Flyer Reflections 2010

Dave K.

As we head toward 2011, I'm recalling many memories and happy highlights from a Flyers' fantastic 2010. I'd like to share some of my reminiscences, and encourage other Flyers to add plenty more. Here are just a few:

Annual Awards Gala

Deanna C. leaps in runner's joy

The year was kicked-off by the Annual Awards Gala meticulously and fabulously planned by Amy M. and her eager army of Flyer volunteers. There was much fun, food, music, dancing, laughing, praise for many Flyer achievements and achievers, just a little bit of moderate drinking (moderately excessive?), and only one instance of Flyer bloodshed -- yes, one Flyer not only cut a fine rug on the dance floor but also cut through some of her flesh during a dance floor trip-and-fall (though I hear it was done gracefully)! Thankfully, she bounced back fast.

For me, a highlight was for the first time getting to see Flyer Deanna C. demonstrate her famous Deanna C. Leap. And I'm looking forward to seeing lots of leaping Flyers meeting up in the new year at the 2011 Awards Party!

Lloyd H. greets guests

Chinese New Year

In February, I missed out on Lloyd H.'s 11th Annual Chinese New Year Party. However, I'm making a Chinese New Year's resolution to attend this year as I hear it's always a blast.

Check out photos of the event here.

NYC Half Marathon

Elle G. stirs a mean Gatorade

In March, Flyers turned out in force for the NYC Half Marathon to run the race or to staff the Flyers Fluids Station set up flawlessly once again by JoAnn M. Having endured sweltering heat and humidity in 2009, this year us runners and the Flyer volunteers were treated to wonderful weather. Many PRs were set, including by Christine M, Deanna C, Julie C., Kristina H., Julie W., Wendy W., Elizel A., Alexandra C., Rachel D., Gordon R., Dave K. (me!), Jack H., Glen W., Joe J., Mark C., and Joe H.

MORE Than Boston

April included the MORE Half Marathon and the Boston Marathon among the highlights. I got to be one of the Flyer volunteers at the Flyers Fluid Station, pouring water and Gatorade in the pouring rain. Despite the soggy (understatement!) morning, it was wonderful to see so many smiling faces splashing by as Flyers gave service with a smile (me in my fashionable plastic grocery bag boots). Thankfully, JoAnn M secured plenty of ponchos from NYRR as she made sure that everything went without a hitch for the Flyer volunteers.

President Glen W.'s rendition of  Lady Gaga's "Under My Umbrella"

Up in Boston, a flock of Flyers turned out to race, provide support and celebrate with each other. There's nothing quite like the heart-warming and energy-boosting spectacle of that rowdy group of cheering Flyers!

Dan G., Richard G., Brett S., Ed A., & Jon B. cheered us on!

Ed A. once again toted the Flyers banner up to Boston to raise both it and the spirits of Flyers competing. The group was stationed right before the first of the series of hills that culminates in Heartbreak Hill as we chugged through the late stages of the marathon (and before we chugged beers at the post-race celebration orchestrated by Deb M!). Some say it was because he finally ran without his camera, but my guess is that the Flyers' cheering had something to do with Brian H at last roaring through his marathon in under 3-hours!

Ragnar Relay Race

Dave K., Courtney L., Noel C., Heidi J., Christine M., Charlotte N.

In May, I got to participate for the first time in a run-through-the-night relay race at the Ragnar Relay from Woodstock to Dobbs Ferry. There were three full teams of Flyers, and much fun was had by all. I was on Deb M.'s team, and she saw to it that everything went smoothly (and I'm sure that Anne H. will turn up from her second leg of the race one day soon - ha!).

Some of the highlights were captured in the blog posting of Jim S. My favorite part was running a dark, late night stretch with Christine M. We were keenly aware of nature's nascent noises and the pitter-patter of our own fleet feet breaking the silence of the darkness while treated to a brief brisk coolness cutting through the thick aromatic air. Fine, agreed, I'll clearly never make it as a poet.

Central Park Clean-up

Flyer Central Park Clean-Up events were held in June and October this year. Heather M. has been leading the events for quite a few years now, and I've enjoyed helping out. Much has been written about the events on the Flyers Blog and in the Flyers newsletter.

I'll add that a highlight for me has been the kind words and deeds of Flyer participants and Central Park Conservancy Volunteers. After the June event, Flyer Janis E. returned with her son to admire the finished work. She then e-mailed to thank the Flyer organizers, and added that she plans to bring her son to participate at future Central Park Clean-Up events.

Diane Z., Steve K., Regina M., Joe J., Heather M., Deb M., Janet H.

And there also were thanks to the Flyers that came from Neddie H. of Central Park Conservancy, who wrote: "I am glad you and your group enjoyed yourselves while working hard to keep Central Park beautiful.”

We all work hard at the Central Park Clean-Ups, but we have plenty of fun, too, and we all leave feeling a sense of accomplishment and camaraderie. If you haven't yet volunteered yet at a Central Park Clean-up event, keep an eye out for the announcement of the next event in the coming months.

Flyers In Heat -- 6 AM Flyer Group Runs

My most vivid memory of July and August is that it was hot and humid! Thank goodness, however, for the 6 AM group runs led by the almost annoyingly humble and always inspiring Francine A.

Francine's twice-weekly e-mails, the accolades she doles out for the running accomplishments of group participants and other personal achievements and milestones, her rising extra-early on many Tuesdays to set up markers for reservoir speedwork, and the caring and enthusiasm that she gifts the group are just a few of her qualities that are incredibly infectious (in a good way!). The camaraderie and close friendships that have developed within this group is quite astounding. If you haven't made it out, it's more than worth it to get up and out at that early hour to participate.

I've benefited not just from the fun of the run, but also from being pushed and prodded and laughed at by folks including John W., Sean J., Mike C. and many others. A favorite run was being regaled by Jim N.'s "Stadium Altercation" story. Come join the group and maybe he'll tell the story again!

Click here for the schedule of group runs led by Francine A. and those led by other Flyers. I hear the Downtown run led by David G., Brian H., Jose A. and Jordan G. is also a lot of fun, and I'm sure it has nothing to do with the pub stop at the completion of the run.

6 at 6 runs rain, shine, hot, cold, and no matter what, including during this Snow Day (albeit dubbed Schmo Day by the group) -- always with a smile!

Bridges & Arches

This year, I missed the September Bridges and Arches Run but I have plenty of memories from last year to keep me going until I hopefully make it back for next year's annual run.

It's a fascinating running and learning adventure -- spearheaded by Sherpa Scott S. with Andreas S. -- where we're treated to lots of info, great stories, and close-up views of Central Park's arches, bridges and other architectural wonders. Although I missed it this year, it is a run (and post-run brunch) not to be missed!

Scott S. leads Flyers up the stairs to view the Bethesda Fountain arch

Fall Marathon Season

Flyers ran many different fall marathons this year. For me, there was fun in the sun in Chicago, followed by the NYC Marathon.

There were many inspiring stories from this fall's many marathons, with one of my favorites involving Mike C. who during his NYC Marathon training floated like a butterfly and got stung by a bee, with his leg swelled up to the size of three, just days before the big race. Yet he went out and muddled through -- to a big-time PR!

Holiday Party

Christine L. and Jessica R. bonding over booze and electronics

In keeping with tradition, and as the year winds down, Flyers feasted at the annual Holiday Party. This year, the party was graciously hosted at a beautiful rooftop venue provided by Flyers Urs and Lori W., and elegantly organized by Elle G., Ed A.and Jo Ann M. with the help of other volunteers such as Betsy P. and Lara K. who handed out nametags to all of the arriving guests.

During the party, President Glen W. reminded all of us about volunteerism. A great New Year resolution for all of us members could be to seek out opportunities for more Flyer volunteerism? Organizers might invite even more assistance, and participants might pitch in even more when feasible.

Thanks


We all know that we owe a big debt of gratitude to the Flyers Executive Committee members -- President Glen W., VP Brian H., Secretary Richard G., Treasurer Brian M., and MAL Emily S. I don't know the half of what they do, but I'm sure I know only a tiny fraction of what they actually have done for the Flyers!

And for those of us who post on, and/or read the Flyers Blog, we of course owe special thanks to Blogmaster Eric S., as the Blog has been a wonderful source of information, a medium for captivating story-telling, and has provided an opportunity for discussion and e-interaction on a wide range of topics.

I've mentioned just a few highlights from throughout the year, and I hope that others will comment below by adding more Flyer highlights that made 2010 so special.

Happy New Year!  - Dave K