Perspective of a new member
Last fall, after completing a 13 week running program, I showed up on a Tuesday night at the False Creek Community Centre to join the Pacific Road Runners. Going to a club on my own was a bit intimidating but I decided to give it a go for six weeks. Laurie Anne greeted me in the main hall and talked me through the Club's weekly routines. Marco enumerated the long list of social activities - thank God that was BEFORE he saw me running! I'm a very slow runner and quickly felt I was somewhat out of my league when the 2-mile warm-up proved to be more challenging than my turtle paced solitary runs. Oh well, I thought, nothing like having something to work towards; like running after 30 people. Melissa and Susan stayed with me during the warm-up as they took turns convincing me that I would improve in time and not to give up as I exhaustingly ran at a snail's pace.
Over the next few weeks, I would be joined be several of the senior members who would be forced to make one way conversations a trend. In retrospect, that was not such a bad thing since I quickly got to know who's who in the zoo: Richard was the departing president; Marco was hot on his tail; Nicole has a passion for cross-country skiing and organizing social events; She also has the best Christmas earring collection ever seen; Susan wins the prize for wearing the least amount of clothing when the weather dips below freezing; Laurie Anne sings in a barbershop quartet; Melissa and Dave are getting married in May; Dennis owns the brightest coloured running vests and is training for the Ironman; Grant never runs before his arm stretches. Dave's bathroom renos have taken another turn for the worse; And Roger, Mike, Sukhbir, well... we'll save those for another time.
In the span of four months, I have run with the club most Tuesdays and Thursdays. I have met and enjoyed the company of many members, I have volunteered for a cross-country race, danced until the wee hours at the Christmas Party, sang Christmas carols while running on the streets of downtown praying for the next light to turn red, enjoyed cheap beer and food at the Cat's Meow, attended an AGM meeting, and most of all... I have had a lot of fun.
On a personal level, the Club has largely contributed to my continued success with running and with the encouragement of club members I have increased my speed. I always feel greatly refreshed both mentally and physically after a run and my work days seems to be much easier. More importantly, I was impressed by the commitment and community spirit of the members. They regularly volunteer hundreds of hours to organize events, most notably the "First Half" Half Marathon which contributes over $25,000 to the Variety Club. They have donated profits to St John Ambulance who support their races. They publicize running events and pitch in to help with other local events. Above all they share a passion for running and promoting fitness.
I would recommend the Club to anyone who's looking to improve their running while enjoying a healthy social life.
- Claudette, 2002
Note: although Claudette's perspective still invokes the spirit of the club, if any new member is willing to write an updated perspective, please email sally.taylor@ubc.ca