Unofficial Chase of Champions 2008?

Poll Updated: virtually everyone knows the last running of the Chase of Champions was in 2006. This was a long time running 5k and 10k event in Rocky Mount. Last year the RMEC had nearly 50 people turn out to run the "Unofficial Chase of Champions" however. We did not close the roads; we did not have chips for our shoes; and we all ran at our own risk. When it was all over however, we still had fun and everyone got their race results.

If there is interest, I would like to do this again. Just like last year, this is a group run. It just happens to be a run where you do it fast and try to beat your buddies. We again will not close and roads, so running will be at your own risk.

There are two dates that seem like they could work. April is a busy month. The first weekend is the busiest race weekend of the year in the Southeast. The weekend of the 19th has a10k in Raleigh and also the Fiesta Biathlon in Greenville. This leaves April 12th and April 26th. (I realize the 12th also conflict, but it is not as bad as the other weekends).

As always, we cannot pick a date that works for everyone. I added a poll to the blog to see if there is enough interest, and if so what is the preferred date. Please vote even if you are just a blog reader. Feel free to comment here if you have anything to add.

NOTE: I removed the poll and put it back so I could add another date option. If you already voted, please vote again. Sorry!

Update on Swim Tips

Based on the post and comments below, Mary is bending over backwards to offer help to our group. (Thanks Mary!) It was obvious in the comments that there is no perfect time. I took Mary's response, and gave it a new post to make sure it was seen. I think the main point is Mary is here to help, and is frequently at the YMCA when we are swimming. She is offering these tips, but is not coaching us. If you truly want to get some pointers, please email Mary when you plan to be at the pool, and be sure to show up. Like all of us, here time is valuable.

This is what Mary has offered:

• Mon - I could be in the pool between 10-12 although no one needed this time.
• Tues - are tight, as I have a 12:30 commitment elsewhere and it sounds like lunchtime works best for most. But if 11 matches anyone, let me know.I teach Tues. PM at 6 in the rec pool and would be glad to offer some help before that class if you can make it before 6.
• Wed I will swim at 11ish and can easily stay as late as needed up to 1:30. So a good day.
• Thurs I will swim and can do so easily over lunchtime if that works for people, no time constraints. So another good day.
• I teach 8 AM Wed. in the rec pool and 9:30 upstairs but if you are swimming at 9 I could catch up with you a bit then, or maybe Friday AMs.

As races near I'm sure we can plan some group open water swims with Masters swimmers who have access to the reservoir, lakes and boats. More on that when warmer days!

To repeat what Michael said (Thank you, Michael), I am not a certified coach and the Y has some EXCELLENT coaches and great programs. I can and gladly will offer helpful suggestions and love to watch folks improve, such a joy. But I can't spend lots of time with any one person or I risk my job, yet I know there will be no objection to us training together in this way.

I do coach Masters on Monday 6-7 which is an ideal time for personalized instruction, as are Wed. and Fri. 6-7 AM. You DON'T HAVE to do the Masters workout, just come at that time and do your own pace and ask for help from the coach on deck. That is what Masters is all about.

My one request, please. Since we are so varied in timing, please don't assume I will be at the pool at all these times because of this post (except the Mon. 6-7 AM, that is guaranteed). Email me directly and I will make every attempt to match up with you.

I look forward to seeing everyone in a bathing suit, heh, heh, heh! And don't forget the goggles! --Mar

Lake Kristi Triathlon

The Lake Kristi Triathlon has now been posted. It will be at 8:00 am on May 31, 2008. The race is located just east of Greenville, NC. The event is a 1/2 mile swim in Lake Kristi (private, man made ski lake), a 15 mile bike ride on country roads and a 3 mile run on a private golf course - mostly grass.

Entry is $40 for USAT and $50 for non-USAT members registering before May 24. Teams are welcome for $90 for all USAT memberships or $120 for non-memberships. There are two ways to register. One is to print the PDF from the web site and mail it in. The other is on Active.com.

Ever dreamed of walking half a marathon?

I know people read our blog, that never post. Maybe you are just curious, or maybe you don't know if you are ready to give something like this a try. Well, now there is a perfect opportunity to get started with improving your physical fitness.

Background:

Kinnie for our group has started a group called the Rocky Mount Women Walking for Fitness (WWF). This is a program to promote physical fitness through the low impact activity of walking and the stimulation of community. As the name of the group indicates, this is a group for women only. There are already 21 people on the roster! The group just started walking last week. If anyone wanted to start next week you need to have a base of 2.5 miles comfortably walking. Next week the group walk is 3 miles on slightly rolling terrain.

The organized walk each week is Tuesdays at 12:30. They welcome anyone who wants to improve their fitness and maybe enjoy some camaraderie. One requirement: must have email!

Expectations:

• Walk time will be a priority vs. an occasional option
• All effort will be made to attend the weekly group walk (1-2 hrs.)
• Minimum of 1 and preferably 2-3 other walks each week
• Should be able to comfortably walk 1 mile (can be slowly) at this time

Requirements:

• A desire for good health and a smile
• Prospective walkers with knee or hip replacements, arthritis, or other musculoskeletal issues that could be exacerbated by walking must obtain written permission from their physician before beginning the program
• A release from liability form will be provided for the protection of the group organizers
• Cost - $1.00 per week

Scheduling and Time Frame:

• Group walk day and time will be chosen with input to best accommodate all involved
• Group walk locations to be determined with input, allowing for varied and SAFE terrain
• Walking program will begin the week of Jan. 8th
• Program will run Jan.-mid May
• Each month a schedule of suggested walks will be provided
• A “race” walk, distance to be determined (suggested distance half-marathon 13.1 miles), will be generated in May to celebrate the successful completion of the program
• Participation in the race is NOT mandatory for participation in the program

Training Plan:

• Kinnie has training plan that outlines what each participant should do to increase miles.
• As with any training (walking or running), a slow increase in miles keeps you healthy

Personally, I think what Kinnie has organized is great. I think everyone in our group will agree that they feel better about their lives because they stay active. This improves your physical and emotional well being. If you know someone who would be interested let them know about the WWF. All ages, sizes, and abilitiy levels are welcomed. If you are a blog reader, this is a great time to get involved. Bring a friend with you. It is a new year. . . see how you can change your life! For more information post here, or email Kinnie directly.

RUN RSVP: Saturday 01/26

For the Myrtle Beach Marathon crowd, this is your big weekend. . . the 20 miler! If you are doing the half, you could probably do your longest run next weekend and only use a two week taper which should be ample for a 13.1 mile race. With a longer distance, I bumped the start time up to 7:00 am. This is also closer to the actual start time of the race, which should help simulate race day.

Run Details:

• Day: Saturday @ 7:00 am
• Where: Harris Teeter
• Route: 6.67 miles x 3
• Supported: TBD
• Weather: Forecast 28F at start and 37F at finish.

Like our last 20 mile run for Richmond, I am using a loop three times. This keeps everyone close together regardless of pace, and enables you to pass the train tracks six times so just one fluid stop can be set up. Regarding fluids, I will be running the Krispy Kreme and will therefore do my 20 miles on Monday morning. If someone can offer to put out fluids, speak up. It would be great if everyone did not have to carry their own. I can offer up a cooler, mix, cups, and Clif shots.

More Random Stuff

Here is another blog entry with lots of information. Nothing was big enough to make its own post, so I combined them into one. Feel free to comment on anything below.

Spirit of the Marathon - Tonight's one night only showing of the movie is sold out at both locations in Raleigh, so if you were planning on driving to Raleigh and buy tickets there you should stay home and watch the Virginia Tech vs. Duke game instead. We are actually still looking for a sitter tonight if anyone knows someone who can help please let me know.

Lower Potomac River Marathon - Frank would like to run this Maryland marathon on March 9th, but would prefer not to do it alone. This is a small race, but receives good reviews. The course is scenic, the average temperatures are 49, the entry fee is only $55, and you can split gas money and a hotel with Frank. Post here or let Frank know if you are interested.

Myrtle Beach 5k - As you know we have a very large crowd going to run at Myrtle Beach. Most of the people from the RMEC are staying at the Dunes Village hotel which includes an indoor water park. If you are looking to take advantage of the three day weekend, but don’t want to run the marathon consider doing the 5k race instead. There are actually 23 people from the expanded Rocky Mount and Wilson area signed up to race at Myrtle.

Krispy Kreme - There are now over 2,100 "runners" signed up for the Krispy Kreme Challenge, and there is still room for more. You can even buy official race gear now through Bay Six USA. Check out their site for more details.

RMEC Shirts - Just a reminder that we are getting names for more RMEC shirts. Look under Quick Links to add your name. We still need nine more to complete the order.

Battle Park - Those of you who run through Battle Park know there are a few sections where roots have caused a problem. Parks and Recreation have begun to repair the problems. They are digging trenches and installing under ground barriers to stop the roots from doing this again. I assume repaving will not be far behind on these sections. Thanks Scott for sharing the details!

Kenya Violence Effects Marathoners

I know our blog is more about local running than the world of running, but there is a tragedy occurring right now that id destroying some of the most gifted runners on the planet. Some of you may not be interested in this story, but I know some of you are.

In December, Kenya held their elections. The results of the elections are very much in question, and have caused some long time tribal riffs to resurface. The end result has been vicious and deadly violence in a country that produces countless world class runners. It seems that attacking runners (a person of status) is a way to hurt the most and gain the most attention.

Sadly, Wesly Ngetich became the latest victim to the ethnic violence yesterday when he has shot in the chest with an arrow during fighting in his hometown of Trans Mara. Ngetich, won Grandma's Marathon two of the last three years, including 2007 when Ryan, Frank, Ursula, Tracy, and I participated in the races.

Truly another sad day for the running world, as one of the most talented people on the planet lost his life, and knowing many more are still at risk. We so often take for granted the things we have as Americans. Enjoy your run today and be thankful for the safety of your surroundings.

For a summary on the violence in Kenya visit marathonguide. For more information on Ngetich, you ran read the article at TwinCities.com.

This and That. . .

I had a few things to post, that were all short, so I am combining them into one. Feel free to use the comments to respond to any of these topics.

Grandma's Marathon - Tracy P. will likely be running Grandma's Marathon again this June, and is extending an invitation to everyone to make the trip back to her hometown of Duluth, MN. She has family who can offer a place to stay, so there are no hotel expenses for the trip. You will of course need to buy your plane ticket and marathon (or half) entry.

If you are not familiar with Grandma's, it is rated as one of the top 5 races by runners consistently. Don't let the name fool you. This is a world class event, that draws people from all over the country to run. The fans are great, and the course is beautiful. Plus, where else can you run a June marathon without the heat (usually).

Post here, or email Tracy if you are interested. This really is a great opportunity. I hope some of you will consider going. You will not regret it! We had a blast last year. . . Other than that little visit to the medical tent of course.

Shoe Coupon - Scott found a great coupon code for anyone looking to pick up some winter running gear, or a new pair of shoes. I am a big fan of supporting your local running stores, and have always been partial to Raleigh Running Outfitters, but Omega Sports in Wilson is also a solid store that is runner friendly. Here is a $20 off coupon that you can use.

Gate Analysis - Raleigh Running Outfitters is now offering free gait analysis. Huh? Your "gait" is your manner of running. Not everyone runs alike. Some people's feet role out, and some role in. Some are heavy heal strikers, and others are not.

Analyzing your gait helps to ensure you get the right shoe. By using a treadmill, and a slow motion digital video camera, the staff at RRO is able to examine your stride and make better recommendations. To be honest, it is really cool to do. The analysis is a free service. Don't forget the RMEC gets 15% off purchases, so be sure to tell them you are with the RMEC.

RMEC Shirts - We still need nine more shirts to complete the next technical shirt order. Click the link to the right to add your name to the list.

RUN RSVP: Saturday 01/19

Another recovery weekend for those training for Myrtle, so the run is shorter. I am trying to break the monotony a bit, and will start the run at Sunset Park instead. I figured we could do the half marathon course. It is easy to cut short for anyone who is looking for less miles.

Run Details:

• Day: Saturday @ 7:30 am
• Where: Sunset Park (by Tennis Courts)
• Route: 13 miles or 5.6 miles (just the first loop)
• Supported: TBD
• Weather: Forecast 37F at start and finish.

The weather is a gamble tomorrow. They are calling for a rain/snow mix. Not ideal running conditions, but if you dress properly it will not be bad. If there are others that plan to run, I can bring fluids for the half way point (where we start). If you don't knwo the route, print the directions.

Please use the comments to RSVP. If I do not see anyone else sign up, I will likely run elsewhere or at another time. I am open to suggestions. The afternoon has rain in the forecast still, but not as much. Sunday is not wet, but it is bitter cold (24F) in the morning. Thanks!

Counting Heads

Some of the original posts have scrolled off the board, so I wanted to see if we could get some head counts, and encourage more participation. You can search the blog, or look at older posts, if you have questions about the items below.

Spirit of the Marathon Movie - Who plans to go to Raleigh to see this movie? We could carpool and grab dinner before if anyone is interested. This is sold out in many theatres, but Raleigh still has tickets. This would be a great movie to watch to get you fired up for Myrtle Beach! Remember this is only being shown one night nation wide!

Krispy Kreme Challenge - The original post had lots of comments, but I am not sure many people signed up. Who plans to run the race? You do not have to eat a dozen donuts to race. This is something fun to do if for no other reason than to get an interesting race shirt. Over 1,000 people have signed up so far. Come join the fun!

Myrtle Beach - The half marathon is full, and the marathon I believe is over 2,000 runners, but space still remains. We have a big group going, and most are staying at the Dunes Village for the race. The hotel has an indoor water park and is not expensive. This is a three day weekend, so it is a great time for a mini vacation. There will be lots of RMEC kids. If you want to do a race, but not the full marathon, you can still sign up for the Myrtle Beach RBC Centura 5k too.

Donald, Mickey, Goofy, and Frank

Most of you know the results by now, but I had not done a post to share this information, so here is some information from last weekends races. Lets start with Friday. . .

Disney: Tracy, Ursula, Patti, and Jenni all lined up for Disney's 5k Family Safari run on Friday. None of the four really cared about their time. This was all about the medal and the shirt. The race ran through the Animal Kingdom Park. All four enjoyed the race and got their big square Safari medals to get the 2008 race year started for the RMEC.

On Saturday, all four were up at 3:00 am to catch the bus at 4:00 am, so they could start a race at 6:00 am, that was 15 minutes away (makes a lot of sense, huh?). The early start allowed all four to run (or walk) a good race, because it never got too hot. Patti, Jenni, and Tracy all crossed the finish line together at 2:21, and Ursula came in a 2:59. No one was setting any PRs this day, but that was not what this trip was about.

On Sunday, all four ladies were back up at 3:00 am again to head to the start. Tracy was not running the marathon, but it never slowed down her support of the others. She even made an extra trip back to deliver Ursula some Tylenol in the Magic Kingdom. A hot day, sore legs, tired bodies, and blisters could not stop them from finishing. Patti and Jenni finished in 4:53:29, Ursula came in a 5:42:25.

They were waiting for her when she finished at the "Goofy Tent" so they could pose with their collected medals. An official photographer took their picture and told them he would try to get them on the site. Well. . . Go to mydisneymarathon.com. Click on Goofy. Click on View Race. Click on Photos. TA DA!

First Light: Meanwhile in Mobile Alabama, Frank was beginning the Bank Trust First Light Marathon. This race has a beautiful but challenging course. As Frank says, some days you have it, and some days you don’t. Frank still ran an impressive 5:25:36.

If you had followed the post below on the blog, you will see that Frank made a "friend" on the blog. A race volunteer from Mobile named Charles posted a comment wishing Frank well, and after several more posts Frank figured out where to look for Charles. As the picture indicates, Frank found him! Congrats Frank on adding a new state to your marathon tour.

Note: I will updated this post with links to Disney and First Light pictures once they are uploaded.

2008 Race Results Page

There are still a few gaps right now, but we have a new page for 2008 race results. Rather than just put the race and time like I did in 2007, I added more details. You will now be able to see the race date, location, and distance as well. I think this is fun to keep updated and gives everyone a chance to see your accomplishments (good or bad).

Help me keep it updated, and send me emails, or post on the blog when you do a race. I will update last weekends race times (Disney and First Light) this week.

To the "Marathon Moon"

This blog post is a little odd, but I found something online that I thought our group would enjoy reading. One day when searching for "Tar River Half" just to see where it was showing up online, I stumbled on to a new blog. The blog is titled Marathon Moon. This blog belongs to a Chapel Hill runner who goes by "Moon" on her blog.

I will give you a brief background story, but would rather you read her own words. On January 1st 2007, Moon weighed 261 pounds, and was ready to do something about this. She selected running as her way to change her lifestyle. Beginning with a 5k, she eventually worked her may up to a marathon. . . The 2008 Disney Marathon in fact. She used her blog to track her progress, and chronicle how her life was changing. One year after she began this evolution she now weighs 140 pounds. Yes, that means she lost 121 pounds. . . essentially an entire person!

Much like our blog, there are countless posts about running, and most are clever and funny to read. Her most recent post is very inspirational and motivational. To get a feel for the blog read the links below in order. I picked a few short posts to set the tone. The last one is her post-marathon entry.

The First Post
Old Moon - New Moon
I Believe - a Journey in Steps

So why am I posting a link to a strangers blog? Because she is not that different than most of us. Sure, we have some gifted athletes in the RMEC, but we are essentially just ordinary people trying to push our limits and improve our lives. Don't let anyone tell you, "I can't run with your group". We truly welcome anyone. The first step is the hardest one to take, so encourage others to join us for a run or a bike ride. Once we get them out there we will keep them coming back.

You may want to bookmark Marathon Moon, or maybe even start your own blog to keep you motivated.

Note: There will be an update on our Disney Runners plus Frank's marathon once the pictures are uploaded.

Weekday Pool Training

Now that the weather is colder, the fall marathon season is over, and many of you are training for other events, the pool is a great alternative to stay in shape. For some of you, it is a requirement to get ready for your upcoming triathlon. Mary is trying to organize a weekday group swim at the YMCA around noon. Here are some high level details:

• This is simply a time for our group to swim
• The pool is still open to all YMCA members
• Lanes are not reserved or guaranteed (although this is rarely a problem)
• Mary can spend a few minutes giving tips on your swim stroke, but is not coaching
• This is not swim lessons.

Mary is a proven triathlete, and an excellent swimmer. She is not certified to be a swim coach, and this is not intended to be free swim lessons. Mary most likely will be swimming too, but she can spend a few minutes before jumping in to give out a few pointers based on her own experience. This is a chance for RMEC members to get some swimming done, while taking advantage of being with friends. This will be very similar to the same support you get from each other during the Saturday morning group runs.

The YMCA does offer swim lessons, and a Master's Swim program. Showing up to swim at lunch one day a week does not replace the benefits of either of those options. Please take a look at what is offered at the YMCA for more options.

RESPONSES REQUESTED:

• What day works best for a lunchtime swim for you? Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday
• Can't swim at lunch. . . When do you swim? Others may join you.

Lake Kristi Sprint Triathlon

The Lake Kristi Sprint (Greenville/Winterville, NC) will be held on May 31, 2008. Sign up will be through active.com - mail in entry. The application is not yet up - just received the date of the race this morning. - Eric

Goofy Update #1

Sounds like the girls are having fun at Disney. As I type this post, they are probably around mile 10, and somewhere between the Magic Kingdom and the Animal Kingdom. Everyone did fine in the 5k, and the half marathon went well too. Below are the half times:

• 2:20:58 - Jenni
• 2:21:01 - Patti
• 2:21:02 - Tracy H
• 2:59:48 - Ursula

Ursula had some leg soreness creep up in her last week of training, so she walked almost the entire half trying to save her legs for the full. This strategy however created some pretty bad blisters on both feet. Here is hoping a different pair of shoes and some mole skin can help her finish today.

Great job so far ladies!

1:00 pm update: Everyone is done and feeling fine!

New Years Resolution. . .

Start a training log! You are only 11 days into 2008. You can probably remember most of your runs, rides, and swims. Now is the time to get it down on paper, online, or in a spreadsheet. Why keep a log? It shows your progress. It gives you a sense of pride. It keeps you motivated. It helps if you get injured to pinpoint why.

How do I keep a log? There are lots of options. Here are a few that I have seen and some I have used:

• Paper Notebook - the old standby. . . Get a spiral bound notebook and start writing. The benefit of a notebook is you can write anything and everything. It almost becomes a personal journal. You can add endless details. The drawback, is it is manual. If you like to total your mileage and calculate your pace, you need to do it on your own.
• Spread Sheet - Using Excel enables you to track what is important to you. If you like numbers you can graph things out to meet your needs. It is completely customizable. The drawback is you still have to do the work. If you want an excel log that is ready to go, here are a few options: Thinnmann or David Hays. Both have lots of neat features. Otherwise, make your own! Whichever you use, keep a backup copy.
• Nike Running Online Log - This is probably my favorite. I had to email Nike to find out how to access it, because it is now hidden and been replaced with the Nike+ log that only works with your iPod Nano. The original Nike log is a pretty cool and very customizable. Here is a link to the new Nike page. This site allows you to add anything you wish to track (swimming, spinning, elliptical, etc.) It also provides lots of cool graphs.
• Running Ahead Online Log – RunningAhead.com is an alternative to coolrunning. It is a free site also with active runner forums. I have not used their running log, but believe it will be similar to most. It is actually the first one that comes up in a Google search.
• Cool Running Online Log – This is one of the most popular online tracking tools. It will give you weekly, monthly, and yearly totals automatically. It is now part of active.com. It tracks sleep, soreness, stress, etc. Plus it can even email you daily reminders of your planned workouts. Visit coolrunning.com and click on “Resources” to find it. The merger of coolrunning and active.com has created lots of problems with logins so I must admit, I have a hard time recommending this option right now.

Dont wait! Get started today!

RUN RSVP: Saturday 01/12

Time to ramp the miles back up this weekend. Hopefully those training for Myrtle let their legs rest a bit last weekend (even if you ran Medoc mountain). This route may not thrill everyone.

It is a 9 mile loop route that includes the back of Ketch Point (to the Miller's house). I picked this route, because it is easy to support. I can put fluids and gels at the train tracks, and we will pass it four times over 18 miles. This way you don't have to carry anything with you. It also allows others to run nine miles (one loop) or 5 miles (shorter loop).

Run Details:

• Day: Saturday @ 7:30 am
• Where: Harris Teeter
• Route: 9 mile loop (twice for Myrtle Marathon Group), or 5 miles
• Supported: Depends if a we all stay at HT
• Weather: Forecast 42F at start and 50F by 10 am.

This is a big run. Some of you are hitting a new peak. Take it easy and listen to your body. Use the first few miles to warm up, and then maintain your pace for the last 16. Long runs are designed to give you endurance, and teach your body how to hold a pace. Please comment ASAP if you are running. I will mix up some Powerade, but don't want to make too much.

By the way. . . we are 10 RMEC shirts away from a complete order if you are interested click the link in the right column.

Where is Frank?

Frank is in Mobile, Alabama this week on business, and decided to look for a race while he was traveling. Turns out that the Bank Trust First Light Marathon is going on this Saturday, so Frank signed up about a month ago and ramped up his training miles.

This really is a great looking race with a scenic course. Proceeds go to benefit L'Arche Mobile, an international federation of communities in which people with a mental handicapped and those who help them can live, work, and share their lives together. Many of the mentally handicapped men and women create the awards for the race, making them unique, and something that will always be cherished. I think Frank found a real gem of a marathon when he picked this one. Good luck Frank!

Good Luck Goofy Girls!

Tomorrow morning Patti, Jenni, Ursula, and Tracy H. leave for Disney World in Orlando. All four girls will run the Family 5k race on Friday in the Animal Kingdom Park, and also the Half Marathon on Saturday which winds through Epcot and the Magic Kingdom.

Patti, Jenni, and Ursula will then compete in the full Marathon on Sunday which takes in all four Disney Parks, earning their Goofy medal. Half finishers get a "Donald"; Full finishers earn a "Mickey"; and if you do them both the rare "Goofy" is awarded.

The weather is looking warm for all three races, but a 6:00 am start should help keep things under control. Good luck ladies on your quest to be Goofy! Some would argue that you are already there. We look forward to lots of pictures and stories to share.

2007 USA Marathoning Annual Report

Every year MarathonGuide.com does a statistical analysis of marathoning in the prior year. Unlike 2006, they actually got their report done very quickly for 2007. I am a "numbers guy", so I always find it to be an interesting read. Follow this link to read the full report.

The report shows marathon times broken out by gender and age. It also shows which are the top marathons in size and growth. Take a look to see how you compare. Here are a few interesting highlights. The top 30 marathons accounted for just 57% of all finishers compared to 71% of all finishers in 2006. That means that people are seeking out new marathons.

Also of interest is the average men's finishing time is 4:29:52; for women it is 4:59:28; and for all runners it is 4:41:33. By comparison the RMEC average marathon time is 4:29:13. That is more than 12 minutes faster than the national average!

Race Results and Contact List

Race Results: I am trying to wrap up 2007 data on the blog, and would like to make sure I have all of your information recorded. please take a minute to review the 2007 race results page and check your for accuracy. Did I miss a race? Do I have a PR worng? Is your name not on the results? Some of you just began running with us, I still want to document your races, so let me know by posting a comment here. I would like to summarize our 2007 race results, but want a complete list. Thanks!

Contact List: I have not changed the contact list for a while. I know there are some new runners, and probably some changes that need to be made to this page, so take a look at the Contact List, and give me updates, and new names. If you are worried, to my knowledge this list has not created any spam. If I use it, I email at most just a weekly reminder message.

Weekday Running Groups: Another page that has not changed for a while is the weekday running groups. If you know of any changes here, or have started a new group I can make updates.

RUN RSVP: Saturday 01/04

After two long weekends, shorter routes are planned for this Saturday. It will cold (30F at the start and 43F at the finish), so dress accordingly. Frank has suggested a road/trail run at Medoc Mountain. This is about 25 minutes away from Rocky Mount, and would offer some different scenery. If there is enough interest we can meet at the Harris Teeter at 7:30 and then drive there for a 8:00 am run. We don't all have to go. We could have a HT group and a Medoc group.

Run Details:

• Day: Saturday @ 7:30 am
• Where: Harris Teeter or Medoc Mountain
• Route: 12 mile, 6 mile, or Medoc Trails
• Supported: Depends if a we all stay at HT
• Weather: Forecast

Here are directions to Medoc from Frank:

1. I-95 N to exit 150 . . . Turn left.
2. Go about 3/10th of a mile. Turn right on 48.
3. Go approximately 9.2 miles. At convenience store (with no brand name), turn left.
4. Go approximately 1.5 miles (past fire tower).
5. Parking area on right. If blocked off, park in Ivory Hill Baptist Church lot across the street.

Please comment ASAP on what you plan to do. Frank has a longer drive to Medoc, so he needs to know the plan.

Are you up for the Challenge?

I know many of you are training for more "serious" events, but some of us are about to focus on four miles and 12 donuts. Last year Richard, Dave, and I did the Krispy Kreme Challenge (although Dave wussed out and side the princess version, where you don’t eat donuts). This year I think there is much greater interest. The weekend of the race falls on a 20-mile day for those doing Myrtle, but I think we can find away around this problem if people are interested.

The event currently has 326 runners. Last they had almost 1,400, so expect to see the registration numbers move quickly. The event is truly something you should do once in your life, if for no other reason so you have a story to tell you friends (and a cool shirt).

There is a Team Challenge, although the details are not well known. All runners still complete the entire race. So when you sign up, select the Rocky Mount Endurance Club as your team. They are not alphabetized,right now we are near the bottom.

Post a comment here if you are running/vomiting. Let us know if you are doing the "Challenge", or just the "Casual" runner.

Myrtle Beach Rate Increase

The rates for the Myrtle Beach Marathon ($70) and Half Marathon ($60) are valid to January 7th, so now is the time to sign up. After that, they make a BIG price jump. The marathon becomes $100 and the half $90. I have not heard bad things about Myrtle, but I don't think it is worth 100 bucks, so be sure to beat the price jump.

It appears a big group is building for this race, which should make it a lot of fun. It is supposed to have lots of fun post race including some golden liquid carbs, plus some fun at the House of Blues as well.

Here are the names that I have heard so far:

• Gerry - Signed up full
• Michael - Signed up full
• Kevin - Signed up full
• Arthur - Signed up for half
• Scott - Signed up full
• Brent - Signed up full
• Frank - Signed up full
• Tampa - Signed up for half
• Steve - Signed up for half
• Derek - Signed up full
• Dave - Signed up for the half
• Russ - Signed up for half
• Ryan - Signed up for full

Don't miss out on the fun. Plus, you can share a hotel room and save money.

01/14 Update: The Half Marathon and Marathon Relay are now full. Only spots in the Full Marathon, 5k and bike races remain.

BYLAWS OF THE ROCKY MOUNT ENDURANCE CLUB (RMEC)

I. TITLE
The name of the association shall be "Rocky Mount Endurance Club Incorporated," hereafter referred to as "this association" or "this organization".

II. OBJECT

A. The prime object of the association shall be the promotion and encouragement of long distance running and the education of the public to its benefits.

B. In furtherance of objective "A" this association may hold championships, races on the road, track or trail, lectures, fun runs, training teams, other educational activities, demonstrations, clinics and social events; to print and publish books, magazines, websites and newsletter; make awards; and do all such other things as may be conducive to the encouragement of running.

C. Other objectives are to engage in community activities, to publicize by appropriate means the benefits of long distance running as a means of physical fitness.

III. AFFILIATION
This association shall be a chapter of the Road Runners Club Of America, and all measures adopted by that body must be considered by this organization.

IV. MEMBERSHIP
Individuals who wish to participate in the activities of this organization shall submit dues and an application for membership.

V. MANAGEMENT OR GOVERNMENT

A. The management of this association shall be vested in a Board of Directors consisting of a President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer.

B. Duties of officers:

1. President - to preside over meetings, represent this association in the RRCA, to call any special meetings, organize runs, and to appoint committees and chairpersons thereof.

2. Vice-President - to assume the powers of the president in his/her absence, and to take on special assignments as requested by the president.

3. Secretary - to record minutes at meetings, to keep a file of such minutes, and, when requested by the president, to accept assignments involving correspondence and the keeping of records.

4. Treasurer - to administer all financial dues and to have authority to sign or disburse necessary appropriations, as directed.

C. Eligibility:
Officers may be elected to succeed themselves.

D. Term of office

1. Term of office shall be about one year, beginning with or at the close of the first meeting held within the calendar year, and in no case beginning later than March 31.

2. Offices filled upon resignation shall also expire at the time of the first meeting of the calendar year.

E. Elections

1. Officers shall be elected by a majority vote of those present at the meeting.

F. Procedural requirements

1. Parliamentary procedure will be carried on at meetings, and every effort will be made to discuss any measures coming before the group.

2. A majority vote of the members present is necessary to pass ordinary measures. All measures shall be deemed ordinary except those proposing a constitutional amendment.

3. A quorum shall consist of twice the number of elected officers plus one. No official meeting shall be held unless a quorum is present.

4. Bylaws amendment

a. A bylaw amendment may be accomplished by a two-thirds vote of the members present at the meeting.
b. Only those who have been members of this organization for 30 days prior to the proposal of such an amendment may vote upon such.

c. All members must be notified at least 7 days prior to voting that bylaw amendments will be discussed and voted on.

5. Meetings will be held at least once each quarter and more frequently if called by the president.

VI. FINANCES

A. Dues shall be as determined by a majority of the members present at a business meeting and shall not be changed more often than once per year.

B. This is a non-profit organization. Dues, entry fees, and other monies received by the organization will be spent entirely for carrying out the stated purpose to the organization.

C. No part of the net earnings of the club shall be to the benefit of its individuals.

D. This organization shall be empowered to participate in fund-raising activities.

E. This organization will submit a portion of the annual dues (described in A supra) to the RRCA as membership in that body shall require.

VII. DISSOLUTION

In the event of dissolution of this association, the funds in the treasury, after all creditors have been paid, shall go to the Road Runners Club of America or other 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.