President's Message...

As I write this, the spring thaw has officially begun, I think. It is so nice to be running without a hat and gloves. It has been a tough winter for Boston training, but thanks to my many running buddies (and my knee brace,) I am still on track. I had the pleasure of doing a long run with Pete DelSignore a week of so ago. His profile is in this Rundown. He is an inspiration! I hope to be running near Pete in Boston and wish him the very best of luck with his race and his fund raising.

E. John did another terrific job with the Grand Prix Awards meeting in March. It was great to see so many members at a meeting. Congratulations to all the winners and to those who received 5000 mile jackets.

Speaking of jackets, I thought that the new finish line crew jackets were looking pretty smart (and visible) at the Shamrock Shuffle last Sunday. And as usual the finish line timers Heidi Underwood and Dan Olden did a speedy job with results. The Leprechaun Leap has really blossomed with a turnout of over one hundred. Phil and Kevin are to be commended on another smooth and profitable race. The Special Olympics should be well supported.

At our last meeting it was decided to give monetary support to three of our youth members who qualified for the Junior Olympics in cross country skiing. The event was held in Fairbanks, Alaska. We hope to learn about their trip at the April meeting. Again, congratulations Anna, Heather and Nate. We hear it was really cold!!

Scholarship applications are out and our club has raised more than the usual amount for scholarships, thanks to the many successful races that were held last year. The committee will be meeting in the late spring to go over the requests. If any of our youth members are graduating seniors, they should pick up an application soon.

Dave has been hesitant to set a date, but now that the snow is receding, the spring highway cleanup should be getting underway soon. Watch for the date in the Rundown of our biyearly sweep of Glenwood Avenue. The cleanup often consists of a short run at 7:00, cleanup at 8:00 and bagels at 9:00.

I am looking forward to the breakfast run hosted by Jim and Gerri Moore this weekend and to meeting you on the roads in shorts. Welcome Spring!

 

Jill Pederson