Being Part of a Club

Utica Road Runners.  This is a group of friendly, supportive people who are so ready to recognize their members accomplishments.  We aren’t all runners.  Some members are the ones who make every local race possible by offering their time and unlimited support by volunteering at training runs and events.

Utica Road Runners had the annual awards banquet April 6th.  The people were friendly and talkative.  The DJ (yes, I’m a personal fan) Mike Brych of ATCEndurance as well as one of the most motivational running/triathlon coaches around, was right on his toes keeping the music going and handing out raffle awards. The club president, Sybil, offered her friendly hello and well wishes to all as she does with out fail every time she sees one of us. I can’t figure how she knows us all. We have, what is it? 700 or so members?!  The folk who keep our club going are outstanding and this banquet was another first place because of their commitment.

It’s so nice being part of a club where everyone is welcome.

Ted and I sat with some nice people, making new friends as we do every year.  Then awards were presented.  Who knew?!  Who’s watching?!

Upon entering the banquet, I received an envelope with my marathon patch and star for running more than 5 marathons.  I also received, as did other obsessive runners, the 2000 miler patch for running over 2000 miles in 2012.  Hmmm…thought my legs felt a little tired on January 1st.

Then the pièce de résistance was award presentation.  So many accomplished runners. Congrats to all.  But coming as a complete surprise was this…

Second year in a row, the club has awarded yours truly female roadrunner of the year. I can’t believe I am among the so many people who did fantastic things in 2012 recognized by the club.  I was in shock, I couldn’t sleep and had to cancel my Sunday run. I mean, who can get up and run 13 miles on 2 hours of sleep?!!! Well, maybe some of you can, but I can’t. 

The club is watching. It’s kind of  Sci-Fi – ish …”somebody is watching me…”  But it’s nice. It feels good and I really hope that I can give back to this club all that it has given me.

So how was your past week?  As you can guess, mine was pretty good.  Next week starts out with a big day in Boston.  I’ll be running 26.2 miles from Hopkinton to Boston.  I’ll be running after some of the faster Utica Roadrunners have already started.  I’ll be proud to be there with everyone of them.

Are you a member of a special group? club? What makes you proud to be part of that group?