RMEC and RRCA

Even though it may be a small crowd, we will still have a meeting tomorrow to discuss the RMEC becoming part of the Road Runner Club of America (RRCA). The YMCA has graciously offered a room for us to use to have our meeting. To allow everyone enough time to get from work to the meeting we will start at 5:30.

Where: YMCA
Date: Wednesday 03/19/08
Time: 5:30 pm

This meeting will be very informal, but is necessary if we plan to take any future steps. We will discuss the following:

• Why we are considering joing the RRCA
• Benefits of RRCA
• What would change, What would not change.
• Next Steps
• Bylaws
• Dues
• Future plans of RMEC

I really want this to be an open and frank discussion, so please don't be afraid to speak up. The most important thing I want people to realize is I don't expect the RMEC as it is today to change. What I do hope is it will allow us to have a bigger impact on the community by hosting races, runs, training teams, and other events.
To learn more about the RRCA, I strongly encourage you to visit

www.rrca.org. See you tomorrow.

Ipod Shuffle Sale

If you have ever considered getting an Ipod to use while running, now is the time. WalMart has marked the 1GB Ipod Shuffle down to $48.72. This is the no frills version of the Ipod, and only holds about 240 songs, but it is the perfect size for running and easily clips on your clothing.

For the next two days, if you buy one in the store, you even get a $15 Itunes gift card, so it really becomes more like a $33.72 value (the card is for music, not to reduce the purchase price).

Friends and Family Sale

Foot Locker, Champs, and Footaction are all having their Friends & Family Sales with an additional 30% off in store starting today, Mar 14 through Mar 16. Click on the store names (above) to open a link the printable coupons. Great time to gets some new shoes, or some summer running gear. There is no online coupon, so just print them out and use them in the stores.

RUN RSVP: Saturday 03/15

After a rain out last weekend, lets try for a big group run tomorrow. I know several of you are riding with Eric, and others are racing, so that will reduce the potential number of runners, but I am hopeful we will have a good turnout.

Run Details:

• Day: Saturday @ 7:30 am
• Where: Harris Teeter
• Route: 13.1 Miles (but easy to shorten)
• Supported: Yes - 2 stops
• Weather: Forecast

I made up a new route, that includes several roads that we normally do not run. Be sure to bring directions, because it will be unfamiliar to everyone. Some of the first four miles are on slightly busier roads, so be careful.

This route is easy to trim off miles, so I only made one route. here are some ways to cut it short:

• At mile 4 - turn left on Greystone instead of turning right and going to the dead end (cuts a mile)
• At mile 7 - turn left on Hawthorne and return to HT to make it about 8 miles
• At mile 7.9 - Continue on Leighton (don't turn on Brassfield) then turn left on Jeremy (cuts a mile)
• At mile 9.8 - return to HT after 2nd water stop to make it about 10.6 miles

The fluids will be at the tracks, which is mile 7 and 9.8. I know those are pretty close together, but be sure to drink both times to stay well hydrated. If you need more, bring a bottle with you. Looking forward to a great run!

Good luck runners!

Last week several of you ran at the Crystal Coast Half Marathon, and the racing continues this weekend. A healthy Steve will challenge the marathon distance again at the Shamrock, expecting to crush the time he produced on a bum leg in Richmond. Loyal Tampa will be there as well, running the half marathon.

Closer to home, Jason is running in the Run for the Oaks 5k in Raleigh. This race is Saturday at 9:30 a.m. for anyone else who is interested.

Lastly, Frank is running in the inaugural Rocky Mount Marathon tomorrow. That's right, Frank will take his trusty GPS and run in and around Rocky Mount for 26.2 miles. I am hoping we can share some of the roads with him on our Saturday run. I fully expect Frank to not only win his age group, but also to win the enitre race.

Good luck everyone!

Weekend Rides

Eric plans to ride Saturday and Sunday this weekend. For those training for a triathlon, there is no time like the present to get out on the roads. Below is information on the rides:

Saturday: From Belton and Schrimper: 7:15 Start
Will ride 26 mile route out West Mount to Old Bailey Hwy (L) to Bend of the River Rd (L) and then around the reservoir onto 97 and back up Halifax to West Mount. Moderate pace on a relatively flat route. Click here for a map.

Sunday: Long ride 8:00 Start
I am thinking Harris Teeter to Red Oak to Pullen Pasture to Castalia to Spring Hope and back in through Nashville. Should be around 50 miles - 3 or so hours. Click here for a map.

Please RSVP if you can make it.

Best Running Store

Runner’s World is having it's annual voting for the Runner’s Choice Awards (the best running specialty store in each region). The last two years, Raleigh Running Outfitters has won the honor.

Raleigh Running Outfitters has been good to the RMEC giving us discounts, putting on shoe clinics, and providing us with race numbers for our Chase of Champions. If you could take about 25 seconds and complete a ballot It would be a nice way to say thanks.