Inside Track
Quarterly Newsletter for Members of the Road Runners Club of America
M AY 2 0 0 7 RRCA KICKS OFF YEAR LONG 50th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION By: John Farrow, At-Large Director
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: • RRCA Convention Recaps • RRCA 2006 Financial Report • Race Bag Offerings • And More
RRCA Board of Directors Bee McLeod President Tom Downing Vice President Dennis Novak Treasurer Brent Ayer Eastern Director Beth Onines Central Director Ken Bendy Southern Director David Epstein Western Director Lisa Paige Bob Holmes At-Large Directors
Clear blue skies. Sunbathing in the park. Calm winds and balmy temperatures. The calendar says it’s March but is this Chicago? “Ex-Daley Aide Indicted!!” screams the newspaper headline. Yes, this must be the place. On March 23, 2007, President Bee McLeod opened the 50th Annual Convention of the Road Runners Club of America to kick off a year-long 50th Anniversary celebration that has seen the fledgling organization grow in a half-century to the largest running organization in the nation with income in excess of a million dollars, more than 775 member clubs that have over 180,000 individual members. The event which brought together 200 running leaders was hosted in Chicago by the Alpine Runners of Lake Zurich and Illinois Runs Training Programs. This year saw the debut of the RRCA: Club College®, a core group of educational seminars designed to increase participant’s knowledge of key areas of running club management. Some topics included Managing Your Nonprofit Club or Event, its Finances and Risk, Developing Youth Running and Beginning Runner Programs, Utilizing Technology, Medical Coverage for Events, and many more.
year for the Cubbies?” I asked the bartender. He rolled his eyes and smiled sadly. Saturday, the Club College seminars continued, along with continuing education for coaches with Mel Williams and Roy Benson. Marathon & Beyond hosted the day’s lunch as Rich Benyo and Jan Seeley discussed changes in distance running over the past half-century. Remember races scored with popsicle sticks? Original Gatorade? It tasted like Sprite. Aid stations? A relatively recent, but welcomed, phenomenon. Most years, the election of directors at the annual business meeting has all the drama of growing grass. This year it was anything but. Not only were three of the four board positions up for election this year contested by candidates nominated from the floor, each had campaigned in earnest for some time prior to the convention. And the level of interest in the election was evident as more than 140 clubs, events and past presidents cast ballots. A few could be heard quietly lamenting the amount of politicking but in the end, the majority of voters heeded the recommendations of the nominating committee. Elected this year were Ken Bendy as Southern Region Director, David Epstein as Western Region Director, and Lisa Paige and Bob Holmes as Directors At Large.
And if it’s an RRCA Annual Convention, there’s sure to be Runner’s World. This year the magazine was represented by the hilarious John “The Penguin” Bingham, discussing the virtues of the four kinds of runners, from elites to the back-ofthe-packers (penguins) at the State Rep Luncheon sponsored by Runner’s World. Ask him his marathon PR and he likely will reply, with a straight face, “Sunday.” Afterwards, he helped Ron Macksoud of Alabama, the State Rep of the Year, into his award jacket. After more seminars, it was off to the Goose Island Brewery in the shadows of Wrigley Field for Chicago-style barbecue and locally-brewed beer with NCAA basketball all around as models from Fleet Feet strutted the latest PUMA running attire. “This John Farrow with Jean Knaack (left) and Beth Onines (right)
Continued on page 4
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE On behalf of the RRCA Board, I extend a big thank you to Beth Onines, her convention team, the Alpine Runners of Lake Zurich, and Illinois Runs Training Programs for hosting the 2007 RRCA Convention. The event was a huge success with our largest attendance numbers in several years. As a result of the major contribution to the State Reps Program, we had 37 State Reps in attendance with 8 of them being first time attendees to the Convention. The solid foundation of the organization and the success of the RRCA Conventions over the past few years was evident when the Board entertained several competitive bids for the 2008 Convention. We are already getting interest from multiple groups for the 2009 Convention. After careful deliberation, the Board selected the Flying Pig Marathon in Cincinnati, OH as our 50th Anniversary Convention hosts.
I look forward to seeing everyone in 2008 for our 50th birthday celebration. As you will see from the Treasurer’s Report below, the organization continues its track record of being in a solid financial position. We concluded 2006 with a clean independent audit of our books. The 2007 Board of Directors will continue to meet regularly throughout the year. Our goal is the continued effort of improving the governance practices of the organization. I invite our member to contact me if you have questions about the RRCA or the actions of the Board. Sincerely,
Bee McLeod
President@rrca.org
A NOTE FROM RRCA TREASURER - DENNIS NOVAK On January 20, 2007, the Board met in person to review the 2007 RRCA Operating Budget along with organizational goals developed by the Executive Director. After prudent discussion, the Board unanimously approved the 2007 operating budget. On page 3 you will find a concise version of the 2007 budget along with the 2006 audited income and expense report. A more detailed 2007 budget can be found in the 2006 RRCA Annual Report posted at www.RRCA.org/RRCA/Business. As you will see, the RRCA ended 2006 in a positive financial position. From the 2006 net profits, the RRCA Board took action at the March 21st meeting to restricted $50,000 to the Kids Run the Nation Fund, $10,000 to the State Reps Fund and $5000 to the President’s Fund. By restricting these assets, it ensures action must be taken by the Board before these reserves can be spent. Below the 2007 Budget is the 2006 Audited Balance Sheet for the RRCA. The RRCA fiscal year runs on the calendar year. As you will see from these two financial reports, the RRCA is in sound financial position. Our members, donors, and sponsors continued financial support is very important to the long term stability of the organization. To obtain a copy of the 2006 audited financial statements contact the National Office. A small processing fee may apply for a print version. The 990 tax return for the RRCA can be found online at www.guidestar.org. As part of the 2007 objectives, the RRCA will continue to post FOOTNOTES online. The online publication continues to grow and has been a financially feasible option for the organization. A question was raised at the 2007 Annual Business Meeting of the Membership concerning household dues allocation for the print publication, FOOTNOTES. Several years ago, to satisfy the nonprofit mailing requirements for the print version of FOOTNOTES, the RRCA instructed our member clubs to include a note on individual membership forms that $1.25 of dues went to the RRCA publication FOOTNOTES. The question that arose was whether this statement was still required on individual membership forms at the club level. In 2002, the RRCA discontinued the circulation of the print publication FOOTNOTES in favor of the online version, which was launched in January 2006. As a result, members are no longer requested to include the note on club level membership forms that $1.25 goes towards FOOTNOTES. Today, membership dues help fund the general management of the RRCA including the insurance program and the valuable programs and services the RRCA provides for our members. INSIDE TRACK
PAGE
2
2007 RRCA Board Approved Budget and Audited 2006 Financials Revenue
2007 Budget
Audited 2006 YE
294,407 541,505 247,516
292,843 540,961 217,640
1,083,428
1,051,444
38,700 35,850 541,505 31,500 102,593 16,750
30,794 35,430 540,961 31,265 37,534 18,665
766,898
694,649
56,000 35,650 179,912 18,500
56,789 31,351 158,030 14,878
290,062
261,048
1,056,960
955,697
26,468
95,747
Membership Dues Insurance Program Other Sources
TOTAL REVENUE Expenses State Rep & Reg Program* RRCA Governance Insurance Program Roads Scholar Grants Programs & Services RRCA Communications
SUBTOTAL PROGRAM National Office Expenses RRCA General Management Office Rent Payroll Expenses** Audit, Legal & Taxes
SUBTOTAL NAT OFFICE TOTAL EXPENSES Net Profit/(Loss) * Includes Convention travel funding ** Includes one additional support staff for 2007
RRCA 2006 AUDITED BALANCE SHEET ASSETS Cash & Cash Equivalents Accounts Receivable Prepaid Expenses Fixed Assets Deposits
TOTAL ASSETS LIABILITIES Accounts Payable & Accrued Deferred Revenue
TOTAL LIABILITIES EQUITY
936,045 12,763 662 3,122 4,197
956,789 13,869 465,125
478,994
Donor Restricted Kids Run the Nation State Reps Fund Roads Scholar Fund Other Board Restricted State/Region Fund President's Fund Operating Reserve Fund
7,850 5,000 100,000
TOTAL RESTRICTED ASSETS
286,711
Beginning Net Assets Change in Net Assets
TOTAL EQUITY TOTAL ASSETS & LIABILITIES
5,000 103,342 64,869 650
95,337 95,747
191,084 956,789 PAGE
3
RRCA KICKS OFF YEAR LONG 50th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION CONTINUED
PAGE
4
Then it was off to the conclusion of the silent auction and to catch Jeff Darman and Michael Hughes hawking their wares at the live auction. All told, these two events raise thousands of dollars each year to benefit the State Rep and Roads Scholar programs. And as the auctioneer’s gavel came down one final time, members began filing into the Grand Ballroom for the RRCA National Grassroots Running Awards Banquet presented by K&K and ELG Star Insurance (Diller-Smith) as octogenarian Anne Klein warmed and entertained the crowd with her secrets for a long and active life. Klein, now 84, began running at age 55 with no previous experience. Since then, she has completed over 100 marathons and 142 ultramarathons, including a 145-mile stage race across the Sahara Desert, as well as an Ironman triathlon. This great-grandmother of four holds at least 75 world and national age group records, many of which may never be broken. Also recognized at the Awards Banquet were Jenny Spangler and Judi St. Hilaire as inductees into the RRCA Hall of Fame. While the careers of both were hampered by injuries, Spangler is most noted for her surprise win at the 1996 Olympic Marathon Trials, while St. Hilaire’s career was capped with a place on the 1992 Olympic team and an eighth place finish in the 10,000 meter final. Also honored that night were some nineteen RRCA volunteers for their efforts at promoting grassroots running in the United States.
2006 RRCA Long Distance Running Hall of Fame Inductee, Jenny Spangler and family.
The Awards Banquet concluded with the announcement that the 2008 annual convention would be held in Cincinnati in conjunction with the Flying Pig Marathon. Many expressed the hope that perhaps all the drama next year would be at a Reds baseball game. Sunday dawned clear and sunny as runners made their way to the start of the LaSalle Bank Shamrock Shuffle 8K, the RRCA National Championship at that distance. The race was capped at 30,000 entrants and had long been closed. Across the way, the venerable Chicago Hilton loomed along Michigan Avenue, the site of the 1968 Democratic Convention. Nearby Grant Park was full of sunbathers, walkers, cyclists and race spectators, a far cry from the violent demonstrations of that time. Luke Watson of Madison Wisconsin, turned in the winning time of 23:26, while Tera Moody of Boulder, Colorado, won the women’s race in 27:09. And as finishers continued to stream in, the beautiful spring weather and some leftover St. Patrick's Day enthusiasm seemed to provide an extra boost to the huge Post-Race Party in Grant Park.
A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR CONVENTION HOSTS
Iowa State Rep, Chris Birch, enjoys the RRCA tent at the La Salle Bank Shamrock Shuffle 8K INSIDE TRACK
PAGE
4
ETHICS FOR THE RUNNING COMMUNITY: NO PERKS; AND RUN YOUR OWN RACE by David M. Patt, CAE - Convention Seminar Presentation Highlights Association of Running Event Directors – www.racedirector.org “You are an agent of your club or event, even if you don’t get paid” attendees were told at the RRCA 50th Anniversary Conference session on ethics. “Anything you do – good or bad – will reflect on your club.” Club members learned about two kinds of ethical issues at the RRCA Convention – club/event ethics and runner ethics – and issues to be avoided in the conduct of club activities.
CLUB/EVENT ETHICS “No perks,” was the chief message conveyed to the convention attendees. Acceptance of gifts and favors by club or event leaders can compromise the group’s integrity and raise questions about all of its activities. Nobody should ever think that a club official will use his or her position for personal gain. No business should be given the impression it can win the club as a customer by providing perks to its officials. Vendors should know the ONLY way to win the club’s business is to provide a high-quality product, at a reasonable price, supported by excellent service. Perks, gifts, and favors benefit the official, not the club or event, and suggest the vendor will not meet the club’s need for quality, price, and service. Club officials should also be sure to honor sponsor commitments, especially exclusivity agreements. Never lie about the number of entries, the size of club membership, or the reach of event marketing. Respect the volunteer hierarchy and adhere to club policies. Ensure that club newsletters and web sites represent the club, not the editor or webmaster, and are approved by a club official before printing or posting. If you are a club official, do not participate in the raffle at your club race. Winning a prize will give the appearance of the raffle being “fixed.”
RUNNER ETHICS “Run your own race,” was the directive for individual runners. “Club members should set an example for proper running ethics.” Never “run in” an age group competitor. If a runner is fast enough to win, she should be fast enough to win without pacing help. Don’t elbow other runners out of the way when approaching the finish line chutes. If you don’t want anybody to pass you, then run faster. Don’t run with someone else’s bib number. Don’t sell or give away your bib number, even if you think that should be allowed. Follow the rules of each race. If you run with a baby stroller, remain behind all of the runners. Giving up a racing opportunity is merely one of the many sacrifices required by parenthood. NEVER race with a dog. If you run with your child, pay the entry fee for both of you, start at the appropriate place for your child (not on the front line), and stay with your child the entire race (unless she’s faster than you). Take a t-shirt your own size and leave the kids shirts for the kids. Pay the correct amount for your entry and don’t ask for a refund if you miss the race or find out you can’t run that day.
At the Convention, the RRCA introduced the RRCA: Club College® which proved to be a great new asset for the Convention. Terry Diller educated convention attendees on the important aspects of risk management for club activities and events. Information about conducting safe road races and managing risk can be found on the RRCA website at www.rrca.org/resources/management. Virginia State Rep, Bob Platt, and RRCA Treasurer, Dennis Novak, educated attendees about important issues related to financial management for clubs and events. As a result of the session, the RRCA is currently developing a financial management handbook for clubs and events. Ken Bendy and Phil Lang shared their insights on how to incorporate RRCA programs and services into member clubs and events. For questions about RRCCA programs and services, contact your State Rep. Continued on page 6
RRCA: CLUB COLLEGE® MANAGING YOUR NONPROFIT HIGHLIGHTS
PAGE
6
What is the difference between nonprofit and tax exempt? Nonprofit does not necessarily mean tax exempt or tax-deductible. Organizations must apply to the IRS for tax exempt status, which only means they are exempt from paying federal income taxes. Tax exemption refers to an organization’s standing with the Federal Government. Federal exemption does not automatically apply to state exemption. States have different laws that allow an organization to be exempt from state and local sales or income tax. What is group exemption? The IRS sometimes recognizes a group of organizations as tax-exempt if they are affiliated with a central organition. This avoids the need for excess paperwork for the IRS. The RRCA offers a group exemption to members that qualify. These members are referred to as affiliates of the RRCA. A group exemption letter has the same effect as an individual exemption letter.
Important points about the RRCA Group Exemption: • The RRCA submits an annual update of affiliates (referred to as subordinates by the IRS) that qualify for the group
exemption. • RRCA Affiliates must set their fiscal year to the RRCA fiscal year – the calendar year • Affiliates with $25,000 or more in revenue are required to file a tax form 990. • The RRCA tax exempt letter should be used by affiliate members as needed when working with sponsors or donors.
The RRCA can provide a letter to a sponsor or donor informing them of a member’s affiliate status as needed.
What activities are nonprofits prohibited from engaging in?
Endorsement of candidates at the federal, state, or local levels by a 501(c)(3) is strictly prohibited and is cause for the nonprofit to lose its tax-exempt status. Running clubs/events should shy away from allowing candidates to give campaign speeches at races or meetings. Don’t accept advertisements for political candidates on your club/event websites or newsletters.
The IRS limits the funds a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization may spend directly influencing legislation. For more information on lobbying and nonprofits visit the Center for Lobbying in the Public Interest at www.clpi.org. Continued on page 8
A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR CONVENTION SPONSORS Title Sponsors
Presenting Sponsors
INSIDE TRACK
PAGE
6
Contact your RRCA State Rep To learn how you can get FREE Gatorade Endurance products for your event that is 10K and longer by hosting an RRCA Championship Event.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 7
PAGE PAGE
9 9
RRCA: CLUB COLLEGE® MANAGING YOUR NONPROFIT HIGHLIGHTS
PAGE
8
Should you incorporate? Incorporating is a state process. Incorporated organizations must adopt formal governing procedures including by-laws, hold regular meetings, maintain minutes, and keep the state informed of changes in board officers. The incorporation process registers and protects the organization's legal name. In most circumstances, regular members, board members, and employees cannot be held personally liable for a corporation's debts and activities. The corporation itself is liable while members' personal funds and assets are protected. However, members can be held liable for intentional negligence and misappropriated funds. Foundations, government agencies, and banks are often more willing to do business with incorporated nonprofits than unincorporated organizations. They recognize nonprofit corporations as legally responsible and more likely to meet their obligations. What kind of financial filings are nonprofits required to provide? • 501(c)(3) organizations with gross revenue of over $25,000 a year are required to file a Form 990 (or Form 990-EZ)
with the IRS each year • If an organization has unrelated business income from items like t-shirt sales you should pay the unrelated business • • • •
income tax (UBIT) and local sales tax State or local income or business property taxes Payroll taxes for staff Form 1099 for independent contractors earning more than $500 per year Consult with a local auditor or accountant for questions
The RRCA does not file any tax forms, especially form 990, on behalf of our affiliates. Tax filings are the responsibility of each member club and event.
SAVE THE DATE! FOR THE RRCA 50th ANNIVERSARY CONVENTION COME CELEBRATE
Complementary RRCA branded Merastar brochures are available for stuffing in your race bags. RRCA Championship Events are encouraged to stuff the RRCA - Merastar brochure. Participation in the insurance program will help fund the 50 State Championship Challenge launched in January. The purpose of the Challenge is to host an RRCA Championship in every state in 2007. Contact Jennifer Scroggins at jscroggins@merastar.com to get brochures for stuffing.
RUNNING THE NATION FOR 50 YEARS! CINCINNATI, OHIO
MAY 1 - 4, 2008 HOSTED BY THE FLYING PIG MARATHON
INSIDE TRACK
PAGE
8
GOODY®, AMERICA'S FAVORITE HAIR ACCESSORY, TO PROVIDE YOUR EVENT WITH FREE RACE BAG SAMPLES. RRCA partner, Active.com, invites RRCA Women’s Distance Festival Events and any event for that matter to participate in the free sample offering from Goody. The new Goody StayPut™ hair elastics were designed for the active female. They feature a Slip Proof Grip for maximum hold and a custom fit to secure all hair lengths and types. Goody StayPut™ elastics are guaranteed to stay in hair during all activities, even in water! Designate your event As an RRCA Women’s Distance Festival. For more information visit www.RRCA.org/ Programs/WDF
Goody StayPut™ samples are available to all Running, Walking, Cycling, Triathlon, and Beach Volleyball events and Running Clubs occurring between May 1, 2007 and December 31, 2007. Events with female participants are encouraged to apply. This is a great way to add value to your participants! Sign up today at: www.active.com/ sponsorship/sponsorship_applications.cfm?sponsor=GoodyStayPutsampling. Want the link emailed to you or for more information ? Contact Sarah.Dauro@active.com
NATIONAL RUNNER SURVEY PROJECT
completion of the survey, respondents can be directed to either the club website or the national RRCA site. The more clubs that participate, the more accurate and useful the RRCA data will be for National Office.
The RRCA has teamed up with Running USA on the National Runner Survey Project.
•
RRCA members are invited to participate in the survey.
What’s the next step? Club leaders can try out the survey by completing an RRCA Leader version at: http://66.179.50.166/s.asp?u=923123533292 Interested clubs should contact Jessica Sleight at membership@rrca.org.
Benefits for Clubs who participate: • Easy way to get comprehensive profile of your members • Results can be obtained in various formats including Excel summary file, Excel detailed file, HTML for display on web site and/or PDF of the summary in graphs. • Ability to customize - clubs have 2 choices - the ‘in depth’ survey includes valuable product preference questions that can aid in selling sponsorships both at the local and national level. The ‘basic’ survey is appropriate for smaller clubs who want a shorter survey or who don’t need help recruiting sponsors. Each participating club also has the ability to add a few additional questions to the end of their survey. After
"Learning about runners is the primary focus of the survey and the partnership between the Road Runners Club of America and Running USA. The more we know, the better we can CONTINUED ON PAGE 7 serve everyone involved in our sport,"
- Jean Knaack, RRCA executive director PAGE PAGE
9 9
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S NOTE I hope you are enjoying this issue of Inside Track. This publication, mailed to club and event leaders, continues to grow. If you have articles or activities your club or event has implemented that you think the RRCA membership would benefit from, please feel free to submit your articles to me for consideration in Inside Track. Below you will find an article by Ron Macksoud, AL State Rep. I’ve enjoyed Ron’s column in his club’s newsletter and invited him to share his 2007 RRCA Convention recap with our members. As you read, you will see that Ron’s words capture the essence of the RRCA Convention - fun, friends, and celebration of the sport and its supporters. Ron’s article also shines a spotlight on the importance of the RRCA National Grassroots Running Awards. The Awards are designed to recognize outstanding local volunteers at the national level. For the last two years, I have had the great pleasure of working closely with the National Awards and presenting the recognition plaques to awardees. I have witnessed first hand how special the National Awards are for the deserving individuals that are nominated and selected for the various awards. It is truly inspiring.
I encourage club leaders to take the time to nominate a deserving individual for an RRCA National Grassroots Running Award. Information and the nomination form can be found at www.RRCA.org/ services/awards. Nominations can be mailed to the National Office between now and the deadline of November 1st. On the back cover, you will read about the first phase of an exciting new project we are launching at the RRCA. I look forward to sharing the details of the project with you during the coming months and how your participation can benefit your club financially. Be sure to sign the pledge on the RRCA website to commit to participating in the 2nd Annual RRCA National Run@Work Day.
Happy Running,
“SECOND CITY” DREAMS IN THE WINDY CITY By: Ron Macksoud - Alabama State Rep I readily admit I haven’t REALLY challenged myself as a runner, nearly 20 years after I started. Marathon? Never! The furthest I’ve ever run was only last October—a 15K. So, after finding out I was chosen as the 2006 RRCA National State Representative of the Year, I decided to take on a different challenge: COMEDY! The setting would be in front of a large audience of my running peers, in making acceptance remarks after receiving a plaque at the RRCA Annual Awards Banquet in Chicago, IL. Who am I to try to “motivate” anyone? I was shooting for as far from serious as I could get—not only funny—but off-the-wall and memorable! I already had the perfect setup from last year’s convention column, in which I blasted long-winded award winners saying, “This ain’t the Oscars!” My plan was a drastic “about face.” I would have my Oscars moment in the spotlight, albeit in a concise, (hopefully) humorous manner.
INSIDE TRACK
I didn’t anticipate having a convention “warm-up” opportunity the day before. Jean Knaack, RRCA executive director, e-mailed me soon after my selection telling me I would also be expected to speak at the Runner’s World luncheon, where I would receive a jacket. “If you can’t move the room to tears, at least say something funny,” she said prophetically. Now, I had the dilemma of deciding if, in fact, I should play the humor “card” twice. Okay. What the heck? Deal me in! I arrived in Chicago early enough in the week to find inspiration from two comedy institutions. Outside of the Navy Pier is a sculpture featuring an amazing likeness of Bob Newhart as Dr. Bob Hartley, the psychologist role he played in his 70s TV sitcom set in Chicago. I sat down on the sculpture couch imagining I was receiving counseling from one of the kings of stand-up comedy. His best advice: “Don’t stutter like me!”
PAGE
10
Ron Macksoud takes advice from Dr. Bob Hartley (aka Bob Newhart)
“It’s okay,” I assured her. “I don’t know you well enough to make any kind of (cutting) comment about you.”
“Between Barack and a Hard Place” was the name of the show I went to see at The Second City Comedy Club, the launching pad of successful careers of numerous comedians for over 35 years. I sat in front of the stage laughing often and admiring the talent of the six-member ensemble cast in outrageouslyhilarious sketches. I kept imagining what it would be like to be able to make people howl with laughter as they were doing. Possibly, I would find out on a lesser scale. After receiving my jacket at the luncheon, I reeled off some relatively witty lines: “Two thoughts come to mind immediately in receiving this jacket. First, I feel kind of guilty that I let my Runner’s World subscription lapse about 10 years ago; and secondly, I wonder how much I can get for this in the RRCA Silent Auction?” I briefly expressed thanks for the honor, boasting that the Southern Region was starting a “dynasty,” prompting a classic, “OOO,” in unison from the audience. Then it was time for “Ron’s Roast,” as I made my own apparel presentations of “special” T-shirts to some of my favorites. I took it easy on Jessica Sleight from the RRCA National Office and Lisa Dahl, Kentucky State Rep. They are too sweet and unassuming to try to mock. I probably would have been “BOOOed” off the stage. My main targets were Kelly Richards, North Texas State Rep, and Kim Howard, Arkansas State Rep. “Kelly prefers the nickname, K2, which has worked out better than her original nickname--K9.” Amidst the explosion of laughter that followed, I handed her a Jolly Green Giant T-shirt with, “Ho, Ho, Ho” printed on it. After kissing me she asked me if I was calling her a “Ho!” Keep in mind, this was pre-Don Imus! “Kim is still single, probably because his girlfriends never seem to share his taste in fine dining and sightseeing.” The audience thought it was real “hoot” when I (predictably) presented Kim a Hooter’s tee. The laughs and compliments indicated I was a hit. I had earned the reputation as the convention “joker,” so much so, that one of the Active.com exhibitors was leery about accepting an Alabama t-shirt from me.
Undoubtedly, I would be expected to do something else out of the ordinary at the BIG show—the Awards Banquet. I tried to dress as Hollywood as possible, in keeping with the Oscars theme of my speech: dark suit, black shirt, and Marilyn Monroe tie. Since I was listed in the banquet program as fourth recipient, I was fairly calm, thinking I would get things over quickly. But, for some reason, I kept getting skipped over and over and over. Now—I was getting nervous! In the meantime, I continued to read over my speech, neatly typed, with wide spacing, a couple of paragraphs cut and taped to 13 colored index cards. With four more awards to go, Jean called me to the stage using a touch of sarcasm that I could appreciate. That seemed to immediately ease the tension. With about a dozen cameras flashing as I posed with my plaque, I had my Oscars-type paparazzi, a perfect prelude to what I was about to say! Once I told my audience that I had chosen “some memorable lines from Academy Awards ceremonies that are ideal for expressing how I feel,” I was on a roll. Amidst the laughter, I ranted like Cuba Gooding, Jr. (“I love you man!”); I stared at my plaque like Barbra Streisand and her Oscar as I attempted a New York accent (“Hello, gorgeous.”); and I held the plaque over my head shouting like “Titanic” director James Cameron (“I am king of the world!”). I also tossed out quotes from Kevin Spacey and Jane Fonda, among others. I recalled Adrien Brody’s “mega-kiss” of Halle Berry after he received his Oscar from her. That prompted Jean to slide a little farther away from me. Priceless! Now, who’s getting into the act? I used Sally Field’s, “you like me,” to set up the grand finale, pointing out the infamous “really” was not a part of her acceptance. (Wrap it up, Ron! It would be kind of embarrassing to make the longest speech of the night!) “And finally, Robin Williams, Oscars presenter, before opening the envelope: ‘I feel like Adam when he said to Eve— back up, I don’t know how big this gets.’ (After I paused) This honor IS big—REALLY big!” As they say in show business--I KILLED! Okay. Maybe I can handle the challenge of at least a half marathon. PAGE 11
ROAD RUNNERS CLUB OF AMERICA 8965 Guilford Rd, Suite 150 Columbia, MD 21046 410-290-3890 www.RRCA.org Founded in 1958
RRCA NATIONAL PHOTO CONTEST Do you love taking pictures at races or club runs? Do you have a favorite picture you’ve taken in the last two years? In celebration of the RRCA turning 50 years old, we are in the process of developing the 2008 RRCA Calendar. Starting in May, the RRCA is launching a national photo contest with our members in order to select the images for the 2008 RRCA Calendar. The final product will be a high quality glossy calendar and will be available for sale in early fall. More details about this project and joint fundraising opportunities will be shared via RRCA New, e-blast, and Inside Track. To enter your favorite photo(s) in the contest follow these simple instructions: • Make sure the image is interesting - it should be colorful, action oriented, and inspiring. No posed group photos from club runs please. Group action photos from races and club runs are encouraged. • The image(s) should be landscape orientation. Portrait orientation images will not be accepted. • The image should be high-resolution. • Submit 1– 4 of your favorite image(s). You must own the rights to the image(s) and be willing to give the RRCA unlimited royalty free rights to use the image(s). • To submit your favorite high-resolution, landscape image(s), save the image(s) to a CD-R disc. The image(s) should be saved as JPG or TIF files. Mail the disc to the RRCA National Office (address above). Be sure to include your name, contact information, and information about the photo(s) such as location, club name, event details, etc. • The final 12 images for the calendar will be selected from the submissions by the RRCA Board of Directors. For information on sponsoring Inside Track contact Jean Knaack at 410-290-3890
In the Next Issue: • Working with Foreign Athletes • Managing Your Club Finances • The Waiver • News from the National Office September 21, 2007
Subscription Information: If you would like additional copies of Inside Track mailed to your club officers and key volunteers, please send a check in the amount of $5.00 per subscription to the National Office along with addresses of the subscribers.