2009 Setup Events About to Open for Registration

Most of you who would be impacted by this already know, but just in case, I wanted to post a reminder that Setup Events opens up most of their race registrations beginning January 2nd at 5:00 pm. Several of their triathlons are so popular that they will fill up in just a few hours, and can even crash their web servers. If you plan to enter, do not wait!

The most popular race by far is the White Lake Triathlon. The main reason for it's popularity is the lake itself. The swim is an open water swim, but the lake is crystal clear which makes it a great introduction to an open water. Another reason is the race has both a Half Ironman (Saturday) and a Sprint (Sunday). This year they actually have created two weekends of racing to accommodate the crowds. I expect the RMEC is more likely to race on the second weekend (May 9th and 10th), because the first weekend coincides with the Flying Pig Marathon.

Another popular race that is a great introduction to triathlons is the Riverwood Golf and Athletic Club Tri. It is a sprint distance with a pool swim. It will fill up quickly. This event is held on 04/25, so you could do this two weeks before the White Lake Sprint II and get some practice.

I still honestly hope we will support Tri Roanoke Valley Sprint Triathlon (04/11) and the Buckhorn Sprint Triathlon (06/13) as well. These are not part of Setup Events, but they are both within 35 minutes of Rocky Mount, and would benefit greatly from our support. The RMEC could have a big impact by showing up at these events.

For a complete list of races, and to find out when the registration opens, visit the Setup Events website.

Duathlon in Greenville

I know many of you want to give triathlons a try in 2009. If you are still a bit nervous, here is an easy way to warm up to the concept. Finish Strong has created a new Short Course Duathlon in Greenville. The event is actually only three weeks away, but there is still plenty of time to get ready!

The race consist of a 3-mile run, a 14-mile bike, and then another 1.5 mile run. Even if you are not cycling now, all RMEC members have the cardio to go 14 miles on a bike. Sure, it might not be your fastest 14 miles ever, but you can get it done. All RMEC members get 10% off their entry fee.

I would encourage you all to start doing some cross training now, and try to work in a few bike rides each week. If you are interested in doing the duathlon, but need a bike, post a comment here. There may be one available for you to borrow. Road bikes are obviously preferred, but races of this distance will see just about anything with two wheels and pedals.

We have several cyclists in the group, that would probably be glad to organize a few weekend novice rides. If anyone is interested in pulling this together, speak up! It's a new year RMEC. . . time to try something new!

2009 Membership Roster

It is time for us to submit our 2009 Member list to the Road Runner Club of America (RRCA), and submit payment for our club. This means we need to update our club roster, and collect payment from each of you. I need to submit our list now, and I do not want to pay for people if they will not renew.

Please post a comment here, or email runrmec@yahoo.com ASAP if you plan to join, or renew your membership.

Our dues will remain the same as they were in 2008 ($25 for an individual, and $15 for an additional household member). Roughly $10 of your payment goes to the RRCA which covers theirs dues, and our insurance. The remaining $15 stays with the RMEC, and is used to cover our expenses (like fluids, shirt discounts, cups, snacks, etc.)

New members are welcome. Even if you have never joined us for a run, you are invited to join the RMEC. If you plan to run our three local races you can quickly start to save on entry fees. If you have any questions, please contact us at runrmec@yahoo.com

We plan to offer the following to our members in 2009:

• 10% off Sweetheart 5k
• 10% off Ford's Colony 5k and 10k
• $5.00 off Medoc Trail Races
• 10% off most Finish Strong Triathlon's and Duathlons
• $2.00 off next RMEC Shirt Order
• 15% off at Raleigh Running Outfitters
• Supported Weekend Runs, Up-to-date website, and more. . .
• 40 new supportive friends and "running buddies"

Holiday RSVP

Based on emails and phone calls I know there are plans to take advantage of the holidays and squeeze in some runs. Great to hear that the RMEC is not getting lazy! This is the time to keep building your miles. If Santa can be running around. . . so can you!

This post is to give people an opportunity to plan and discuss group runs over the next several days. So far, here are the runs that are planned:

• 12/24: Wed 6:15 am - from Cliff's House (not 100% sure but I think they are running)
• 12/24: Wed 8:30 am - from Ryan's House. Pick your own distance
• 12/27: Sat: 7:30 am - from the Harris Teeter.

If you are planning to run any morning or afternoon, post here so people will know. If you are going to be out of town any given day, please do not post that on the blog.

Local Runner Story in the Telegram

The Rocky Mount Telegram did a story on a local runners who is training for the Disney Marathon as part of Team in Training (TNT). Kim Blackwelder is training for her first marathon and is looks to do very well in her upcoming race.

I know we all understand the difficulty, and the challenges we face when training for a marathon. . . Kim is completing here training on the heels of chemotherapy and radiation treatments. It is safe to say she has raised the bar for perseverance. If you have a minute, you can read the story online.

Over $1,500 in Awards and Prizes at the Sweetheart 5k!

Parks and Rec got some big news today regarding the Sweetheart 5k. Raleigh Running Outfitters will be provided gift certificates to the top three overall, and top three age groups winners. The total awards provided by Raleigh Running Outfitters will exceed $800! We also will have custom medals to give out for overall and age groups awards, that are of the same great quality of the Ford's Colony medals.

The awards do not stop there. . . All Fun Run participants will receive a special Sweetheart 5k "dog tag" as a reward for their hard work. They can wear these with pride as the celebrate their finish.

Courtyard by Marriott and Residence Inn are also working to put together a special door prize worth $250! More details will follow soon on what the prize will be.

Last, but not least. . . the Sweetheart "Couples Awards" will also be given to the fastest couple in each age group based on combined age and combine time. We are still working out the details on these awards, but it should create a great spirit of friendly competition among runners and walkers. If you know anyone who would like to contribute to a runner gift basket as a prize, let us know!

This race is shaping up to be something truly special for Rocky Mount. It has a beautiful course, friendly volunteers, chip timing, great awards, kids races, and more. You will not want to miss this race. Please take time to register. What are you waiting for? Prices go up on January 1st!

Support Our Trails

The N.C. Recreation and Park Association (NCRPA) has been working with Ms. Kate Dixon, Executive Director of the Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, in an effort to secure more funding for trails for North Carolina. In order to assist in this effort I am asking that you take a few minutes and log on to the website below and add your name in support of additional funding for trails which is currently being considered in the national economic stimulus package being put together by Congress.

Signing on will only take a minute or two of your time, but could greatly influence the outcome of this legislation. http://support.railstotrails.org/recovery

Thanks to Mary for sharing this link!