RUN RSVP: Saturday July 26th

We will be meeting at the Teeter for our 6:00 am run. The mapmyrunsite is having issues (again), so check back this afternoon of the routes. As a reminder here is a link to our summer "long-run" schedule. PLEASE POST A COMMENT IF YOU ARE COMING. The routes do not go in to Candlewood at all, so it will be something a little different.

Run Details:

• Where: Saturday, 6:00 am @ Harris Teeter
• Supported: Yes
• Weather: Forecast
• Route: 5 mile; 10 mile; 16 mile

I am hopeful you can see these maps when you click the links. The 5-mile route is an out-and-back. You will run 2.5 miles to my house where there are fluids, and then take the same route back to the Teeter. Let us know what distance and what pace you plan to run, so people know if they have a running partner. If you are doing the 16, bring a few bucks. We can pick up a Gatorade at the YMCA.

Are you still waiting to join the RMEC?

You can now register online to join the RMEC. We have a new registration page hosted through eventbrite. It will add an extra 99 cents to the fee, so if you would rather complete the paper application, write a check, and mail it in, shoot us an email at runrmec@yahoo.com

Why should I join the RMEC?

• To stay healthy and active by exercising with friends.
• To get discounts at local races (Ford's Colony 5k and 10k, Medoc Trail Races, and more).
• To reach goals you never dreamed you could reach
• To get a 15% discount on running gear at Raleigh Running Outfitters.
• Other stores will be giving us discounts soon.
• To help make a difference in Rocky Mount by getting people active
• To add life to your years, and years to your life.
• Have your friends read about your races online.
• It is cool. . . and everyone is doing it!

About the RMEC: The Rocky Mount Endurance Club is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. This means no individual officer or members are allowed to profit from any dues, races fees, sponsorship contributions, etc. We are comprised of a group of runners in Rocky Mount North Carolina. We welcome any runner regardless of your experience or ability level.

Who we are? If we were not wearing our running gear, you would never know what we have in common:

• We vary in age from late 20's to 60's
• Our pace ranges from low 7:00 to 12:00
• We have men and women
• We have newlyweds, parents, and grandparents

What to I get out of it? You will get out what you put in to it. The RMEC began as a marathon training team when we took 21 people to the Richmond Marathon in 2006. Many of these people never dreamed they would run a marathon in their lives, but working as a team, following a plan, and staying dedicated drove as all to the finish line.

Maybe a marathon is not you goal. Maybe you just want to stay active. Maybe you want to train for the First Carolina State Bank Half Marathon on 11/22. Whatever your goal, it is more fun with friends. Come join us for a Saturday run one weekend and get to meet the group. If you have joined us before. . . now is a great time to come back and say hello!

Have questions? Shoot us an email, and we will quickly be in touch.

Current Members: Please take a minute and post a comment here, and let the "website lurkers" know how you feel about being a member of the RMEC.

Join Today!

Save with Friends and Family Discounts

I always recommend going to a local running store, but if you know what you want here is a good deal. Foot Locker, Champs, and Footaction are all having their Friends & Family Sales with an additional 30% off in store starting today, July 24 through July 26. Click on the store names (above) to open a link the printable coupons.

To shop online use the following codes:

• Foot Locker: FF87L247
• Champs: FF872427
• Footaction: FFV727

How does this sound for a long run?

You know how sometimes you hear these stories about people trying to do crazy things? Like Dean Karnazes running 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 days. . . or the story of Charlie Engle, Ray Zahab, and Kevin Lin Running the Sahara. . . Most often, these individuals are ordinary people, but they are doing extraordinary things.

Well, there is a North Carolinian who has just begun a trek across the United States on foot. Yes, you heard me right. Doug Dawkins of the Mangum Track Club began last week in Ocean Isle on what will be the journey of a life time. According to mapquest, this is 2,542 miles and a 38 hour drive. Doug however is taking the "scenic route" and his trip will cover 3,236 miles.

I expect the story to pick up steam as the days and miles add up, but for now you can follow him online by checking his blog. He has just begun, so it will only take you a few minutes to catch up on his adventures. Although he has not asked for comments, I am sure he would like read them along the way, so if you feel inspired, leave him a message. 3,326 miles is a long way. . . I am sure he could use some things to think about. Seriosuly, you should check this out!

So the next time, you have a 20 mile run that you are dreading, just think of Doug, pounding the pavement across the country day after day. . . Your run may not seem so bad.

Beaufort Results are in!

There were two impressive performances this weekend at the Beaufort 10k by the RMEC. Both Tracy and Kinnie decided to take advantage of a coastal race and signed up for the 10k. The good news is they both left with some hardware too!

The 10k had 143 finishers. Tracy Proctor came across the finish line in 19th place. Only four women got their faster as she was the 6th woman overall to finish. Here time of 47:03 was good enough for a 2nd place agre group victory. Kinnie Pruden had a very strong performance. She finished with a time of 55:39 and was 2nd in her age group as well. Not too shabby for a person who claims not to be a runner!

For complete results visit the race website. Great job ladies!

Ford's Colony Press Release

Below is a press release sent out by North Carolina Wesleyan regarding the Ford's Colony Race. It provides additional details on how the proceeds will be used.

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Race Will Benefit Scholarships

Rocky Mount, N.C.—Two local education scholarships that honor the late Richard J. “Rick” Ford, Jr., founder of Ford’s Colony in Rocky Mount, will grow larger from the proceeds of 10K and 5K races to be held along the golf paths at Ford’s Colony on Saturday, September 13.

The Rocky Mount Endurance Club is directing the inaugural Ford’s Colony 5k and 10k races presented by Davenport Honda. All race proceeds will be divided between the memorial scholarships that honor Ford at North Carolina Wesleyan College and Nash Community College.

The 10K race will begin at 8:00 a.m. on the private Ford’s Colony entrance road beside the main fountains. Runners will follow paths for all 18 holes and can enjoy one of the most scenic golf courses in the Southeast. The 5K race will start at 8:05 a.m. on the same entrance road and will follow a somewhat different scenic path before returning to the finish line located near the 18th green.

The Rocky Mount business community has shown tremendous support for this inaugural event. Over 10 local businesses are participating as sponsors of the races, which will help to ensure an enjoyable time by everyone involved.

Rick Ford, who passed away in December 2007, was a Wesleyan trustee and served on the Nash Community College Foundation Board of Directors. Rick was a generous supporter of education and the needs of young people in general. He supported many community groups and made Ford’s Colony the home course for North Carolina Wesleyan’s golf team. He also made the Ford’s Colony course available for fundraising events at both North Carolina Wesleyan and Nash Community College.

He was president and chief executive officer of Realtec Incorporated and in 2005 began Ford’s Colony—Rocky Mount, modeled after Ford’s Colony—Williamsburg. He also created Keowee Key in Salem, S.C., and Sapphire Valley in Cashiers, N.C.

A native of New York, Rick Ford was a highly respected member of the business communities of Atlanta, Williamsburg, and Rocky Mount; a founding member of the Buckhead Club in Atlanta; and an executive founder of the Georgia Dome. He served on national boards of directors of professional associations and generously supported major charities.

Team Hoyt Video

Most of you have probably seen this clip in some form or fashion before, but it is still an amazing story, and one that serves as a strong example of hard work and dedication. Two of you have emailed the story to me last week. Here is a the email and the link (note: some firewalls block the video clip).

A son asked his father, 'Dad, will you take part in a marathon with me?'. The father who, despite having a heart condition, says 'Yes'.

They went on to complete the marathon together. Father and son went on to join other marathons, the father always saying 'Yes' to his son's request of going through the race together. One day, the son asked his father, 'Dad, let's join the Ironman together.' To which, his father said 'Yes' too.

Father and son went on to complete the race together. View some race footage online.

To learn more about Dick and Rick Hoyt, you can visit the Team Hoyt website. If you would like to meet them, they will be at the Rock and Roll Half Marathon in Virginia Beach. Last year they were at the expo and also raced.