From Our Sponsor: RRCA State/Regional Championship Bid Deadlines

Got an event that's in (at least) it's second year of operation? Does it have what it takes to be an RRCA State, Regional or National Championship? Is it produced by an RRCA member club or event?

Events selected to host an RRCA Championship agree to brand the event to RRCA expectations, and follow RRCA Guidelines for Safe Event Management. In return, RRCA provides:

- RRCA Championship Medals for top overall, master, grandmaster, and senior grandmaster male and female winners
- Free race numbers for event participants, with the RRCA Championship logo, the race name, and the race date, supplied by Rainbow Racing - or - deeply discounted pricing on bibs ordered directly through Rainbow Racing
- Gatorade Sponsorship to events of 10K and longer, with at least 400 participants
- Discounted advertising in Club Running magazine
- Promotion through RRCA's social media channels
- Championship status noted on the RRCA Event Calendar, and
- RRCA-branded finish line tape for select events.

Contact your State Rep for more details - deadline for Regional Championship bids are October 1, deadline for State Championship bids are November 1. More details can be found here.

Outside Magazine/Here's Why We Live Where We Live...Right?

Comebacks to Your Best Winter Running Excuses
Nice try. We've heard it all before.
By: Martin Fritz Huber Feb 22, 2017

Ah, winter! The season for hot chocolate, pond hockey, and excuses for skipping your run. Granted, even when the weather is mild, it’s not hard to convince yourself that staying in bed an extra hour is a better idea than that sunrise eight-miler, but the cold season is what separates the runners from the wannabes.

Of course, you already know this. But everyone has that friend and sometimes running partner who wants to go into hibernation from December until March. To help you persuade (or shame) your reluctant running companion to get out the door, here are a few suggested responses to some of the most common seasonal excuses for staying on the couch.

“It’s too cold to run.”
Sorry, but in an age when people go surfing among icebergs, that excuse just doesn’t fly. Put on a damn hat and some gloves (and if we may make a few suggestions).

“I don’t want to get hit by a car that skids off the road.”
Me neither. That’s why I’m happy we live in the age of reflective gear. And remember: run against oncoming traffic.

“Running in tights makes me self-conscious.”
Embrace the shorts-over-tights look, if you must. If anyone asks, the shorts are for “extra warmth.”

“There’s snow and ice everywhere.”

Lucky you! Rather than a regular, dull old run, you’re getting a makeshift obstacle course race—complete with snowbank hurdles and ice hazards—as part of the deal. You may not be able to sue an international event company if you hurt or kill yourself, but the kind old lady down the street who forgot to salt her sidewalk is fair game. Or just invest in shoes with better traction.

“I don’t want to get sick.”
Then drink kefir, dress appropriately, and get plenty of sleep. Also exercise—that is, go running.

“The days are so short, and I don’t like running in the dark.”
Unless Nosferatu is your next-door neighbor, there’s no reason you can’t just buy a headlamp.

“What if I get hypothermia?”
Unlikely. But if it happens—and you survive­—you’ll have excellent story material.

“Winter is a time for indoor sports!”
The way things are going, we might all be living underground soon anyway, so you better get outside every chance you get.

How Much Do You Know About The RRCA?

RRCA 101 Pre-Test - How Much Do You Really Know About RRCA?

INSTRUCTIONS: Choose the single most-correct answer to these eight questions about RRCA's mission, vision, goals & programming.

1. The RRCA is NOT:

a. an educational & programming resource.
b. a national organization of running clubs, events, & individuals.
c. dedicated to develop & grow running, events, & recreational runners.
d. strictly an insurance provider.

2. Persons with a passion for running & want to help individuals achieve personal fitness & athletic goals can become an RRCA-certified coach after they complete a two-day certification seminar, CPR & first-aid training.

a. TRUE
b. FALSE

3. RRCA meets with member club reps, state reps & directors; hosting seminars to grow & strengthen individual club operations, improve event quality & motivate club volunteers. This year’s national convention is being held in:

a. Lake Geneva, WI
b. Lakeland, FL
c. Lake Tahoe, NV
d. Lakewood, CO

4. Which of these are NOT included in RRCA’s General Running Safety Tips?

a. Always stay alert & aware of what is going on around you.
b. Don’t wear headphones.
c. Look both ways before crossing.
d. Run the same course on a consistent basis.

5. Donations to RRCA for Kids Run The Nation, Road Scholars, & the State Representative Fund are tax deductible.

a. TRUE
b. FALSE

6. Clubs can recognize volunteer workers with an RRCA National Volunteer Award when they accrue this number of service hours:

a. 1,500
b. 2,000
c. 2,500
d. 3,000

7. RRCA designates state, regional & national championship races to help clubs:

a. attract event sponsors.
b. improve civic/media support for the event.
c. recruit top-performing runners to participate in the event.
d. All of the above.

8. RRCA State Representatives are compensated for their services.

a. TRUE
b. FALSE

I'll post the answers after March 2nd...unless you e-mail me with your answers first.