That dreaded time of the year has arrived, 
where we “fall back” and reset the clocks back an hour. That means that early mornings become really early and the after-work bike and run sessions end up being in the dark. It’s time to get creative again with the work schedules so as to carve out some workout time during daylight (or, … just get cozy with the stationary bike trainer, treadmill, and gym). Remember that cycling and running becomes more dangerous during low light conditions, so break out that reflective gear and those lights. I wrote about this in my October 17 newspaper column, and if you missed it please go read it on the S-T web site (http://www.gosanangelo.com/news/2009/oct/16/precaution-name-of-the-game-in-low-light/-game-in-low-light/). Let’s all be safe out there!Fall seems to have really arrived, with cold fronts every few days causing
the weather to alternate between warm and cool. For many recreational athletes, this is the beginning of the “relax and enjoy” season where most of us start back building the fitness base for next spring’s events. However, the San Angelo running community seems to have exploded in size, causing the many running events to have record numbers of participants. It was normal a few years ago to have 40-60 runners show up for races, but those numbers have swelled to 200-300 for many events. Even a small race like last weekend’s Quest for the Cure drew over 80 participants. This growth can probably be attributed to (1) a greater local awareness related to fitness and the need to exercise, and (2) increased marketing of activities and events using web sites and social networking strategies such as Facebook, and collaboration between organizations such as the Road Lizards, Goodfellow AFB, and ASUFit. It may also help that there are multiple columnists writing for the local newspaper who all focus on fitness related activities.
the weather to alternate between warm and cool. For many recreational athletes, this is the beginning of the “relax and enjoy” season where most of us start back building the fitness base for next spring’s events. However, the San Angelo running community seems to have exploded in size, causing the many running events to have record numbers of participants. It was normal a few years ago to have 40-60 runners show up for races, but those numbers have swelled to 200-300 for many events. Even a small race like last weekend’s Quest for the Cure drew over 80 participants. This growth can probably be attributed to (1) a greater local awareness related to fitness and the need to exercise, and (2) increased marketing of activities and events using web sites and social networking strategies such as Facebook, and collaboration between organizations such as the Road Lizards, Goodfellow AFB, and ASUFit. It may also help that there are multiple columnists writing for the local newspaper who all focus on fitness related activities.The local running club (San Angelo Road Lizards) held their annual meeting on November 1st, with a large group
of runners turning out for the event. The meeting agenda included annual reports, election of 2010 officers, goals and action items for the coming year, and the establishment of a preliminary 2010 event calendar. The elected officers and key volunteer appointments for 2010 included President Mike Buck, Vice President Ruthie Kreuzer, Treasurer Anthony Wilson, Secretary Angelina Orsonio and Member-At-Large Nick Mathers. The husband/wife team of Kevin and Katherine Garrison was appointed to the position of webmaster(s). Look for minutes to be posted soon on the Road Lizards web site.
of runners turning out for the event. The meeting agenda included annual reports, election of 2010 officers, goals and action items for the coming year, and the establishment of a preliminary 2010 event calendar. The elected officers and key volunteer appointments for 2010 included President Mike Buck, Vice President Ruthie Kreuzer, Treasurer Anthony Wilson, Secretary Angelina Orsonio and Member-At-Large Nick Mathers. The husband/wife team of Kevin and Katherine Garrison was appointed to the position of webmaster(s). Look for minutes to be posted soon on the Road Lizards web site.If you haven’t ridden (or ran) the Spillway Hill trails lately, this is a great time of the year to do so. That area includes some new trail sections that were developed for the recent Red Bluff Challenge mountain bike race, with a few short stretches of highly technical areas for more experienced cyclists. I ran the 10K trail running route recently, and the trails are all in great shape thanks to the hard work of some mountain bike volunteers who prepped the course for the Red Bluff event (thanks, Kevin, Tony, Kyle, and others!). This area will host the 2010 Trail Running Series in January and February, and the Spillway Hill Off Road Duathlon in May. A good place to access the hill’s trail network is just outside the back gate of Middle Concho Park. As you exist the back gate, head straight ahead toward the rock berm and go through the opening in the rocks. This puts you onto the Mackenzie Trail, which parallels the main dirt access road. Cyclists, runners, and hikers can access over 20 miles of trails and 4WD roads from this starting point. Future plans for this area include a new trail section and permanent trail signs.
UPCOMING EVENTS
November 7: Sailor Cruise 5K, http://www.roadlizards.org/Upcoming%20Races/Navy.pdf
November 21: Turkey Trot Run and Fitness Walk, Angelo State University, http://www.angelo.edu/asufit
Dec. 10-13: Cyclocross National Championships, Bend, OR, http://www.visitbend.com/Bend_Oregon_Activities_Recreation/National-Championships/Cyclo-cross/default.aspx
November 21: Turkey Trot Run and Fitness Walk, Angelo State University, http://www.angelo.edu/asufit
Dec. 10-13: Cyclocross National Championships, Bend, OR, http://www.visitbend.com/Bend_Oregon_Activities_Recreation/National-Championships/Cyclo-cross/default.aspx
