pagodapacers

Minutes from December’s Special Meeting

December 31, 2020 by pagodapacers

General Meeting Minutes; special focus

Date: December 10, 2020

Time: 7 p.m.

Location: Zoom virtual

Lamar Foley: Oley Valley Organics interested in advertising to and offering some specials to the Pacers. Polly will reach out

This evening’s meeting was called in response to the updated restrictions announced by Governor Wolf, due to the worsening COVID epidemic. The focus of the meeting was the two races effected by this—the Shiver by the River and the Kris Kringle run.

Report from Mike Whalen, RN: Mike consults for the Commonwealth as a subject matter expert in emergency management and infectious diseases. He has been working throughout the pandemic. In his capacity as a SME, he reports that in the last 4 to 6 weeks, the situation in the Commonwealth has worsened, with the increase spread of COVID, worse than in the Spring. Hospitals are running at 100% capacity.

Races:

Kris Kringle (modified for 2020): Polly Corvaia—she is leaning at this point to go with a virtual race. Done and times reported on the honor system, no awards (can be kept for next year). Polly would mail out the hoodies and swag or have a pick up place and time. Based on advice from Ron Horn, she could expect a 50% participation rate. Refunds have to be by check and sent in the mail. The club has about $4000 invested in the race in total. It’s likely that we could break even by holding a virtual race. Polly would like to decide by this weekend, and she will do an e-blast. Would also like to have the virtual runs completed by the scheduled race day, December 27, so that she can post the results.
Shiver by the River 5K and 10K: Sue Jackson—the Shiver will be canceled for this Sunday, December 13. As of this evening—the restrictions are in place until January 4^th. The next Shiver race is scheduled for January 10^th. The disposition of the canceled December race will be determined by the race directors—whether it will be rescheduled for April or canceled all together will be announced later. Sue is not considering a refund at this point. The January race will be dependent on the lifting of restrictions on or about January 4th.

The Pagoda Pacer Discussion Board on Facebook will be the place to get the most up-to-date information.

‘Twas Two Weeks before Race Day

December 31, 2020 by pagodapacers

by Polly Corvaia

‘Twas two weeks before race day, 
And what do you know?
Outdoor events were all cancelled! 
What a tough blow!

We scurried and scrambled,
WTF do we do now? 
Keep the Kris Kringle running,
And go virtual somehow.

Away to the computer, we flew like a flash.
A membership Zoom meeting was held in a dash. 
We changed the tradition, a virtual race did find.
Would anyone run it, would they be so inclined?

Run your fastest 5K, and send us your time.
We record the results and post them online.
We’ll send out the hoodies, and give out the swag.
We’re happy to report, a great response we did have.

Now runners! Now pacers! Now Gnomes and Volunteers!
Go faster! Go slower! Go have yourself some cheer!
To the top of the hill, and as far as you can run,
A pandemic won’t stop us; we’ve got to have fun.

The Virtual Kris Kringle was a surprising success 
Thanks to the faithful runners; it is you who are blessed.
There are a few tiny details, we still need to sort.
Stay tuned until next month, for the final report.

Zoom into the Holiday Spirit

December 1, 2020December 1, 2020 by pagodapacers

Save the date: Friday, December 4th, 7pm.

Just because we can’t have our traditional party this year doesn’t mean we can’t share a drink and have a few laughs.

Wear your best party outfit, get some cold beverages ready, and join us for a Christmas Zoom Happy Hour.

Who knows–maybe TRIVIA, or STORY TIME, did someone say PRIZES?

Plenty of time to dust off those race memories. Dig deep in those drawers for shirts and keep the old swag nearby; you might need them to win. Stay tuned–this is a work in progress with details to follow.

–Steve Maguire

31st Annual Shiver: First Race Coming Up!

December 1, 2020 by pagodapacers

The 31st annual SHIVER by the RIVER 5K & 10K is NOW. The first one is Dec 13th, at Jim Dietrich Park, in Muhlenberg Twp. There is no race day registration and online registration closes at mid-night on Dec 9^th or when we reach 200 runners. We still need volunteers.

We need help parking cars, in the finish area, on the road, at the water stop and also at a water table in the parking lot. To help in planning, it is appreciated if you can let us know in advance, of your availability, by directly contacting either Sue, Georgine or Tiffany or by emailing shiverdirector@pagodapacers.com. However, if you can’t commit until race day, that is fine, just find one of the race directors at registration. For those on the road, we can give you an intersection, so it is your choice if you want to come to the park or go directly to your intersection.

Registration opens at 8:30, so we ask that those parking cars or helping with registration, arrive around 8:00-8:15. The race starts at 10:00, so we ask those helping during the race to arrive around 9:30, or if going directly to your intersection, please be there by 10:00.

For details, especially changes we have made to assure everyone’s safety, please see our app on the Pacer website.

Thanks in advance for your support!

Sue Jackson, Georgine McCool, Tiffany Pantoja

Race Results (November 2020)

December 1, 2020 by pagodapacers

Email race results to Race Results Coordinator Karen Rule at raceresults@pagodapacers.com.

Labor Pains 10 hour
16	Andy Styer	50 miles	8:37:20
37	Michael Whalen	40 miles	7:58:44
76	Steve Vida	32 miles	5:40:41
88	Kate Martin	32 miles	7:00:38
98	Jackie Snyder	32 miles	7:53:06
111	Kim Drake	31 miles	4:43:05
122	Janine Beidler	31 miles	7:37:48
125	Barbara Raifsnider	31 miles	7:50:00
127	Michelle Foley	31 miles	8:18:13
128	Sandie Kincaid	31 miles	8:18:15
184	Rick Moyer	24 miles	8:23:11
206	Rose Hagy	12 miles	4:02:55
213	Helene Horn	4 miles	4:08:44

Rosaryville 50K
36/129	Michael Whalen	6:02
115	Jackie Snyder	7:32	2nd in AG

Leftover Turkey Trot 5K
22	Katie Frederick	24:37	2nd F40-49
42	Barbara Raifsnider	31:35	3rd F50-99

Mohican Trail 100-miler
	Laura Yoder	27:24:38	2nd F
	Brooke Schell	27:56:56	3rd F

The View 25k
82	Jason Karpinski	3:10:43

Minutes from the General Meeting (November 2020)

November 30, 2020 by pagodapacers

General Meeting Minutes

Date: November 12, 2020

Time: 7 p.m.

Location: Virtual, Zoom meeting

Treasury Report – Shaun Luther report via Steve—117% of target. Shaun will attend the online insurance seminar for the RRCA.

Races:

Charlie Horse Half Marathon—Charlie—nothing to add on Charlie Horse or the Horse Shoe trail.
Run for the Ages 10K Trail Run—no update
Grings Mill 5K and 10K—no update
Blues Cruise 50K—Stephan Weiss—still have construction issues at the Blue Marsh pavilion area, will continue to monitor.
Oley Valley Country Classic—Lenny Burton—one person has run the course so far. He has run it every year so far. It’s great that this is his 26^th year, and he has kept the streak alive.
Kris Kringle 5 Miler—Polly Corvaia—The race is sold out, and she has a waiting list of about 10 people. Still planning on having the race—so far, pending any changes in the ability to gather in a group.
Shiver by the River 5K and 10K—Sue Jackson—The races are still on, and the December race is not full yet. Definitely need volunteers, email Sue if you can help (email is on the Pacer web site). The trailer will still be needed, and arrangements have been made to bring it.

Committee Reports

Old business

The traveling flamingos—have they flown south? Not sure of their current whereabouts.

New business

Holiday social events—Matt Brophy will host a New Year’s Eve hike to the Pagoda.
Beth Kohl asked, “Do we want to do all the election voting via a doodle poll, or similar platform?”
The club will do some kind of virtual event for the December meeting—perhaps even some type of holiday gathering. Stay tuned for updates.

Election voting results announced:

Election results: Had 62 votes cast electronically

Steve McGuire—president

Board members elected for 2 years:

Brandon Beane
Jon Duran
Matt Brophy
Tom Chobot
Sue Jackson

The View 25k (11/08/2020)

November 30, 2020 by pagodapacers

by Jason Karpinski

The author and Penelope-the-Pup; photo by Michelle Henry

Over 300 runners gathered at the start line with “The View” looming overhead. Race Director Craig Fleming briefly addressed the participants and quickly gave up the mic because “he worked too hard not to run the race.” The gun goes off and the shuffle of feet begins. This was my first time at the heralded Hyner Challenge course in North Bend, PA. The misfortune of the Hyner cancellation earlier in the year became my fortune to enter this “once-and-done” race. A course which featured many of the staples in this area, including: Humble Hill, Cliffhanger, Post Draft, and the seemingly vertical SOB Hill.

As the first couple miles unraveled, I somehow ended up immediately ahead of previously mentioned RD, Craig Fleming. This unique experience gave me an inside look into the preparation taken to make the course race-ready. Such preparation involved cutting downed trees, re-routing the usual course to add a mile and more elevation (because the regular course simply would not cut it), and even leaf-blowing several miles. While learning of the work put into the course, I had my first Humble Hill experience, which will certainly not be forgotten. Shouts of joy could be heard from a select few runners picking their way up and up and up. Approximately 1900 feet of elevation gain and we reached the first aid station around mile 3.5. Crews at this aid station and the 2 others were quick to help the runners and offer words of encouragement.

The miles continued, as did the hills. Around mile 8 we hit a section of the course which was believe it or not, downhill. However, this downhill was unlike any I have ever run–approximately 3/4 of a mile steady downhill marred with large, grapefruit-sized rocks (an absolute ankle destroyer). Moisture on the course was nearly non-existent, which in my opinion made for a great race day, but it was almost too clean. That is, until we reached mile 10 and were faced with SOB Hill–a hill which is wrought with loose dirt and stones, and what seemed like a 70° pitch. Luckily this was the last of the hills, and we were told at the third aid station that the last 4-5 miles were flat or downhill.

The last several miles flew by and before you knew it you were crossing the finish line to a round of applause, cheers, and cow-bells from the on-lookers and those who run just a bit faster than I. Hot food and cold beverages awaited, as did a beautiful mid-day ride back home where the memories of the day were relived with others and stored for later runs. The Hyner course and surrounding area is one that should not be missed and added to trail running fans’ wish lists. I know I will certainly be back in the future.

Keep running, smiling, and being kind to others.

Wednesday Night Runs: December 2020 Locations

November 30, 2020December 1, 2020 by pagodapacers

How can we get through this dark winter without our Wednesday Night Runs?

To make sure we’re able to do so, it’s very important that we practice appropriate safety protocol. In addition to bringing a headlamp and wearing reflective gear, remember to wear a mask for the pre-run sign-in and to maintain 6 feet of separation from other runners.

Reminder: We need everyone to sign in (and sign a waiver) before EACH Wednesday Night Run. This is necessary for our insurance and for contact tracing (if necessary). Make sure you familiarize yourself with the GROUP RUN GUIDELINES AND WAIVER before attending.

–December 2: Exeter High School (meet by the auditorium at the rear of building): 201 E 37th St, Reading

–December 9: Muhlenberg High School: 400 Sharp Ave, Reading

–December 16: Wyomissing High School: 630 Evans Ave, Wyomissing

–December 23: LA Fitness: 1183 Berkshire Blvd, Wyomissing

–FRIDAY, December 25: HOLIDAY RUN — Nolde Forest, Sawmill Parking Lot, 8:30am

–December 30: Reading High School (Hampden Park): 801 N 13th St — trail adventure on Mt Penn for the brave!

Thanksgiving Run 2020

November 25, 2020 by pagodapacers

Thankful that 2020 is almost over?

Come run with the Pacers at Nolde Forest on Thanksgiving morning.

Meet at 8:30am in the Sawmill Parking Lot.

Please wear a mask and practice social distancing!

Club Elections: Vote Online!

October 31, 2020 by pagodapacers

Directions to complete an online ballot will be emailed to all members on Sunday, November 1st. Voting will end on Thursday, November 12th, before the General Meeting. Below is a list of candidates and the positions they are running for.

CLUB PRESIDENT

Steve has been President of the Pacers for the last two years and is running for a third, one-year term.

Board of Directors (five positions open)

Brandon learned of and started running with the Pacers about 5 or 6 years ago. He has only ever run one Pacer race (Blues Cruise), but he has participated in group runs and volunteered at many races/events directing traffic, sweeping courses, making awards, trail maintenance, etc. He thinks that the organization is a great group of people to surround yourself with for a multitude of reasons from learning to run races of varying distances, giving back to the community, and just making great friends. Running for Brandon has become more than just an activity to keep physically fit; in fact, it’s become more of a way for him to stay mentally healthy. He’d like to continue helping to build a strong and healthy running community and club as a board member.