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Members and Guests:

BREAD RUN: SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9. SEE INFORMATION BELOW, AND TO THE LEFT.

ALSO, 12/05 TRACK WORKOUT IS ON, UNLESS SNOWFALL IS ENOUGH TO COVER TRACK. I WILL UPDATE TRACK WORKOUT BLOG BY 5:00 PM IF WE HAVE TO CANCEL.

1. Wirefly National Marathon and National Half-Marathon Reebok Training Programs to Start: All Invited to Participate! As previously announced, DCRRC has agreed to direct the official training programs for the Wirefly National Marathon and National Half-Marathon, to be run Saturday, March 29, 2008. The training programs are sponsored by Reebok, and "powered" by the DCRRC.

The programs will start at 8:00 am this Saturday, December 8, 2007, at two locations: Georgetown Running Company (FULL Marathon Training group), and Gotta Run in Pentagon Row (HALF Marathon Training Group). These stores are acting as hosts and co-sponsors for the Saturday workouts.

Georgetown Running Company is located at 3401 M St, NW (corner of 34th & M). Gotta Run is on 1101 So. Joyce St., # B-12, in the Pentagon Row mall adjacent to Pentagon City.

Details follow here:

a. Who's Eligible: Runners who are entered in, or intend to enter, either the National Marathon or Half-Marathon. Also, DCRRC members who have qualified for the Boston Marathon, and want to continue group training through the winter.

b. How to Register: Registration information will be avaiable at the first sessions. There will shortly be a link to register for the training programs on-line at the Wirefly National Marathon website. www.nationalmarathon.com There will be a registration fee: information on that will be available at the National Marathon website.

c. What is Reebok's Role? Reebok is the official sponsor of the program. Reebok will provide a full outfit to program coaches in recogntition of the time and commitment they bring to the program, and so the coaches can be clearly identified. Reebok also will provide an official "technical" shirt to all participants in the program. Reebok-sponsored athletes also will be available at designated times to encourage you in your training program.

Reebok's sponsorship is geared towards expanding, over the years, the number of training venues for those participating in the National Marathon.

d. What Are the Program Benefits? (i)Participants will receive, in addition to the technical shirt, an item of DCRRC merchandise.

(ii) There will be a special tent at the race on March 29 for you to store your gear securely during the race, and to meet afterwards.

(iii) Participants will receive coaching from experienced DCRRC members who have successfully trained runners for the Marine Corps, New York, Chicago, Baltimore, Richmond, and Philadelphia Marathons, as well as for the Army 10-Miler.

(iv) Coaching will be in small groups, enabling you to work closely with your assigned coach, ask questions via email, etc.

(v) Participants will receive a complimentary six-month membership to the DCRRC, enabling them to participate for free in a number of races during the training program geared toward imrpoving their racing fitness.

(vi) Formal workouts will be twice a week. A long run on Saturday morning, and a track workout on Wednesday night. ALL track workouts will be conducted as part of the regular DCRRC Wednesday night workouts, at Washington-Lee HS in Arlington. (Accessible to Orange Line). Those who cannot make it to the track will be able to access alternate workouts through the DCRRC website.

(vii) Post-workout sessions will include lectures on injury prevention from a physical therapist. We will also endeavor to have a massage therapist(s) in or near our tent to assist you before and after the race.

(viii) Water and Gatorade will be available after the runs.

e. What If I Cannot Come Saturday December 8? If you let us know by registering, or telling us that you are going to register by 12/15, we will hold your place. We expect that people may be signing up through the first two weeks of the program.

f. How Does This Program Relate to Existing DCRRC Training Events? While there may be some "course overlap" with the DCRRC Saturday Long Run (SLR), the Training Groups will generally NOT meet at Iwo Jima, but rather at the Georgetown Running Co or Gotta Run. SLRs will continue to meet and run out of Iwo Jima. The Wednesday night portion of the programs will, as noted, be run in conjunction with the regular DCRRC Track Workouts.

This is a very exciting opportunity for DCRRC, and for the entire Washington-area running community. we look forward to your participation.

Questions can be directed to president@dcroadrunners.org

2. Bread Run This Sunday The Bread Run 10K, at Glen Echo Park on McArthur Blvd., will take place Sunday December 9. Race directors Bob and Delabian Thurston ask that participants bring a loaf of fresh-baked bread or its equivalent to fatten up the prize pool. Please join us for this unique event through historic Glen Eco and along the C&O Canal.

3. Gar Williams Belle Haven Half-Marathon: 191 finishers braved a chilly and windy morning to run this annual kick-off to the Club's Snowball Series. RD Gene Fox assembled and directed a great crew of volunteers. Congratulations to winners Jake Green and Michelle Sikes. Full results here: http://www.dcroadrunners.org/results07/20071201.html

4. More Upcoming Events:

January 1, 2008: New Year's Day 5K, Rosslyn, VA

January 5, 2008: Al Lewis 10-Miler and Club Championship. RD Aaron Cheskis will need help with street crossings and a water stop. Please help if you can. aaron.cheskis@gmail.com

January 19, 2008: MLK/JFK 5K/20K: The MLK 5K is an official qualifying event for the National Half-Marathon. Race will be run on the Capital Crescent Trail, starting in Georgetown. Race director Daryl Knuth can use volunteers for this event!

February 17, 2008: 47th Annual George Washington Birthday Marathon and 3-Person Marathon Relay. Please join for this marathon, one of the oldest continually held marathons in the country, if not the world. And you do not have to run 26 miles to do it! Form your teams now and set your goal. Volunteers always needed for this event. Please contact RD Pat Brown at 703-476-5765.

Thanks, and stay warm out there!

Ed