President's Blog: Midterm Update

Flyer President, Glen Wiener

At about halfway through this term of the 2010 Executive Board, I felt it would good time to discuss the state of the club, while there is still a lot of time for everyone to get involved between now and the end of the term in January. Unlike in the real world where jobs are scarce, employment opportunities (albeit unpaid) are plentiful in Flyerland.

If you didn't get out there this Sunday morning, you can still show off your running ability by leading a “pace group” in the second of the two NYRR Long Training Runs. These are two of our most visible and enjoyable events, attracting approximately 75 volunteers leading thousands of marathon veterans and hopefuls through varying distances in Central Park.

2009 Flyer Marathon shirt design

Tired of running? Relax and let your creative juices flow freely by designing the Flyers’ 2010 Fall Marathon Shirt. The best design will be selected and the winner given a free shirt. Talking about shirts, the Executive Board is in the process of obtaining high visibility unique Group Run Leader Shirts designed by our very own VP Brian H. These shirts will be distributed free to our group run leaders who, week after week battle the heat, cold, rain, humidity, and wind by leading our morning and evening group runs. These shirts will make our group leaders easy to spot and provide a small token of appreciation to these unsung members of the club.

If, you’re not a group run leader but are in dire need of new Flyers gear, then stop by Urban Athletics and purchase the new “Property of the Flyers” technical t-shirt or our racing singlet. By the end of the month many Flyers will be sporting their new Flyer Tri apparel, designed by Anne H. and Sandy A., they ordered last month. If none of these items rocks your socks, just wait till the fall when we will offer a few other new things. Items under consideration include jackets, hats, long sleeve shirts, arm warmers, and boxer shorts. (ok, no boxer shorts) And don’t forget to show off your Flyers gear when we take our yearly picture at the Flyers picnic, organized by Fran O., following the Club Championship, this Saturday.

New York Flyers Team Photo, 2009

Back to running, the Fall Marathon Training Program is in full swing. Join Jim S. and a bevy of Flyers on great long runs outside of Central Park. We are currently finalizing the details for our legendary Palisades run lead by Tim D. and celebrated Three Bridges 20 milers organized by yours truly. These runs which include pace group and waters stations will now be open to the public for a small fee. For some fun, facts, and friendship, join the Flyers' well-known Sherpa, Scott S., for the Bridges and Arches Run, which is a fascinating run/tour of the beautiful structures of Central Park.

It’s truly been an enjoyable and rewarding six months as the Flyers’ President and I thank you all for the opportunity you have given me. Needless to say, a lot is going on and many Flyers have been hard at work organizing and leading these events. I cannot thank all these amazing people enough for their hard work and dedication. Stayed tuned, as much more is in the works including more socials, workshops, runs, and events including our pre-marathon pasta dinner (with hopefully another special guest) and culminating in the piece de resistance our celebrated annual Awards Gala.

Dancing at the Gala