RRCA Convention Report, May 2008

 

I don’t want to leave you in suspense until my next regular newsletter in July regarding what transpired at the 50th Anniversary RRCA Convention. So, here is an interim report with some highlights.

 

As many of you know, it was held in Cincinnati, Ohio, May 1-4. I discovered that this host city had many nice restaurants, a variety of weather, and hilly topography (the latter being evident while I ran the Flying Pig Half Marathon!). The Convention itself also had a lot to offer. There was so much to do that it felt like whirlwind the whole time!

 

Thursday was dedicated to State Rep training sessions, where among other things we discussed and tried to prioritize the various RRCA programs. On Friday the general sessions started, and also the State Rep Silent Auction. Thanks again to those of you that donated items to be auctioned out! The auction is very important to all of us, since it provides funding for State Rep programs.

 

One of the seminars I attended focused on youth training programs. Hereere  David Freeze did an excellent job presenting the award winning program that he and his club, Salisbury Rowan Runners, were conducting last year. The kids loved the program, and also the bananas they were treated to at the end of the sessions!

 

The Business meeting was a long and drawn out process, as there were several Bylaws revisions to be discussed and voted on, and also nominees running from the floor for Officer and Director positions. In the end the slate originally selected by the nominating committee was elected, and all the Bylaws revisions passed except resolution five, which pertained to voting by proxy at membership meetings. Therefore, proxies will be still accepted next year. For a more detailed recap of the business meeting, including the slate of officers elected, go to www.rrca.org/news, and click on the May 3 article.

 

The State Rep Luncheon on Friday featured Bart Yasso and his entertaining talk about some interesting races he participated in across the world. This luncheon was also of special significance to me. I was presented with a very nice jacket as I was inaugurated into the State Rep of the Year Hall of Fame. Thanks again to all the clubs that nominated me for this prestigious award!!!

 

One of the highlights on Saturday was the 50th Anniversary luncheon. It was a tribute to the late Ted Corbitt, one of the founders of the RRCA. A panel consisting of original RRCA members Hal Higdon, Tom Osler and Gar Williams reminisced about old times and answered questions from the floor.

 

Another highlight was all the Flying Pig races, four of them in all. The 5K on Saturday morning was an RRCA National Championship. Another option on Saturday was a 10K race. Both these races were run in rainy and windy conditions.

 

Those who felt ready to tackle a longer distance could run a half or a full marathon on Sunday morning. I participated in the half marathon on a hilly but beautiful course. Mother Nature was much kinder to us, treating us to perfect racing weather! However, the start of both races was delayed 15 minutes due to an early morning fire near the 22 mile mark of the marathon course. The race organizers scrambled and found a detour around the site, which made the course about 26.4 miles instead of 26.2, and gave the runners a little extra bang for their entry fee buck. Now the course will be re-certified, so that each runner’s pace can be calculated and applied to the 26.2 mile distance. For those of you who are race directors, this reinforces how we always have to expect the unexpected and be prepared to come up with creative last minute solutions.

 

Overall it was a very enjoyable and memorable experience to attend this 50th Anniversary event. And I cannot wait for the 2009 Convention, scheduled for March 26-29 in San Francisco. Be there!!! 

 

 

Happy Running,

 

Lena