The South Riding Running Club is a Northern Virginia community of runners and walkers of all levels and ability. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to participate regardless of age, gender, athletic inclination, and goals.
Questions? Comments?
Contact us:
srrunner@srrunners.org
He has the deed half done, who has made a beginning. -- Horace
Run Schedule
Weekend Runs: 7:00 a.m.—Sat./Sun.
Join us for our weekend runs. It's more than just a fitness benefit—you'll meet your neighbors and see why South Riding really is such a good place to call home. Club runs are scheduled every Saturday and Sunday at 7:00 a.m. All are welcome and every run offers distance options. Some runs on the schedule include field trips to run trails or country roads, so be sure to check the schedule for exact dates. Run sponsors will circulate more information if necessary. See the Run Schedule to see the current schedule, meeting locations, and run hosts. Join Us!
2013 Summer Speed Series / Track Workouts
Track workouts will be Thursday's 5:45 - 7:00AM from May 23 - August 29 at Freedom High School track. Session One: May 23 - July 11 (no practice 7/4). Session Two: July 18 - Aug 29. Register for one or both. Sign up now
Coaches Kathy and Karen are here to help you drop those times for distances from 5K all the way to the marathon. Last year's speed series graduates saw a significant improvement in their race times after participating in the series. Just ask any of them! Read more...
End of the Year Awards/Recognition - Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
We want to recognize a few members who have made special contributions to the club this year.
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Most Hosts - Run hosts make up the club's backbone. Recognizing the male and female member with the most hosted calendar runs:
- Eric P - In addition to the weekend runs, Eric, along with Matt and Melissa, host evening social runs year round.
- Becca - a multiple winner of this award (like Tom Hanks with his Oscars).
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Best New Runners
- Christina - Christina joined us for the first JumpStart program and she continues to run with the club and race increasingly longer races. It makes us very proud to see Christina along with others new runners like Shawna and Catherine stick with it.
- Bill G - We're very fortunate that Bill chooses to put so much of his free time into running with us. Since first meeting the club Bill has improved and contributed in nearly every aspect of the club activity. He's running faster and longer (first ultra this past Dec), he's hosted multiple runs including several field trip runs, and he is coaching JumpStarters this winter.
- Behind the Scenes - This year Carolyn assumed webmaster responsibilities for srrunners.org. This is a non-board position but is an essential club resource. We're very fortunate to have Carolyn's time and talent devoted to our club.
- The Producer - "The Mayor" doesn't want any other title but last night we recognized BJ for creating two of the club's pivotal programs - Kilt Run and JumpStart. Kilt Run grew out of an annual club run and BJ took it to the next level when it became SRRC's first official race. In fact, it became a trail race with cool prizes (e.g. Braveheart's sword). JumpStart, as you all know is our beginner runner program. For several years the club had been trying to start a beginner program. Close on the heels of Kilt Run, BJ laid the groundwork and made JumpStart happen.
- Most Valuable Runner - I'd call for a drum roll but its no surprise that the winner of this year's MVR is Hari. Clearly, Hari has been the club's star relief pitcher for awhile. In addition to hosting his share of weekend runs, Hari is often the first to cover run hosting duties when plans change at the last minute. He is a regular JumpStart coach and he was a one-man support crew for SRRC at Marine Corps Marathon this October when he offered rides and a cheering section for several members. Hari's got his family involved in club support too. This fall, his son, Anoop, came out to shoot video at one of our battlefield runs. Believe it or not, Hari does actually make time to run a few good races himself despite all his volunteerism and travel schedule.
- SRRC Board (Karen, Bridget, Kathy, John, and Dawn) - Thanks very much for volunteering your time to make the club the great community resource that it is.
- JumpStart Coaching Cadre - Thank you for contributing to our new runner program. Special thanks to Nora who has coached and guided the program through all three sessions. This is one of the best ways we can remain open to the greater South Riding/Dulles South neighborhood.
- Race Volunteers - Thanks to all the members that have pitched in at aid stations for DSYS and local events this year.
SRRC JumpStart Running Program
Struggling to get it in gear during the winter months? Looking for an excuse to get off the couch and get active? Need a jumpstart to fight the winter cold? Join the SRRC JumpStart new runner program right here in South Riding. The program will prepare you to participate in a 5k (3.1 mile) race in eight weeks.
The program runs starts Feb 9th with a graduation run at a 5K on April 13th (Brambleton Ribbon Run 5K). Coached training runs are held every Saturday and Sunday at 7:00AM for 8 weeks with the SRRC.
The JumpStart orientation session is Saturday, Feb 2nd at 9:00 a.m. . Location is TBD. At this session you will receive details about the 8-week training program, a training plan and log, and running/walking tips. Read more . . .
Congratulations to our Fall 2012 JumpStart finishers who completed a 5K in October
Warm Weather Running Tips
With summer temperatures upon us, it's good to keep in mind that warm-weather running presents particular challenges. While genes define the bodies we have, chemistry determines how our bodies work, and hot weather will really play havoc with our chemistry. We do acclimate somewhat to warm conditions, but some tips can make running at this time of year more enjoyable and less risky. Check Mindy Solkin's article about "Running in the Heat" for a detailed discussion of some of the physiological effects of warm weather exercise. Read More . . .
South Riding Triathlon
Registration for the 2012 South Riding Triathlon is now open for South Riding residents. Public registration opens April 1st. This race is perfect for beginners or seasoned racers. It consists of a 400m pool swim, 12 mile bike through the neighborhood, and a 5K run. Thinking about doing your first Tri but a bit intimitated? DON'T BE! Tri training clinics will take place throughout the summer to get you ready to race. You can even download a tri training schedule here.
SRRC Technical Shirts Have Arrived
The weather's getting chilly. You probably need a good, long-sleeve technical shirt. SRRC running shirts are now available. If you pre-ordered one of these stylish red ASICS technical shirts, please coordinate with Adam or Dawn to arrange delivery.
If you missed the opportunity to pre-order, you have not been forgotten. We do have a limited number of extra shirts in men's & women's sizes (Small, Medium, and Large) for $25 each. Please make your check payable to South Riding Running Club.
You can thank your Members-at-Large for making this possible. Special thanks to Dawn for working the entire ordering process. Some of last year's Under Armour shirts are also still available for $20. We have men's sleeveless and women's tank in a variety of sizes. As above, get in touch with Adam or Dawn for details.
Minimalist Shoes?
What's all the hubbub about minimalist shoes? Do they work? Should you try them? Lots of articles have been published about the pros and cons of this running craze. Read more here about local experience with both the Vibram Five Fingers and the New Balance Minimus Trail shoes. They're probably not for everyone, but with a little patience and adaptation, you might find they really add some value to your training. Read more . . .
Races for SRRC in June
Don't see the race you entered here? If you're a member of SRRC and want your races posted to promote a run or encourage other runners, just contact us with the details, and we'll update our calendar. Click here to see the races for the year.
SRRC Membership
Have you noticed how crowded the health clubs are right after the new year? It's those "New Year's resolutions". We all make them. Will $50-$100/mo. in membership fees really motivate us to work out? Sometimes the motivation that comes from camaraderie and knowing that someone is counting on you is all it takes.
SRRC offers both camaraderie and positive peer pressure with a generous sprinkling of great advice, encouragement, and support. Add organized runs and web resources, and your annual dues are a bargain. If you're not yet a member, just download and complete the appropriate membership form. Dues are as follows:
December "early bird" sign up:
– 1 year: $22 individual, $33 family
– 2 years: $40 individual, $60 family
After January 1st:
– 1 year: $25 individual, $35 family
– 2 years: $45 individual, $65 family
If you sign up early, you can save a few dollars! Once your membership form and payment are received, we'll promptly mail you your membership package. Don't forget to note on your application that you're an early bird. If you are already a member, don't procrastinate--confirm your support for running in our community by sending in your check. January 31 is the official deadline, which simplifies record keeping, but dues and applications are welcome year round.
On Line Membership Sign-up
You can also sign up on line. Simply go to the membership page, and follow the the instructions for signing up using PayPal.
Member Discounts
The following vendors have extended discounts to SRRC members. Careful math reveals that the deals will be comparable, so shopping based on availability of a preferred product, loyalty, service, advice, selection, etc. continues to make sense. Also PRR does gait analysis and shoe fitting, which you really can't get online. On the other hand Running Warehouse carries some products that you can't get in many stores.
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Potomac River Running has stores in Ashburn, Leesburg, and Burke. Offering exclusive club events throughout the year. Stay tuned for the next event. |
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Road Runner Sports in Falls Church, VA offers a 10% discount to all club members. Mention that you're a member of the SRRC during checkout. This does not currently extend to on-line purchases, but the RRS VIP Club is a pretty good value if you go through shoes quickly. |
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Running Warehouse has set up a 15% discount for SRRC. (This discount cannot be used with any other discounts and is only valid for online purchases.) Note that the discount is only available to SRRC members and can be obtained by e-mailing president@srrunners.org. |
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The Running Store in Gainesville, VA does not currently offer SRRC special discounts, but they are knowledgeable, convenient, have a good selection of running gear at competitive prices, and have offered generous sponsorship support for the Annual Kilt Run. They are included here as an encouragement to support our sponsors! |
New Runner Orientation
Are you just starting out and have questions you're not sure how to ask? You can get directions and a few introductory answers here, which should make coming out to run with us easier. If you have other questions or concerns, join our e-mail list. You'll be able to send messages to the whole club as well as read messages of interest to all. You can run with us any time you like. (Read more . . . )