The Wicked Running Register March 2013 • Priceless
EST. JAN 2010
Presidential Perspective T.R. Ramsdell
Each month, I sit for quite awhile, and think about what my monthly column will be about. When I write my column about the Grand Prix series, it comes easy. My job is to report, encourage and rally you guys into running races and competing. This month, I want to rally and encourage you guys into getting involved more with something else. Our club. Yes, “our” club. It belongs to you and me. We make the decisions about what happens. Now, I’m not picking on anyone, or pointing fingers, but I wonder why it is that I see the same people on all the race committees, and all the same faces at all the races? Wicked has 300 plus members. I know the names of maybe half. Why? This is what I want to find out. It’s not for a lack of trying, I’ve just never had an occasion to meet some of you. You’re not hiding from me are you? Nah, I didn’t think so. Maybe you’re shy, or afraid to engage. Well, the point of this diatribe is to let you know that we’re here for you. Yes,
me and all the rest of your Wicked teammates are here for you, to run with, train with, share tips, or even just hang out. That’s the whole point of being on a team. And Wicked is a team. I’ve met some of the nicest, friendliest people on the planet since joining 4 years ago. Now, I’m not saying that everyone that joins will go out and run a marathon. It’s not a prerequisite. I’m just saying, give us a try. Show up at a group run. When I’m not on the shelf due to my newest injury, I can be found leading the circle of love at Forest River Park on Saturday mornings. It’s a great group that goes, and there is always someone to run with. Or you can try the NRFTW run on Thursday nights. Also a very awesome crew. There’s the Tues/Thurs morning bunch from Front Street, or the Tues slow run in the evening. The best way to get to know the rest of your teammates is to volunteer at a race, or get on a race committee. My point is, get out there and mingle! Whatever it takes to become more involved in our club. Yes, “our” club.
Shameless Fundraising Plug From Beth O’Grady: Please join us Saturday, April 27, 7:30pm-11:30pm at the K of C on Salem Common for the Annual Spring Dance to benefit the Stephen M. O’Grady Foundation. $20 donation at the door includes several door prizes, snacks & DJ. Tons of great raffles, a 50/50 worth a minimum of $1,000 and Red Sox tickets also! For information see www.stephenogrady.com or email bethogrady@yahoo.com. Over the past 14 years, we have awarded over $151,000 in scholarships and donations to local youth groups! Editor’s note: Definitely not shameless. Sounds fun!
Running Tips With Mike Toomey Now that we are entering racing season, a lot of people are starting to talk about “The Taper.” We have all heard of it, we all know we need it...but what exactly is the taper? There are three main parts to your taper…volume, frequency, and intensity. The proper taper will only have a reduction in volume, while keeping the intensity and frequency the same. Often times when you hear people complain about being flat during the taper it’s because they reduced two or all three of the above. When getting ready for the big race, approximately three weeks out, you should be thinking of cutting your mileage. Keep your running days and paces the same, just gradually decrease the mileage. For a marathon, sometimes this could simply be dropping the long run volume. If you have questions on the taper, please shoot us an email and we can help. You can reach us at mike@toomeysports. com. Good luck at the races!
Mem
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Shan
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Dow
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Sunday May 12, 2013 8:30 am Peabody, MA
www.patrickdowney5k.com