January/ February 2005
208 North Main Street
Burrr. The recent weather reminds me of running up in Anchorage, Alaska. People often asked how I ran in the winter there. Well to be frank, it was much easier to run there than in Blacksburg in the snow. In any part of the city you are within a mile of a bike trail that is groomed in the winter. You can run, cycle or XC ski to any part of the town. The trail system in Anchorage was ranked second in the United States.
In Blacksburg there is a Corridor Committee. This group is working on an extension of the Huckleberry Trail that would connect the trail to Prices Fork and continue to Glade Road and Heritage Park. Using the trails at Heritage Park a connection to the Gateway Park would be possible giving Blacksburg residents and visitors a 50+ mile trail system! This trail system would benefit walkers, runners, cyclists and equestrians. According to a committee member, a key component in making this happen is a trail system in Heritage Park that would carry users from Glade Road to the bottom of the park and give access to the Gateway Park. Without this connection people get to Heritage Park but won't be able to get to the Gateway Park (and Jefferson National Forest) unless they get off the trail and venture onto the roads. This to me causes safety issues and doesn't connect our parks. I am for anything that gets people exercising more and enjoying our parks without destroying the environment. Funds have already been designated for this project but there seems to be some disagreement on whether this is the best use of funds as well as concern for the wetlands near the parking lot by Meadowbrook. I and many others think this is a great idea and believe we can engineer a way through the creek area with minimal impact. The Appalachian Trail and trail committees elsewhere have done this without any problems to the environment. If you would like to have a trail system that would connect our parks, encourage more physical activity and enjoyment of our town's treasures, please join me in contacting Council members. The Council will vote on this issue on January 25th. The link for contact information is www.blacksburg.gov/person.php?display=dept&RID=14
BIG IDEAS. Another big project that would benefit Blacksburg is an indoor sports complex. Runabout Sports is working on building an indoor fieldhouse that would have a rock wall, 300 meter track & field complex, two state of the art indoor "off the wall" soccer fields, two futsa fields that would allow soccer, football, and ultimate frisbee leagues, three racquetball courts, and a fitness facility offering free and machine weights, cardio and fitness classes. We have investment information packets at the store for those interested. So if you know someone who might be interested please stop by the store.
I hope the new year is off to a great start for you and your family. The start of a new year always brings a since of renewal for me. Even though this time of year is dark and cold, we know it will get better. It's a time of year to reflect and then make resolutions. To do things better, accomplish things not done before, to be the person we want to be. One thing I have always wanted to do is a triathlon, so in September, Scott, Dave and I are going to do a half-ironman. Better start working on my swimming skills (or lack there of).
STILL GOING STRONG.....
Our Wednesday night runs continue to have 20-30 plus showing up. This Wednesday is the shoe drawing, plus a free pair of shorts, and a pair of socks. We now have 28 people who have made the 100 mile club. We start together but each person runs their own pace and goes as far as they want to.
Thanks for reading, for your support of Runabout Sports, and I'll see you on the trails!
James DeMarco
Groundhog Scurry II ~ This Saturday (1/29) at 10:15 (2 mile) and 11:00 (5.76 mile). The Groundhog Scurry is a unique event in that it is a point to point course. The Groundhog runs the entire length of the Huckleberry Trail starting in Blacksburg and finishing at the Christiansburg mall. A tour bus will transport finishers back to the library. Food and water will be provided in the mall. Great door prizes and awards will be given also. The two mile is out and back. More details at www.runaboutsports.com
Weight Club Kids: For kids age 7-11 on Saturdays. Starting January 29th The Weight Club will offer a free program for children (not just members) that will offer fun and games, and helping kids get fit. Call 951-2949 for more info.
Training talks: Feb. 3rd Exercise Physiology and Endurance Training @ Eastcoasters with Anne Thompson. Pre-registration is required. Call 951-2369 or email anne at racer15@triadventure.com.
Training Talks: Feb. 10th Strength and Mental Training for Endurance Sports @ Eastcoasters with Anne Thompson. Pre-registration is required. Call 951-2369 or email anne at racer15@triadventure.com.
Training Talks: Feb 17th Nutrition for Endurance Sports @ Eastcoasters with Anne Thompson. Pre-registration is required. Call 951-2369 or email anne at racer15@triadventure.com.
NRUSA Rec Soccer League ~ Registration deadline is February 18, 2005. Go to www.NRUSA.org for more information.
Training talks: February 24th Putting it all together- Designing a Training Program @ Eastcoasters with Anne Thompson. Pre-registration is required. Call 951-2369 or email anne at racer15@triadventure.com.
Blacksburg Classic ~ February 26th. A Blacksburg Striders event, the Classic offers a 10 mile and 5K options. The event starts at Margaret Beeks Elementary school. Last year, this was the largest race held in Blacksburg with over 400 participants. For more information go to: http://civic.bev.net/striders/classic_2005.html