Not So Sweaty Gazette


Volume 7, 2008

Somewhere around Mile 5.5 of the Classic 10K, I looked up at some cheerful Middletown residents watching from their front lawn as a handful of us went by. "Are we having fun yet?" I asked them, trying to forget the fact that I went out too fast in the 80+ degree weather. I don't remember what their reply was, but I do remember smiling back at them.

That exchange pretty much summed up this year's just completed Classic 10K. Yeah, it was hot. But it still was fun. The crowds were fantastic. We saw lots of old friends and even made some new ones. The band rocked the post-race party and the expo had a little something for everyone. Congratulations to the Classic 10K committee for pulling off another great event. If you haven't already, check out the coverage from the Times Herald Record.

The Classic 10K weekend kicked off Friday night with a great Monthly ORC meeting, headlined by Frank Shorter. Frank brought to vivid life the connections between his growing up in Middletown and the incredible success he has experienced professionally. He told stories about some of his greatest running achievements, and answered questions about the future of our sport. And finally he spoke eloquently about how all runners, elites, Olympians and back of the packers, ultimately are equals, connected by the simple fact that we all enjoy running.

Shorter's emphasis on how running can be fun (which followed closely on similar opening remarks from ORC President Todd Jennings) really hit home. In the end, we participate in a very fun sport. You could see it in the eyes of Classic 10K finishers, proud of their achievement as they careened down Irwin Avenue towards the finish line. You heard it in the voices of family and friends cheering home their loved ones. Even when I am out training on the Heritage Trail or back roads of Orange County, it's pretty cool when you come upon another runner,smiling at you, making that connection unique to runners.

So make this summer a fun one. Head out this weekend on Bob Harris' fun run in Minnewaska State Park. Go green. Car pool with an ORC member to an upcoming race and who knows, you might make a lifelong friend.

So what are you waiting for? Lace 'em up and go have some fun already!!! 

 

July's Hudson Valley Races

  • July 5, Great American Weekend 5K & 10K
  • July 13, Catskill Mountain Prelude 50K Relay (2-5 person teams)
  • July 19, ORC Walk Party 2.5m (All-walking non-competitive event)
  • July 19, Hudson Valley Rail Trail /Town of Lloyd PBA 8K
  • July 20, Delaware Youth Center 5K River Race

Link here for more events and detail s

Next ORC 2008 Monthly Meeting

July 2, @ 7 p.m. DeStefano's Olde Erie Pub, Middletown. This month's Guest Speaker will be Dick Vincent, founder of the Escarpment Trail run.


Achieve your Goals

Wednesday night ORC Track Workouts

At the June monthly meeting, we received an update on the weekly track workouts. We heard that upwards of 40 people are showing up each week. ORC Member Bill Schneider leads the workouts, which are helping some club members achieve outstanding results this year. Did you see the Classic 10K time of Track Workout regular John Monchak? John, in the Male 55-59 age group, finished in 50:33. That's a 8:03/mile pace! (Congrats John.)

So come on out and challenge yourself to run a little faster, and make some new friends.
Location : Minnisink High School, Slate Hill, NY
Time :  5:45pm warmups, 6:00pm workout begins
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Expand your Horizons

Summer Trail Run, the 7:19 Club edition

The 7:19 Club is looking to get together for a trail run along an old rail line in Blooming Grove. The total run out and back from the Bella Luna restaurant parking lot on 94 is about ten miles. We hook up with the trail at Farmingdale Road in Bloomingdale and take it south to the intersection of the Heritage Trail.

But you can stop anywhere along the line and turn back for a shorter run. The trail is flat, and fairly well shaded.

E-mail me at richdad3@optonline.net, and we'll promise to let you know the time and place.

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2nd Annual ORC Walk Party

That's right runners. How about walking? How about a 2.5-mile stroll through Fancher-Davidge Park, followed by Sugarloaf, NY guitar soloist Sarah Morr, and perhaps the most sumptuous post-event breakfast in the Hudson Valley (with all props to EJ and the Kiwanians.)? Not to mention the very cool and novel bandana. Mark your calendar for July 19, starting @ 9:45 a.m.

 

Have some Fun

Go Green! Car Pools to Races

These days, it costs as much to get to some races as it does to register for them. Meanwhile, it's a shame for a green sport like roadrunning to contribute to the accumulation of greenhouse gases. If we're not careful, we'll add to global warming while also experiencing lower turnouts at some of the more distant races. The NSSG is looking to help keep registrations and starting line participation up, while keeping green house emissions down by encouraging car pools.

If you are interested in car pooling with other ORC members to any of the following races, please e-mail me with your preferred car pooling location at richdad3@optonline.net, and we will connect you with colleagues headed the same way.

  • The Monster 10K, Aug. 3
  • The Warwick Lions 5K, Sept. 1
  • The Tri-State Classic, Oct. 19