Auburn Opelika Running & Track Association

Last Updated Tuesday November 24, 2009
Click here for our Race Calendar...

Toys for Tots:  Our Toys for Tots races will be held in just over 10 days.  This has become a very popular race in the AORTA stable and we should have a couple hundred runners if we repeat the results from last year.  The last day for you to be guaranteed a t-shirt is November 30th.  Now, we all know what that means despite the fact that many of you try to scam the system each year.  It means we MUST have your application AND money in our hands by Monday the 30th.  It doesn't mean postmarked the 30th. It doesn't mean you intended to send it the 30th but tripped on a dust bunny and missed the mailman.   It doesn't mean you call us on the 30th and say you'll probably be at the race and for us to hold a t-shirt for you!  Are we clear, last day is the 30th?  This year we have a new course and we'll have lots of food after the race.  And don't forget to bring a toy, it's for a great cause...

Plans for Saturday the 28th have been posted. 
Please contact Molly to help with a water stop.
Don't forget on Thanksgiving Day there will be a 5K at Moore's Mill Golf Course.  You can download the application here.

Race Updates:  Just over a week ago Bob Banks, Tom Lawry and  Maggie Lawry were all at Chickamauga for the half and full marathon.  Bob Banks broke through 4 hours with a 3:57, Tom, who foolishly thought we didn't know he was going, finished with a good 4:19 and Maggie ran and finished the half in a very respectable time despite little training from a recent injury.  Bob reported that the weather couldn't have been better.  Congratulations to all of them.
At the same time we had Gary Leung and Beth "Princess" Ladisla in San Antonio, TX for the marathon.  I'm doing this from memory but I think Beth finished with a 4:26 and Gary had a 4:39 but Gary was sick the entire weekend.  I'm pretty sure that's a PR for Beth.  Beverly Long was supposed to accompany them and do the half but her mother became very ill before they were to leave town and passed away last Friday. 
At precisely 8:06 this morning I got an email from Molly reminding me that there is not a route posted for this weekend or next weekend.  She takes her job as Water Volunteer Czar very seriously...  I'll have that posted shortly.

Sorry kids:  I've been in NYC the past 5 days and so there have been no updates.  I would think our most important business item would be that there is a 5K on Thanksgiving Morning starting at 8:00am.  The race will start at the Moore's Mill Club and as I understand it will run along the golf course.  You can get all your information here.  In the past we've always had our own run on Thanksgiving morning but this year we'll do this race instead.  This is going to be VERY informal, I think we are going to start the clock when we leave and I don't think anyone is recording the time.  All proceeds are going to the Auburn Food Bank, a good cause.
I will update you on how our boys and girls did at Chickamauga last weekend and at San Antonio.  I also know that we have several going to Huntsville in just a couple of weeks and I'll get those victims posted ahead of time.
Personally, I love drama and controversy, especially when it really has no effect on me.  The next big drama will probably be those people who were in the 1200 Mile Club, they ran the 1200 miles or more but they ignored the part where they have to volunteer for a race in order to get the award or prize.  Sure, they'll be recognized for their 1200 miles but they won't get the snazzy gift which is always pretty nice.  It costs about $20 to join AORTA and then you get an award for $35-$50...what a bargain!  But if you have not fulfilled your volunteer duty you can bet that the AORTA Politburo will vote thumbs-down for you!  Attached is a list of everyone in the "club" and the races they did or didn't volunteer.  I'm proud to say that when it comes to volunteering we have some overachievers which is really great mixed in with you slackers.

Thursday Update:  These sources I have who tell about different ones secretly doing races are supposedly your "friends" but they are ratting you out!  Think about it. Tom Lawry, Maggie Lawry and Bob Banks are heading to the Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon this weekend. Maggie is running the 1/2 and Tom and Bob are attempting the full. I hear that's a great setting for a marathon so good luck to them.
John Nevels managed to finish the Pinhoti 100 again this year, getting lapped by the sun, but still sliding in at 27:38:57, 22 minutes faster than last year.  How do you run for 27 hours?  John said the race was well organized, and his dad, brother, and Fred Trouse, did an outstanding job of keeping him going through thick and thin.  A race report can be found at either http://nevels.fastrunningblog.com/ or http://letsgoforarun.blogspot.com/.
If you are looking for a race this weekend you have the EAST ALABAMA THANKSGIVING RUN Saturday, November 14--Lakeview Baptist Church Parking Lot. Runners and walkers are needed to participate in the 1-Mile Fun Walk or the 5K Race.  Registration forms are available in the church office or online at www.lakeviewbaptist.org.  Entry fee is $15 or 10 pounds non-perishable food items.  All benefits the East Alabama Food Bank.  View the race route at www.lakeviewbaptist.org.   Contact Hal Cooper (334-332-1953) for more information.

October 1200 Mile Results

Plans are set for Nov14 & Nov21.  If you would like to be a volunteer for a water stop please contact Molly Johnson.

November birthdays have been posted.

Callaway:  AORTA invaded Callaway Gardens in force this past Saturday afternoon for the Twilight 10K.  Here are the results:

Alicia Fite 1:12:17 *
Traci Henry 1:07:56
Allyson Dozier 1:17:39 *
Blake Henry 41:51 2nd AG
Allison Bonner 1:03:35
Billy Farr 1:07:35
Jane Farr 1:01:37
Lucy Lamar 59:42
Pheza Sumners 1:17:38
Molly Johnson 54:39 1st AG
Andrea Musso 1:08:00 *
Heather Presley 57:58 *
Karen Khodadadi 56:57
Penny Price Merrit 55:53
Alvin Walls 59:49 1st AG
* first time 10K; thanks to Mr. Walls for those results.

Next in line will be the San Antonio, TX full and half marathon this Sunday.  Why is San Antonio so popular?  I have no idea.  In the full marathon will be Beth Ladisla, Gary Leung and Eric Gilbertson.  Beverly Long had signed up and trained for the half but last week her mother became very ill and she's had to cancel which is very unfortunate.

Underworld:  I did get some feedback about what some of our runners are doing in the coming weeks.  Oliver Prigge is headed to do a full Ironman Triathlon this weekend but I'm not sure where he's going.  Scott and Laura Walker are planning on doing the Rocket City Marathon in Huntsville which is always in December.  There are a number of Auburn runners signed up so I'll check out that list.  Blake Henry is on the "injured reserves" and waiting for things to get better with his knee.  Lance & Lacey are planning to run the ING Marathon in Atlanta.  I was told Kermit doesn't have any plans to run anything specific which to me means he'll probably run everything that comes along.  That's just how he is.  On the darker side of things we have John Nevels who will be running the Pinhoti 100 this Saturday (and Sunday).  In my opinion never run a race that is published as lasting 2 days, it's just a good rule of thumb I think.  Fred Trouse will be along as the support team and run the last 15 miles or so with John.  Marcus Farris and Eric Gilbertson will be there to as volunteers.  I'm sure there is more but that's all my secret sources have revealed so far...
A big thank you to the following for helping with the water stops in October:  Jim Doyle, Bob Kennis, Blake Henry, Scott and Laura Walker, Shari Glover, Jim Killian, and Beth Kisor.  Thank you from all the runners – even from those who haven’t stepped up and volunteered for a water stop for at least 4 months.  Maybe this Saturday – Chewacla is not yet covered.    

Sorry!:  Sorry about the miserable weather on Saturday.  Those idiots who ran at 5:00 and 5:30 got soaked!  I don't have to say when I started but it put a real damper on the Saturday run.  Seems like between races and bad weather it's been a long time since we had a nice normal Saturday run but maybe we will this week.
Things have been very quiet but I know there is a lot of training going on out there.  I've seen Scott, Laura, Blake and others on Dean Road late in the afternoon so they are up to something.  If you'd like to rat-out some of your friends as to what they are training for drop me an email.  I always protect my sources.
I know that new people are coming (and going) all the time.  I had forgotten about the mapping program that is linked to the website (How Far Did I Go)  until last night when I was trying to figure out how far something was on google maps.  Once I went to our link it took about 20 seconds to measure it out to the nearest 1000th/mi!  Give it a try, it's very easy to use.
Don't forget too that we have the Toys for Tots races looming in our future.  With Thanksgiving coming up time is going to fly by, you're going to forget to mail your application and then you're not going to be guaranteed a t-shirt and you'll have to pay the highest price.  Do something smart just this once and get your application in the mail today.

Results from the Forestry Preserve 5K
Latest update for the 1200 Mile Club

Pumpkin Run: My apologies to Roger Keel and those who did the Pumpkin Run on the 17th.  I'm about a week late in getting this posted for you but here are the results from that race!

No mas!  Word has come down from our Race Czar that AORTA is already booked through May of 2010 to help with any races.  The calendar filled up this year in record time and with the time commitment and number of volunteers to do these races we have reached our limit. 
We will also be having a regular meeting at Shakey's Pizza on Monday, November 9th at 6:00PM.
I was also right about Jim Doyle but I knew it was a safe bet.  He ran in his 21st Marine Corps Marathon IN A ROW.  According to Jim the weather was great for the race and said it was about 60 when Micah finished and about 62 when he finished.  You can do the math on his finish time from that. 

 Forestry Preserve 5K:  Our race director, Nick Holler asked that I post this:  I want to say a big thank you to all of you who helped to make the Trail Run a success again this year.  We lucked out on the weather and the runners (96 finishers) all stayed on course.  We could not put on this race without the support of A.O.R.T.A., and I really do appreciate the presence of experienced helpers.  Some of you have helped at each Trail Run since its inception.  I'm proud to be part of an organization whose members are so willing to provide excellent opportunities for runners, and to unselfishly support races that generate funds for worthwhile causes.  Nick
1200 Mile Club:  We are nearing the end of the year and if you plan to get your award for your 1200 Miles you must have volunteered for at least one race this year!  No volunteering, no award and as Alvin and I love to say, no exceptions. This rule has been in place the entire year and you have put it off and put it off and now we are down to one race left! (If you are wondering why the September 1200 Mile results are so late it because it was sent to me and I forgot to post it.  I'll do better next month, probably.)

Runs for Oct 31 & Nov 7 are posted so contact Molly to help with the water!!!

Monday: On Sunday Micah Mauldin was in Washington D.C. for the Marine Corps Marathon.  He emailed me this on Sunday "I finished in 3 hours and 27 minutes.  This was my first marathon and I learned two things: 1) registering for a marathon then deciding not to do it and then two weeks before the marathon deciding to do it is not a good idea and 2)i'm never running a race again.  Not a 5k, not a one mile fun run.  I've crowned myself the champ and retired. "  He makes about the 263rd person I've known who swore never to run another marathon after that first one.  A week or two will pass, he'll change his mind and do 2 or 3 more before the season ends.  Let's see if I'm right on this or not.  Congratulations to Micah and I know Jim Doyle has run this race many many time so I expect he was there too.
I've found that for the price of a cup of coffee you can bribe someone to spill their guts with everything they know about another person.  You guys sell out really cheap!  Beverly Long will be in San Antonio, TX on November 15th and run the half marathon while Beth Ladisla and Gary Leung will run the full marathon. 
With all the races and me being out of town so much we've gotten off track with our Saturday runs.  This week we'll be back to normal and have our 6:00am start in front of Mellow Mushroom Pizza.  Molly has done a fabulous job of coordinating our stops which is a frustrating and thankless task.  While she is known for being outgoing and very nice she now hates many of you because you never volunteer to help and make her job harder.  I'm going to post the runs for the next 2 weeks so get your name into her and make her life a little bit easier!

 

Callaway:  The 11th Annual Gardens 10K run will be a twilight run this year - starting at 4PM (eastern) Saturday, November 7th. The course will be through the Callaway Gardens FANTASY IN LIGHTS. The run is one week before FANTASY opens to the public and the first time that the 10K has been held on the FANTASY course.  See more at Active.com. Thanks to Lucy Lamar for that tip!
Also, don't forget there WON'T be a run from Kaz this Saturday morning.  We have the Forestry Preserve 5K instead.  You can go here for more details.

Races:  More races have been added to our calendar.  We have the Moore’s Mill Club Turkey Trot in Auburn on Thanksgiving Day.  The 9th Annual Turkey Burner 5K on November 21st in Montgomery.  The "Rumpshaker 5K" in Birmingham next March. Or the Peachtree City 50 & 25K on November 8th.  You can find information on these races and more on our calendar.
Word has reached me that Micah Mauldin will be running the Marine Corps Marathon in D.C. this weekend as well as Rocket City in December.  There are also rumors that Beverly Long and Beth Ladisla are headed to San Antonio, TX for a half marathon but I'm not sure what the date is for that.

Final results from the SGA 5K on 18Oct09

Exceptions: I told you earlier today that you had to fill out your birth date on the membership form in order for us to be able to put you on the birthday list.  We don't magically know everyone's birthday.  Of course, that doesn't explain why Peyton (AORTA nonmember) was on there except that she reminded me a hundred times.  I'm going to make an exception because I got the saddest email from a legitimate member who was eagerly waiting for his name to appear on the website. Here is what he wrote "I’m not going to lie, that hurts…hurts real bad.  Every day for this whole month, all I have done is visit the AORTA website for an announcement of my birthday.  I really thought we were tighter than that….I thought you were different than Dave….this one cut me deep….I have to go, I can’t talk anymore…..
Thanks for the reality check…Brian C.

I hope this will make a little boys dream come true!

Birthdays:  Sorry I was so late in getting the birthday's posted for this month, we blew right past Jim Doyle's birthday.  A few have asked why their birthday wasn't posted and the answer is very simple.  Remember that membership form you were supposed to fill out?  You didn't a) fill out your birthday or b) you didn't return the form at all, only a check.  Thus, we ain't got your birthday.

Perdido Key:  AORTA dispatched their all girl team (with Alvin Walls as chaperone) to Perdido Key this weekend to compete in the Flora-Bama Hot to Trot Reverse Duathlon.  Here are the results along with photos to prove they were there:
Jane Farr  -  2:14:37     6th in her age division
Tammy Hollis  -  2:14:02    4th in her age division
Alvin Walls – 2:24:15     3rd in his age division.  He actually got recognized.
                 

Saturday, October 24:  There won't be a run from Kaz this Saturday, we'll be at the Forestry Preserve for the 5K.  You can download the application above.

Results for the Tough Ten & Tough Two!

Water problems:  You took her for granted and now she is dropping the hammer on you!  Molly has reported that NO ONE volunteered for water this Saturday, the 17th.  So, to quote Molly "tell them to bring their own water"!  I'm ashamed of all of you...  You can stop at the tennis courts on Samford Ave and get water or bring some money to stop and get water at the gas station like we used to do. 
If you are helping with the SGA 5K race this Sunday Alvin wanted to remind you to be at Cater Hall on campus no later than 4:30.  AORTA will only be responsible for the finish line and the results.  They always have a lot of free pizza after the race so get out of the house and help out.

Runnertainment:  Word has reached us from the AORTA Utah satellite office that former member Jocelin Gibson turned in an excellent 3:31 marathon time at the St. George Marathon.  If I'm not mistaken that is a really hilly route.  Awesome time Joc, congratulations.
Of course there will not be a Kaz run this Saturday because of the Tough Ten and Tough Two races.  It's still not too late to sign up, we even have race day registration.  You can download your application here.
A big thank you from all the Saturday morning runners to those who volunteered a few dollars and time to arrange water stops:  Beverly Long, Mike and Gloria Walsh, Jim Killian, Tom Lawry, Beth and Gary L., Heather Lloyd Taylor, Karen Khodadadi, John Shelhass, Carol Dorn, Laura and Scott Walker, Tracey Buckingham, and Bob Banks.  It seems like a long list, but we had long routes in September which required 3 volunteers each Saturday.  Thank you so much!
Many of you will remember Kathryn Lawson who ran with us up until a few years ago while getting her PhD in counseling prisoners.  Since then she's been serving time in Mississippi but will be sent to South Caroline soon to continue her work there.  Alvin said "the strong athletic good looking athlete we once knew is now a frail shuffling shut-in".  An MRI revealed a stress fracture and other problems which required surgery so she's been stuck at home for about 2 months now recovering.  She is apparently one of those rare runners who actually listens to their doctor.  Good luck to Kathryn as she heals and I'm sure she'll pop up in Auburn soon.

Thursday:  We are just over 1 week away from the Tough Ten and Tough Two Races which will be held on the 10th.  If you haven't sent in your application then you are clogging up the system and causing undo hardship!  This has always been a great race in a great setting and the weather has shaped up for us very nicely.
While most of us will be at the Tough Ten a few will be in Chicago for the marathon that Sunday. 
Jennifer Cabbage, Karen Khodadadi, Carol Dorn & Blake Henry will all be there.  By the way, if you see Blake have him show you the photo of his back after this bike wreck. 
I missed Patti Golden on the birthday list but I caught her red-handed because she didn't tell me until the 29th.  She was hoping we'd overlook it this year but she forgot who she was dealing with.  Karen and Peyton said they are both still accepting gifts & cash during their "birthday week". 
I've added a couple of races here in Auburn to the Race Calendar.  On November 14th is the Thanksgiving Run at Lakeview Baptist Church and on October 25th the Face Festival 5K.

Wednesday:  Sorry but this week you only get one update.  Today you will find that the links above are working but some also have active.com registration so I'll go back and start over again to accommodate them.  Race directors are the worst prima-donnas around. 
Add Running with the Band to your race list and you can find information on that from Roger Keel in the race calendar.  There is also a 5K on the AU Campus for Project Uplift on October 18th that was added to the calendar too.  I'm not sure if I have mentioned this before but we have come up with a date for the Auburn Classic Half Marathon, that will be held on January 16th.
I also got this email:  Two different times you have updated the website about a race and it's still not right.  Where are you getting your information? Actually Dave Wishunt won the race in 16:53 and John Nevels ran 17:09, both of which are well below what you had said.  Regards, Steve from Yellowstone.
While its AORTA policy to hate ultramarathoners and those who live in that shady underworld I have some information for you.  On October 3rd Marcus Farris, Lance Haney, Eric Gilbertson and John Nevels will be heading to Chattanooga for the Stump Jump 50K.  John Nevels will also run the Pinhoti 100 again this year on November 7-8.  Whenever you see a race that has 2 days on it you need to be really worried!  Good luck to all those guys!

Saturday:  I've added several more races to our calendar.  I don't think it's ever been this full, lots of races in our area!  And I've added the icons to the top, I know they don't have links yet but I'll get those soon...

Updates and corrections: Molly has come forward and confessed that she didn't win her age group on Labor Day, she was in the same bracket as Beverly Long and she finished second instead.  Blake Henry did win his age group in 20:16 and David Wishunt was the overall winner in 17:59 despite missing a turn and running an extra quarter mile. 
We've had some runners sneaking around and training for some upcoming marathons but I've found out names and places for you.
Chicago Marathon October 11: Jennifer Cabbage, Karen Khodadadi, Carol Dorn & Blake Henry.
New York Marathon November 1: Beth Ladisla
If you know of any others please pass them along to me...

Labor Day:  Beverly Long has been hounding me for a week now about posting this.  A group of AORTA runners invaded Montgomery on Labor Day and brought home more than their fair share of gold.  John Nevel was 2nd place overall, Beverly Long and Molly Johnson both won their age group.  We didn't get Blake's place and Alvin took 2nd in his group as well as grabbing the Elwood Hinton award.  He said he thought that was for the oldest runner!  Congrats to the group.  I have a photo from the race that I'll try to get posted soon.
Of minor importance Elyse Corbitt finally had her baby, I think she was a couple of months late.  Troy was born Sunday morning around 2:30am and weighed in at 8 lb5 oz and was 22" long.  Mother, child and father are all doing well!

Born to Run: I know why you're reading this.  You're looking for the intellectual red meat that we provide here on an irregular basis.  I recently read a book called "Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Super athletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen" which was written by Christopher McDougall.  The short report is a) great book with b) great stories and c) interesting facts about runner injuries.  But the book centers around a race that took place in Copper Canyon, Mexico between some of the worlds best ultra marathoners and the local Indians.  He gives a lot of good background to all the characters which is great reading.  Trust me, buy the book and you'll love it!  There is a lot of info on the book on Amazon.com.
I'm trying to catch up on some things I've meant to write for a while...several of us were talking one day about our iPods and other music devices and how after a while we get sick of the same old 200 songs we have loaded.  With the diverse group of normal vs weird , old vs young, male vs female and cool vs nerdy people we should have a really good cross section of music out there.  So, if you have some good "running music" that you can highly recommend please send me the title of the song and the artist and I'll start a page linked here to list it.  I don't think I've added a new song in a year so I'm getting desperate.  And to make this easier I promise not to divulge your name when I put your song and the artist on the list so we can hide the fact you are a nerd. 
And thanks to Britt Buckingham for the photos and Tracey for the Photoshop work for our new masthead.

Water Rights: From the water czar, Molly Johnson: Water volunteers for the month of August were: Jill Harris, Bob Banks, Beth Ladisla and Gary, Dave Hennessey, Gerald Carter, Sr., Carol Keever, Jim Doyle (twice), Jennifer Cabbage, Carol Dorn, Bob Kennis, and Beth Kisor.  Thank you, thank you – if it weren’t for your help, there would be a lot of thirsty runners out there!  Come on the rest of you lagging behind – VOLUNTEER!!! 
And I have heard from a reliable source that the mystery person who volunteered to pay the cost for those of us who ran Chewacla this past Saturday was none other than our fellow runner, Nick Holler.  A BIG thank you to Nick!
I also received an official complaint from "The Unknown Runner".  He says we are not following the proper etiquette at our water stops and offered some good advice.

bulletPlease put the caps back on drink sports drinks and water jugs before leaving the water stop.  
bulletPlace liquids back in the coolers/ice.  Sometimes the containers are just left sitting out (like on top of the electrical switch box at the corner of Moore's Mill and E. Univ.) and the liquid may not be cool by the time the next set of runners arrive.  
bulletIf there's a lid on the cooler, close it.  This will help keep the liquids cool.
bulletBasically be courteous to the runners who are behind you.

Jackpot: AU donated 11 new water coolers to AORTA recently and thanks to Bryan Schneider for arranging this.  Some will be given to race directors and the others will just be hoarded by the club but that will be a big help to us. 
Speaking of coolers, a lot of you use ice chests in the summer to keep the water cold for the runners on Saturday's.  Recently several have been stolen during or right after the run.  When someone goes to pick them up they are just gone!  I've had a couple of ice chests stolen over the years so I've started buying the cheap Styrofoam type that no one wants.  If you are using an ice chest try hiding it as best you can or even throw a large black trash bag over it to help hide it.
I also need to make a correction.  I have written here that the young man who hit Ty Garner on his bike had been drinking.  Since that time I've been told that is not true, he wasn't drinking.  I just wanted to get the correct information out there.

Wednesday: Several have asked me if anything was being done for Ty Garner.  Bob Kennis sent me this information on a benefit being held for him this Saturday:
Back on August 8th a cyclist, Ty Garner, was struck by a car on Shug Jordan Pkwy. The car hit him from behind at full speed. He was airlifted to Columbus Regional Medical Center with severe head trauma. Ty remains in ICU. Updates on Ty's condition are available at www.caringbridge.org/visit/tygarner  Friends have organized a benefit to provide assistance to the family. Jody Fuller, Opelika's own "Stuttering Comic", who will be the entertainment for the event. It will be held at the Elks Lodge, 1944 Opelika Road, Saturday, August 29, 6:00 till 9:00 pm, Free Admission. Donations taken at the door.

Tuesday update: Those of you who have been around for a while know that once school begins I often warn the runners on Saturday morning to watch out for drunk drivers.  I've been eye-witness to 3 accidents on Saturday mornings during a run or ride all by drunk drivers.  They are like vampires, once the sun starts to rise they scurry home to bed.  We all know about Ty Garner and how he was hit by a drunk driver and is still in the hospital.  Just this past Saturday one of our members was headed to the run and about to turn from Magnolia onto College but was caught by a red light.  Once the light changed the driver ahead of her didn't move so finally she went around him.  When she glanced over to see why he wasn't moving she saw his head was on the steering wheel and he apparently passed out.  She called 911 and we suspect he sobered up in jail.  All that to say you need to pay attention and never take for granted that a driver sees you or is in full control.  And when it's dark outside wear your reflective vest!!
Of course the big news within AORTA is the long awaited engagement of Andy Taylor and Heather Lloyd.  It will certainly be the social event of the season.  Alvin was not totally pleased because Andy did not ask for his daughters hand in marriage but looking on the bright side Alvin said "I'm not losing a daughter, I'm gaining a carpenter who can do chores for me".  The date is set for late September...
Just this once I'm going to post something about trail running.  It's AORTA's written policy to snub trail runners but I know a number of you love it. The XTERRA Alabama Trail Running Series begins in September and they will have 3 trail races.  You can find all the information you need on
www.dirtyspokes.com .

AORTA Matchmakers L.L.C.:  Since the club has been so successful at matchmaking between members the past few years we have decided to branch out and make that another profit-center within the AORTA family of companies.  This past weekend Mr. Andy Taylor and Ms. Heather Lloyd were engaged.  I'll get all the juicy details and let you know because I know Andy would love to share that with us.  We have been very successful at this with our only failure so far being Peyton Bean.  Alvin tried to console Peyton recently with an old saying that goes "even a blind hog finds an acorn every so often".  Congratulations to Andy and Heather!
Since yesterday I have added even more races to the calendar!
A final note, I'm going to be out of town on business for the rest of this week but will see you all on Saturday morning.

 

Monday update:  The race calendar reflects some new races I added including the Forestry Preserve 5K.
I know a lot of people are keeping up with Ty Garner but in the past couple of days there have been no significant changes.  I'm sure that when his body is ready to wake up that it will.  Often times no news is good news!
The Lee Co. Sheriff's office is offering a free self defense class for women called RAD - Rape Aggression Defense.  The classes will be on 8/17, 8/19, 8/24, and 8/26 from 5:30 - 8:30 at Johnson's Galleries in Opelika.  Plan on attending all four nights.  If interested, contact:Jessica Dailey or Rebecca Tate at lcsorad@yahoo.com or 319-0325.

July 1200 Mile Club Results


The most immediate problem is we need to change the rules for the 1200 Club because it has grown so much, it costs the club at least $1,000 per year and I get 40-50 emails at the beginning of each month with your mileage and then proceed to lose several of those.  So the AORTA Politburo has met and here are the new rules for the 2008 1200 Mile Club: 
1) Must be a member by Feb 28th. No exceptions!  Membership forms must be completely filled out including email address.
2) Must turn in mileage no later than the 15th of the following month.  No exceptions.  Let's face it, if you are tracking your mileage there is no reason why you can't turn it in on time.
3) -- on the third day of the following month you will receive an email with a link.  Click on the link and you simply enter in your mileage when prompted.  Do not send your mileage to the website any longer.
4) -- Around the 13th of the month, people who have not responded will receive a reminder email. Once again, you can click on the link and enter your mileage for the month then hit submit.
5) To qualify for the 1200 Mile Club you MUST volunteer for a local race.  That doesn't mean help with registration and go run the race.  It means helping from start to finish, you can't race that day at all.  It's hard to get experienced people to volunteer and this is going to help us out a lot.

Now, if you want to be in the 1200 Mile Club for this year you just need to send Karen an email
saying you want to join and you'll be added to an automated database that she has set up. Then you will be in the automated system.  Later, a new spreadsheet will be sent to me monthly that I'll post with everyone's mileage.  Yes, it's magical...


If you've been a regular member for a while then don't bother reading this because you know this already.  But, if you are new and have been pondering maybe possibly to try running with AORTA this is for you.  Lately, I've had several inquiries (at least 5) about wanting to run with us on Saturdays and they have a lot of questions about what we do so here goes my explanation.
A)  Yes, it may say the Saturday run is some impossible distance for you but ignore that.  About 25% of the people will run that far, most will run an hour or maybe a bit more or less so don't be intimidated by the mileage that gets posted.  It's bogus man!
B)  No, you don't have to be a member of AORTA to run with us.  But, at some point we would certainly hope that you would want to support the group by becoming a member and forking over your $20.  Now, if you go a really long time we send one of our aggressive females after you to collect.  I have some names in mind but I won't mention them right now.
C)  What do we have to offer on Saturday?  Click on the link to the right that says "Saturday Plan" and it explains in a haphazard way what we are doing.  We have a planned route, a planned distance, you can print out the map if you aren't familiar with Auburn and most importantly we have water stops about every 3 miles! 
4) "I'm too slow, I'll fall off the back".   You might, but you probably won't, we have runners of all abilities.  We have a lot of fast people and a lot of slow people and I can almost guarantee you will find at least one person who is your speed.
E) "But I'm new to this and those guys have been doing marathons and running for years".  I can say with all confidence that everyone understands how it is to be new and how hard it can be to get started running or to try and move up to the next level.  We've all been there!  I've seen so many runners who started running with us and their max distance had been 3 miles over 45 minutes.  A year later they are much faster and have done a 10K or half marathon and pondering a full marathon.  Running with a group makes running much easier and you'll find yourself being pulled along.
F)  "You mean you run at 6:00 am on a Saturday?"  I've heard that a thousand times but once a person shows up they realize it's not that hard to get out early.  We meet that early for 2 reasons.  1) Do you know how hot it is, this helps to beat the heat a little. 2) Many of the members have kids and activities so they get their long run done early and can still get home before soccer, baseball, etc.
The hardest day will be that first Saturday!  After that you'll fall in, enjoy the people and the run and never look back...  This Saturday would be the perfect day to start!

 

Organized Runs
Monday - 5:15am - Meet at the City Library parking lot (Thach & Dean Rd)
Wednesday - 5:15am - Meet at the parking lot for Amsterdam Cafe
Friday - 5:15am - This is the only run we do from Kroger and it's the one in Auburn!
Saturday - 6:00am - We call it Kaz but we meet in front of Taylor's Coffee & Mellow Mushroom.  (Often there is an informal group that runs at 5:00 am too, you'll just have to check with me to see if anyone is running)
Sunday - 7:00am - In front of Taylor's Coffee on College Street
(I use the term "organized" very loosely)

Hit Counter


Saturday's Plan
Race Results
Course Maps
Race Calendar
1200 Mile Club
Join AORTA
AORTA Race Services

November Birthdays
Andy Taylor 7th
Carol Keever 10th
Steve Speakman 12th
Elizabeth Knight 20th
Micah Knight 27th


Email this website
http://www.rrca.org/services/branding/graphics/rrcabigb.jpg
Need a place to stay?
Try
www.aotourism.com


How far did I go?

 

 

Area Track Clubs
Montgomery
Columbus
Birmingham
Atlanta
Huntsville
Peachtree City
Dothan