The Grimsby Runners Blog

Post Race!!!! March 5, 2011

Hello everyone!!!

Hope everybody is enjoying a beautiful day and that those of you who ran last Sunday are also enjoying a well earned sense of accomplishment!

Everyone who ran on Sunday did a great job! For those of you who tried your first race- I’ll bet you’re hooked and for those of you who ran the 3K or the half as race “veterans”- I’ll bet you’re pretty happy with how it turned out especially after Saturday`s weather!!!!! I was very excited to see all the smiling faces out there even if you were nervous inside- GREAT JOB EVERYONE!!!!!!
 
On a business note, I wanted to clear up what our clinic fees are for and what you`re paying for when you`re a member of the Grimsby Runners. When you join the Grimsby Runners for either the year long membership or by session you get access to all of the following:

• any of the 7 runs that go from the gym (6 of which are structured runs if you choose)
• Doug`s instruction
• Doug`s vast running experience (i.e. all the mistakes he`s made so you don`t have to! J)
• advice on stretching, nutrition, injury prevention and motivation
• A place to meet and use of bathroom facilities
• programs to help you accomplish your specific running goals
• insurance coverage while you are running
• guest speakers on related topics
• discounts on product for the duration of the clinic, not just one time (and there`s more to come!)
• discounts on Niagara Series Races
• Grimsby Runners web page and blog
• Grimsby Runner’s Face book page
• and last but certainly not least, the camaraderie of a group of like minded people- there`s nothing like it!

If you join for $200 per year membership the fee is a little over $16 per month- That`s a pretty good deal!!!! I’ve heard that some people do not feel this is good value and unfortunately this the way the group evolves. We welcome new people who have worked up their nerve to try it and we bid a fond farewell to our graduates who choose to move on. The group is ever changing and I find that keeps it fresh! We do offer a `pay-as-you-go`card for people who want to run with us occasionally and it`s $30 for 10 sessions.

On a more personal note I would like to apologize for my emotional response to recent events. As anyone who has ever talked to me about running knows, I am passionate about it. You can’t be that passionate about certain things without being emotional about others. I have been quite upset with what I see as a potential division in the group between those who feel they have outgrown the group and those who feel they still have things to learn. By my reactions I fear I may have deepened the divide instead of mending it. I have trained close to 20 members to qualify for Boston in the past and countless others to cross other personal finish lines. I will continue to train any others who wish to do the best they can do and learn as I continue to learn. Let’s face it intervals are intervals and they’re boring. There is no other single workout that will make you faster more effectively than doing them so that’s why we continue every Tuesday! I also try to mix up the workouts so there is really something for everyone and it’s not quite so monotonous- variety IS the spice of life! So if you haven’t been out for a while- try it! There’s always something new!

Let me just tell all of you how I see this group evolving from here and ask for your assistance in maintaining a positive atmosphere.

Runners are being created here, wings are sprouting, dreams are being realized and personal goals are being accomplished. For the new members the group offers a safe and supportive place to try something new and discover that yes they can do it! The more seasoned runners whether they are marathoners, 5 or 10 K runners or Boston marathoners and qualifiers have all attained their goals on the crest of a wave of positive energy that the group sends as the members cross their fingers and hold their collective breath hoping that each of realize you dreams, whatever those dreams are. In turn the seasoned runners waste no time in reaching back to the `newbies` and saying COME ON! We started where you are too! This group will help you! It is a great mutually beneficial relationship and there is no room for negativity here.

We are all runners. Is it more difficult to hone your skill to finally do the time you want or to start out when you`re scared to death? I don`t know the answer but I do know that everyone who drags their butt out on a windy winter day is elite and this club is FULL of elite runners! Let`s respect and encourage each other! This club has always been and will continue to be a haven for people who need something positive in their lives. Had a tough day of bickering and backbiting at work? Problems at home? Come to the running club- we will pick you up, brush you off and tell you `you can do it!`

In closing, yes Jen helped me write this e-mail! :) Part of knowing yourself is knowing what you`re good at and what you`re not and words are definitely her thing! She has always been good at putting my feelings into the proper words.

The Around the Bay Road Race is quickly approaching so let`s move on to our next big challenge and have a great race!
Happy training!
Doug