March 2009 President’s Page

Dear Springfield Road Runners,

We’re going to make it, Spring is coming. Just a few more runs in the snow, the ice and the wind, then we’ll start complaining about the heat! We know how lucky we are to be able to run and have such a great running community of friends to exercise with.
I’m writing this on a typical Saturday. You might have to have one less glass of wine Friday night to make sure you can get up in time to get your gear on and get down to Café Moxo for the weekly long run with the Half Wits. We did six today, a bit of a break after last week’s 9, all part of the training for the Bicentennial version of the Lincoln Memorial Half Marathon.
Up to 100 of us head out on these frosty mornings, you might be a little stiff or sore starting out but the conversation and almost ridiculous good cheer a group that size can generate carries you through at least the first couple of miles. You forget about being tired and settle into your pace, breathing slows down and it’s really fun. Around mile 4-5 maybe the hills may start to get to you or the maybe the legs get a little weary but you’ve got someone in front of you, beside you and in back of you, the momentum carries you.
Now you’re in the stretch, one mile to go, the wind isn’t so cold now, you’re warm and hitting a good stride as the sun comes out through the clouds. You get a final energy burst and you pick up the pace a bit as you head for home.
Besides the inspiration of your running friends and comrades, you might have gotten a little extra incentive thinking about what waits at the end of the run. Oatmeal with brown sugar and cranberries, one of those outrageous egg souffles and quiches or that french toast smothered with bright red strawberries. It was all worth while!

You sit with friends, catch up on the weeks’ news, talk about who’s training for what. The inevitable discussion of injuries comes up. It is great to see everyone, new runners, veterans, short distance or long distance in a variety of paces.

Check out our great new website, www.srrc.net and our terrific, updated new newsletter. The Lincoln Memorial is right around the corner on April 4, 2009 and it promises to be bigger and better than ever this year. Come out and run or volunteer, it’s a real community event, officially sanctioned by the Lincoln Bicentennial committee and it is a fitting tribute to Abe right here in his hometown.

We’ve got great races, fun social events and terrific group running experiences to offer. You’ll surprise yourself at what you can do and have fun along the way!