groups going as well.
- Lets hit the ground running for 2007! Come on! I am pumped up now! My fingers are flying on the keyboard. . . get excited. . . you are running another marathon. . . thump your chest. . . shout out "heck yeah! Bring on a marathon!"
- Once we sign up, training notebooks will be sent from Don.
- Also, as an added bonus, Richmond is giving a 30th anniversary technical shirt and a hat to all runners this year. This is in addition to the SportsBacker t-shirt, and technical race shirt we get.
More Runners?
- We need more runners! I will check with the YMCA about hosting an information session late next week. Start recruiting!
- The training plan has two fewer weeks for 2007, this means any participant really should be able to finish 3-4 miles comfortably right now.
- 21 people did this last year, I enjoyed themselves get more to join us this year.
What about a half marathon team?
- I really would like to see us add a half marathon team this year. Although we will train together, it would be independent of the SportsBackers team.
- Because the training cycle is much shorter for a half, I would like to delay the official start of a half team.
- This allows time for me to host some information sessions to encourage more people to join us.
- This would require some more co-coaches, to help pull it off. Some of you have already said you may be able to help with this.
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