RUN RSVP: New Year's Weekend

UPDATED - NEW YEAR'S DAY ROUTES ARE POSTED IN THE COMMENTS

Traditionally we have done a New Year's Day run from Battleboro.  This year, 1/1/12 falls on a Sunday, and many of us will be in church in the morning.  We had a poll to see when people wanted to run, and to be honest not many people voted so it didn't tell me much.  So here is the tentative plan. . .
RUN OPTION #1

• Where: Saturday, 8:00 am @ Harris Teeter
• Supported: Yes
• Weather: Forecast
• Routes: 4 Miles - 8 Miles - 12 Miles

RUN OPTION #2

• Where: Sunday, 2:00 pm @ Battleboro
• Supported: BYOB
• Weather: Forecast
• Routes: SEE THE COMMENTS FOR THREE OPTIONS FROM 5.8 - 9.6 MILES

If there is not enough people coming to run on Sunday afternoon, I will probably cancel the run.  I hope we can get a good crowd to show up however and continue the RMEC tradition.  The starting point of the route for Battleboro will likely change.  This started at Gerry's house, and he is not running right now.  Most likely we will use the same route, but start from the school.

It is really important that you RSVP this time.  Let us know which day(s) you are running.  Thanks.

DONT FORGET TO JOIN THE RMEC

RUN RSVP: Saturday 12/24 @ Teeter

Everyone is invited to join us for a Christmas Eve run.  The holidays will be busy, so don't miss a chance to get in a run before we all start to overeat and take long trips.  I pushed the start back to 7:30 again assuming that many of you wanted to get back to your families.

• Where: Saturday, 7:30 am @ Harris Teeter
• Supported: Yes
• Weather: Forecast
• Routes:  4 miles - 13.4 Miles

As always, review the routes.  The 13.4 miles is the "dead end route" (same as last week).  It has Four dead ends and one lollipop loop.  This route can easily be shortened to any distance by dropping off the deadends.  I will put out fluids unless someone else speaks up.  PLEASE COMMENT IF YOU ARE RUNNING.

Action Required

Couple of quick things for the RMEC Members that takes action on your part:

1) Membership: We are completing the 2012 membership roster from the Road Runner Club of America.  If you have not already done so, please sign up again for next year.  Look a few posts down to register.

2) New Year's Run: We have a tradition of a New Year's Day run in Battleboro that has been going on for several years.  This year January 1st is on a Sunday.  We are trying to figure out when to run.  There is a poll on Facebook where you can vote, but for those not on Facebook, please comment here.  The options are

1. Sat 12/31 AM
2. Sun 1/1 AM
3. Sun 1/1 PM
4. Mon 1/2 AM

Thanks and happy running!

New Year = New You. Challenge Yourself!

To use a running reference, the RMEC is really hitting it's stride right now. It may be hard to tell in the cold winter months, but our membership is as strong as it has ever been with new people joining every day. Once the holidays pass, you will start to see some of the biggest crowds we have ever seen on Saturday mornings. Don't be left out!

Every year when January 1st comes around we all set resolutions for how we are going to improve in the new year. Often we start late, and/or fall short. That is why I am posting this now. Don't wait until January 1, 2011 to decide your next goal. Decide now, and start to make a plan for your success.

Run my first marathon. . . Set a new PR. . . Drop 15 pounds. . . Run an Ultra. . . Run my first 10k. . . Run four days a week. . . Convince a friend to run. . . Run a half marathon. . . Become a RMEC Member. . . Run one race a month. . . Start to cross train. . . Do my first sprint triathlon. . . Become an Ironman. . . Run a 200 mile relay. . . Run my first trail race. . . Qualify for Boston. . .Start running on Saturday mornings with the group. . .The opportunities are limitless!

There are so many different goals that you can set for 2012. It is time to pick yours and work towards it. From the outside looking in the RMEC may look like a group on elite runners who have no interest in newcomers. If you join us for a run, you will find out we are a down-to-earth group of people who simply stay dedicated to our goals. In fact, four years ago the RMEC was originally built based on a beginner marathon training program. At some point we are all beginners.

So what do I do now?

• Step 1: Pick a goal (or two). Make it a big one. If it doesn't scare you at least a little bit, you should reach higher.
• Step 2: Tell people your goals. Your true friends will motivate and encourage you every step of the way. If you fall short they will be there to pick you back up, not to laugh.

Goals can also be internal and personal, but if you are comfortable sharing, please post a comment on the blog, and let the RMEC know what extraordinary things you are going to do in 2012!  Remember goals are relative to the person setting them.  Running your first 5k can be a giant goal for you.  Be proud of that and let people know.

2011 Rib Run

Today several of the RMEC "nooners" (aka "Y runners") participated in the 14th annual Rib Run.  This run dates back well before the merger of the Rocky Mount YMCAs.  The tradition was created at the old YMCA off Winstead Ave by the hospital. 

What started as a group of four runners in 1997 has now evolved into over 20 participants.  It consists of a run followed by eating ribs at Texas Steakhouse.  There are some annual "awards" given out, some sharing of stories, and a little bit of "toasting" and "roasting" of our fellow runners.

If you want to learn more about the Rib Run and to get invited. . .  show up for some of our lunch time runs at the YMCA. We leave at 12:15 Monday through Friday.

Today, Scott Wingfield shared an exceptional poem that captured the essence of our nooner group.  It is full of inside jokes, so not every bit of this will make sense or seem funny, but to the regular crew it is hysterical.  Thanks Scott for taking the time to write this and sharing it today.

‘Twas the Night Before Rib Run

‘Twas the night before Rib Run, when all through the house,

Not a runner was stirring, not even my spouse.

My Mizuno’s were placed by my sling pack with care,

In hopes that tomorrow on my feet I would wear.

Michael and Ursula were snug in there beds,

While thoughts of the Rib Run danced in their heads.

Brad in his cotton tee, and Andy in tights

Had just settled down for a long winter’s night.

The big day arrived, we could hardly believe

Most were there early and were ready to leave.

We met at the Y, at a quarter past noon.

We had to get running, the ribs would be done soon.

Carol donned her hat, whistled Kate to her side

While Amber took off with her shuffling stride.

Next there came Milton who puffed on ahead

With a cap on his head that was finally red.

Tucker ran off to check on the field

‘Bout hit by a car, they surely don’t yield.

Joseph was there, but a little too late

He’d have to run fast to get ribs on his plate.

Up Benvenue Road, the rest ran in a hurry

Where the honks were a blasting with quite a fury.

Most of us shirtless, Dave had on a jacket

We sure didn’t mean to cause such a racket!

Out by the park, the boy’s crossed the road

Dodging the lighters, from cars they were throwed.

When all of a sudden from the woods did appear,

Brad took a shortcut…hope he covered his rear.

We ran to the frogs, what was that groan?

A bunch of park goers were on the ground prone.

Around to the shelter we followed our nose,

Oh my, it’s Cooper, running sans clothes!

Despite the distraction we pushed on to the lake,

Past Frickin’ Fast Frank who is slow as a snake.

We dodged a few cars, ‘cross Sunset we darted,

Now the run would really get started.

We flew past the fountain, I wanted a drink

As I glanced o’er at Kevin he gave out a wink.

Up ahead were the lights, we know what happens there

He grabbed Eric’s hand, people were starting to stare.

Gerry, Dennis, and I slowed, our heads down in shame

As Kevin and Eric pranced ahead through the flames.

Michael was laughing, his elbows tucked high.

Dave said nothing, he just let out a sigh.

Across the Tar River, we flew in a dash

‘Til a spider bit Eric and left him a rash.

Gerry slowed too, hey man what’s the deal?

Surprise…once again, a pain in his heel.

Back toward the Y, the rest of us flew

We were cruising along, an impressive old crew.

When all of a sudden Michael crashed to the ground

Wrapped ‘round his ankle a hoop he had found.

We rounded the corner, and dashed to line

While dreaming of ribs, soon we would dine.

Most thought we had finished when we reached the ‘lot

But we had .05 more to go thanks to ole’ Scott!

The run in the books, now time for some food

First off to the showers with the Syracuse dude.

To Texas we headed, “o-eleven” gone in a dash,

Rib Run “ought” twelve will be here in a flash!

Scott Wingfield - 12/21/11

RUN RSVP: Saturday 12/17 @ Harris Teeter

Last week nearly 20 people came out to run.  What a great crowd.  I hope we can keep that going tomorrow.  Once again, I will start the run at 8:00 am.  If you want to start earlier and get more miles try to be back at the Teeter by 8:00 am.

• Where: Saturday, 8:00 am @ Harris Teeter
• Supported: Yes
• Weather: Forecast
• Routes:  4 miles - 13.4 Miles

As always, review the routes.  The 13.4 miels is the "dead end route".  It has Four dead ends and one lollipop loop.  This route can easily be shortened to any distance by dropping off the deadends.  I will put out fluids unless someone else speaks up.  PLEASE COMMENT IF YOU ARE RUNNING. 

RUN RSVP: 12/12 @ Harris Teeter

I know I have been bad about getting the group runs posted timely.  I am hoping that everyone's running is still going well.  Lets try to get back on track tomorrow and have a good turnout to run.  Because it is cold, I even backed up the start time to give you all some extra sleep.

• Where: Saturday, 8:00 am @ Harris Teeter
• Supported: Yes
• Weather: Forecast
• Routes:  8 Miles - 13 Miles

As always, review the routes.  the 13 miler is not a normal route for us and does not hit fluids until Mile 7.  This works well on days when it is colder, and gives us some new scenery.  I will put out fluids unless someone else speaks up.  PLEASE COMMENT IF YOU ARE RUNNING.  If you are starting earlier, try to be back at the Teeter at 8:00 am.

Don't forget that the Sweetheart 5k opens tomorrow for registration too.

RMEC Grant Program

RMEC has been able to accumulate a excess cash due to the success of the Medoc Trail Races and the Golf Club at Rocky Mount Races. And now it's time we work to fulfill our complete mission to enable endurance sports in our communities.  At the present time we feel like we have approximately $2,000 in excess funds.

What we are planning to do is develop an annual grant program where area schools or other charitable groups can request funding from RMEC for projects they want to conduct that align with our club's mission.

Essentially these groups would fill out a grant request that the club will be developing.  Next a committee of RMEC members would read and score each request against our grant criteria to decide which requests would be funded and to what financial degree. The grant program approach has been used by other not-for-profit organizations to distribute funds for programs they would like to support.

But there is a significant amount of preliminary work we must do to develop the program. We hope to be able to send out a call for grant requests in February or March . . . but there is a lot to do to be ready. We will need to . . .

• develop the program rules and criteria we want to use to judge grant requests
• develop the request form that organizations will use to request funding
• develop an implementation plan to announce and market the program to area organizations
• develop the scoring rules and process
• read and score grant requests

Frank Lilley will be chairing the program and needs plenty of help. If you would like to assist in the development of this program, please contact Frank at 252-454-8208.

For this to be a successful program, we need your support.  To ensure fairness, we want a diverse group of club members to help review grants and to develop this program.  If you have not given back to the club with your own time yet, this is a great opportunity to get involved.

OBX Marathon Weekend Results

This blog post is long overdue, but life was getting in the way of RMEC posting.  Thanks to Ursula and Tracy for helping to pull the information below together.

The RMEC had a great showing at the OBX Marathon two weekends ago.  It was one of the biggest groups we have ever taken to a race.  Below are the results over everyone from the "Greater Rocky Mount Area".  This includes Nashville, Battleboro, Elm City, and Tarboro too.  Not sure we got everyone, but we tried.  RMEC club members are indicated with a asterisk.  It is sorted by your age group place.

I am always worried about calling out a few highlight, because I don't want to downplay anyone's performance by not mentioning them.  So if I don't call you out by name, please know that everyone did well.  So here are a few highlights.

Tracy Proctor set a new PR and narrowly missed an age group award.  Anthony, William, and Julian all set new PRs.  Leigh Ann, Elizabeth, Nelson, Greg, and Eric all ran their first marathons. . . Awesome!

In the Half Marathon, the RMEC had some speed demons.  Ron took 17th overall and ran a 1:23:29.  Kyle and Brian both placed in their age groups taking home some hardware!  Carrie, Brandie, and Alane all ran their first half marathons (and I probably missed some others too.  Brad and Jeannie both did the Black Beard Challenge racing the 8K on Saturday, and the Half on Sunday earning them a special medal.

Big Congrats to everyone from Rocky Mount.  Keep running and stay healthy!

Marathon Results:

	First Name	Last Name	Chip Time	City	Grp Pl	Gen Pl
*	Tracy	Proctor	3:46:55	Battleboro	4	38
*	Anthony	Lucas	3:36:03	Rocky Mount	6	91
*	William	Lucas	3:29:41	Nashville	9	68
*	Michael	Forrester	3:36:11	Rocky Mount	11	92
*	Leigh Ann	Wingfield	4:03:01	Nashville	11	82
*	Dennis	Crossen	3:38:14	Nashville	13	98
*	Greg	Weatherford	4:40:45	Battleboro	21	440
*	Elizabeth	Fuson	4:40:45	Rocky Mount	30	222
*	Nelson	Long	4:24:28	Nashville	36	352
*	Julian	Martinez	4:17:18	Rocky Mount	52	310
*	Greg	Delbridge	4:27:24	Raleigh	53	367
*	Scott	Wingfield	4:18:59	Nashville	60	324
*	Arthur	Bennett	5:38:52	Rocky Mount	91	638
*	Eric	Ghiloni	6:14:39	Rocky Mount	101	674

Half Marathon Results:

	First Name	Last Name	Chip Time	City	Grp Pl	Gen Pl
*	Kyle	Keenan	1:34:16	Rocky Mount	2	52
	Patricia	Petruzziello	1:45:23	Tarboro	2	55
*	Brian	Lankford	1:28:36	Rocky Mount	3	23
*	Ron	Fleming	1:23:29	Rocky Mount	4	13
	Amanda	Futrell	1:45:51	Rocky Mount	12	57
	Gary	Brackett	1:48:58	Rocky Mount	14	216
*	Brad	Kerr	1:47:01	Rocky Mount	24	181
*	Jeff	Kuglitsch	2:01:44	Rocky Mount	24	456
*	Jackson	Rollins	1:57:45	Nashville	26	378
	Rebecca	Weaver	2:02:39	Nashville	28	338
	Michael	Schear	1:51:57	Rocky Mount	35	269
	Carrie	Crossen	2:07:52	Nashville	46	475
	Jessica	Williams	2:08:04	Rocky Mt	47	483
*	Jon	Shingleton	1:52:03	Elm City	47	271
	Bryan	Mayo	2:06:05	Tarboro	49	526
*	Michael	Votava	2:06:56	Rocky Mount	60	541
	Patrick	Kennedy	1:59:01	Battleboro	72	414
	Duane	Williams	2:08:05	Rocky Mt	73	563
	Michael	Harris	2:01:25	Tarboro	79	450
	Brad	Brown	2:14:16	Nashville	85	649
	June	Cherry	2:36:35	Tarboro	86	1125
	Ryan	Mason	2:15:53	Rocky Mount	87	671
*	Ursula	Forrester	2:18:31	Rocky Mount	91	775
	Jason	Vinson	2:12:57	Battleboro	92	633
	Douglas	Spencer	2:18:46	Tarboro	93	706
	Michael	Sohn	2:08:17	Rocky Mount	99	566
	Jason	Rochelle	2:28:51	Rocky Mount	101	783
	Benjamin	Brightman	2:13:23	Battleboro	103	637
*	Amber	Shingleton	2:13:54	Elm City	103	655
	Linda	Selman	2:29:31	Battleboro	115	1000
	Codie	Younger	2:37:47	Nashville	115	1150
	Jennifer	Sutherland	2:37:48	Battleboro	116	1152
*	Margaret	Bentley	2:41:26	Rocky Mount	117	856
	Erin	Agan	2:14:51	Nashville	123	680
	Courtney	Pitt	2:18:48	Tarboro	142	788
	Jeannie	Kerr	2:41:19	Rocky Mount	147	1208
	Andrea	Sessoms	2:25:15	Tarboro	149	922
	Elizabeth	Broomell	2:25:30	Rocky Mount	151	933
	Ashley	Vinson	2:25:41	Battleboro	153	940
	Katie	Schultz	2:19:44	Tarboro	163	808
	Connie	Pike	2:32:53	Rocky Mount	166	1062
*	Alane	Floyd	3:16:36	Rocky Mount	218	1575
*	Brandie	Ghiloni	2:57:50	Rocky Mount	219	1405
	Krista	Dunn	2:44:31	Tarboro	248	1250

 8K Results

	First Name	Last Name	Chip Time	City	Grp Pl	Gen Pl
*	Brad	Kerr	0:41:10	Rocky Mount	6	72
	Michelle	Rochelle	0:50:12	Rocky Mount	15	109
	Heather	Simon	0:51:30	Nashville	16	133
*	Jeannie	Kerr	0:51:21	Rocky Mount	19	128
	Candice	Davis	0:55:13	Nashville	28	192