September 11th, 2024 President’s Note 12/09/2024

The club’s first committee meeting of the newly elected representatives was a long one, with lots to cover and getting everyone up to speed. There is always so much happening behind the scenes in any club, which regular members don’t see, but are essential for making sure a club runs smoothly and responsively. We have a healthy collaborative culture at the club at the moment, with all committee members happy to put up their hands and take responsibility to ensure a positive, active and well-run club for all.

 

The Vic Teacher’s Games are on Sunday 22nd September, with the club being engaged to run the cross-country event. I’m chasing a few more volunteers to help out on the day, between 1pm-3pm at Glengarry. It’s a fun and easy gig. The VTG doesn’t come around often, and this is the 2nd year Latrobe has had the games and will be the last probably for another 10 years. If you can help out with marshalling, a water station and set up, it would be appreciated.

 

With only 4 more winter season runs left, the summer season rapidly approaches, and I know many are looking forward to getting off the roads and back to the bush trails and runs in our local amazing environments. I think it’s one of the appeals of the Harriers, the changing of locations for runs with the seasons.

 

The 3 big club weekend events to end the year, The Memorial Run (20 Oct), Boolarra (10 Nov) and King & Queen of the Mountain (1 Dec) are also coming around quickly. Make sure you put the dates in you diary. These events offer members, friends, and the wider community, different opportunities, environments and surfaces to run on, and are always wonderful experiences. We’ll also be looking for volunteers on the days, but hopefully most members will also be able to run.

 

The Newborough Track night is also fast approaching. As mentioned previously, it would be fantastic to have a huge showing on the night. Some people find the track intimidating, or challenging, or maybe even boring (going around 12.5 times), however these are battles to overcome, and indeed embrace. There is nowhere to hide on the track, and it is an opportunity to test yourself, to aim for a PB, and to see the amazing support members have for each other on display. If you haven’t done the track for a while, or perhaps since you were in school, come and give it a go. The night is designed to cater to everyone, from our walkers group through to our top tier runners, and everyone in between.

 

For those who have been asking about a club running singlet, they are available to purchase, with all sizes in stock. If you want a singlet, please see or message Ann Bomers. Singlets cost the club $55 each (which is the cost to non-members). Continuing the policy of supporting and giving back to members, the cost to members is $40, which is a great subsidized rate, and yet another benefit of membership.

 

There are always so many things going on in our lives, not just running related of course. Everyone has a story, trials and tribulations they are going through. Members love hearing about each other’s achievements and adventures in running outside the club. Make sure you submit your stories, even if they’re just brief. It’s not just about beating your own drum; your stories are interesting, entertaining and you never know who you’ll be inspiring, so take the time to write and get your articles into the newsletter.

 

The club newsletter is an important communication medium, and most members use it as a place to get updates, information and share stories. Our NL editors work hard to ensure it’s engaging and informative, so don’t be shy to share. The editing team, led by Glenn Crawford, spend a lot of time and care putting the NL together, so shoot your articles, thoughts, photos, and running snippets through to [email protected]

 

IMPORTANT Harriers Dates

22 Sept Vic Teacher’s Games Cross Country (Volunteers Please)

10 Oct Newborough Track Night

20 Oct Memorial Run (RD Phill Mayer)

10 Nov Boolarra (RDs Kaye Livingstone & Molly Irvine)

1 Dec King & Queen of the Mountain (RD Ron Verschuur)

 

Thought for the fortnight: Optimism is the one quality more associated with success and happiness than any other!

 

Phill Mayer – President

 

 

Duty Roster Winter 2024

REMEMBER: If you can’t fulfil your allocated duty, the onus is on you to swap with someone.

SEPTEMBER

12 Samantha McGown & Jay McGown

19 Ann Maloney & Anthony Magaldi

26 Catherine Leonard & Karen Graham

OCTOBER

3 Geoff Francis & Lea Francis