Glastonbury River Runners

Paul Joss PRs at Arizona Half Marathon

Glastonbury River Runners — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 02:08:41 +0000

Congratulations to Paul Joss for his PR at the IMS Arizona Half Marathon on Sunday, February 19, 2012. “The course is flat and fast and the conditions were perfect.”

Paul finished up 36th out of nearly 1000 competitors with a time of 1:36:05. Great job!

Runs for Saturday 18 February

Brett Roberson — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 20:09:59 +0000

We have a road trip this Saturday. We’ll be meeting in Vernon to run the rail trail.

Time: 6:30 AM

Distance: Around 13-20 miles or whatever you want. Two pace groups – Susan and Tricia’s group approx. 9:35 – 10:00, Kevin and Claudia’s group a mite faster.

We’ll be meeting at the Church Street parking lot, adjacent to the trail on Church Street and between Washington and Phoenix Streets.

From I-84 East: Take exit 65, turn right onto Hartford Turnpike, right onto Dobson Street, left onto Church Street, and left into the parking area.

From I-84 West: Take exit 66, turn left onto Whitney T. Ferguson III Drive, left onto Tunnel Road, right onto Warren Avenue (bear left to stay on Warren Avenue), turn left onto Phoenix Street, right onto Church Street, and then right into the parking area.

Travel time is approx. 16 minutes from the center of Glastonbury.

Bring your water belts!!

Farmington Valley Trails Clean Up Day

Glastonbury River Runners — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 13:28:47 +0000

How about we get together a GRR team to help keep Connecticut’s trails clean? See below for details and email info@glastonburyriverrunners.com if you want to get involved as a team.

The Farmington Valley Trails Council will hold its 3rd annual Trail-wide Clean-Up Day on Sunday, April 15th from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. (The rain date is Sunday, April 22nd.) The 2011 Clean-Up Day drew nearly 100 volunteers last year at four staging areas across the eight towns in the Farmington Valley that encompass the northern part of the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail. The trail now has 26 continuously paved miles from Farmington to Southwick, MA. Volunteers will also clean up the Farmington River Trail, which has almost 10 miles of paved trail.

FVTC President R. Bruce Donald noted: “Last year the trail cleanup continued to grow due to the support of so many volunteers who enjoy using the trails throughout the year. The cleanup is becoming an annual institution in the Farmington Valley and we expect to continue the event in the coming years as well”.

Volunteers will cover a specific 1-mile stretch of the trail from one of four staging areas: The Brickyard Trail Shelter on Brickyard Road in Farmington; Iron Horse Blvd. in Simsbury; the River Trail Pavilion at RT 4 in Unionville and Copper Hill Road in Granby.

In appreciation for the efforts of all volunteers, FVTC will host a Thank You Picnic at Flamig Farm, 7 Shingle Mill Road, West Simsbury, CT, from 12:30 PM to 3 PM on the day of the Clean-up. Volunteers will receive scrip good for a hot dog or a hamburger and a cold drink. Volunteers will have an opportunity to meet other volunteers and FVTC members and directors, as well as learn more about the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail and the Farmington River Trail.

Questions or indications of interest can reach the FVTC at info@fvgreenway.org or at (860) 202-3928.

To volunteer, please click here, fill out the form, and submit it to us.

As always, thanks for your interest and support.

Board Meeting: Tuesday, March 6th 2012

Glastonbury River Runners — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 20:12:58 +0000

There will be a GRR board meeting on Tuesday March 6th at 6PM in the Riverfront Community Center on Welles Street, Glastonbury.

The agenda will be available a few days before the meeting. All are welcome to attend.

Congratulations Beginners!

Glastonbury River Runners — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 13:56:17 +0000

By Dawn Emanuele

Despite the threat of snow almost 40 dedicated and motivated people showed up to begin their 5k training journey on Saturday, February 11th. They completed 1.25 miles with warm ups, run / walk intervals and a cool down.

Our session started with an explanation of our program, a brief talk from Erik Emanuele welcoming the beginners and about proper footwear (coupon provided from Fleet Feet), a group of nine GRR volunteers (thank you!!!) came to assist and support the beginners and Nathan Cropper led the group through their stretches to close out our first session.

Our next session will be 6pm Tuesday evening at Rotary Field on Olde Stage Rd in Glastonbury. Participants, be sure to wear a headlamp or bring a flashlight and wear reflective clothing if you are able to join us then.

Anyone that was unable to join us for the first session should still feel free to join us in the upcoming sessions!
Nice job runners!!!

Beginner 1st Session is ON

Glastonbury River Runners — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 18:57:30 +0000

Beginners!

Your first session of the Run Diva Run 5K Training WILL be held this Saturday 11th despite the snow forecast. Meet at 8am in the parking lot of Riverfront Park, Glastonbury.

Don’t get jumbled up with the walking group, which meets under the gazebo! Dawn Emanuele and her team of coaches will be there to look after you.

Wear sneakers, warm training gear and if possible a hat and waterproof jacket.

Spotlight: Margaret Rorrio

Ed Ureta — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:43:29 +0000

NAME: Margaret Rorrio “GRIT”
AGE: 40 (shhh….)
MARITAL STATUS: Married
CHILDREN: No
OCCUPATION: Realtor

RUNNING HISTORY: I have lost about 140lbs and I have rheumatoid arthritis.I started running about 3 yrs ago. I would run from tree to tree. That was all I could do. I joined GRR maybe 2 yrs ago or so.

I was awarded inaugural Inspirational Role Model of 2011 the by the Hartford Marathon Foundation. You can see me on Fox News online.

I completed 3 half marathons last year. I had to do a lot of modifying to the training programs for the half marathon to it make it work with my RA. I could only increase the mileage 5% every other week. My only goal was to finish in one piece. My first half took me 3;29 in May 2011, 2nd half was 3;16 in Aug and third half was 3:00 in October.

I also direct the Sunshine Kids Sun Fun 5k in Middletown.

I didn’t get here by myself and I have a strong belief in giving back. I became RRCA certified. I did a lot of volunteer coaching for HMF and GRR last year but now I’m only coaching with GRR. I really like working with new runners. Especially people that have some obstacles to overcome.Whether its weight, or arthritis etc, I like being able to modify a program that works for them and gets them across the finish line. Watching others reach their goals is just as satisfying as setting my own goals and reaching them. They have witnessed my results and learn that they can do it too.

Then the Rockin’ Walkers was born.. I was talking with Rich about starting a running group for the newly graduated couch to 5kers. They needed somewhere to go after they joined GRR that wasn’t fast paced. At the same time our last Couch to 5K beginner group for the Race to Fill the Pantry had a lot of walkers… Rich and I thought it might be a good idea to start a walking group..After doing some research on other walking groups, I noticed none of them were goal oriented. They would get together once a week and walk..I thought… BORING….. We needed something big, something different.. WE are gonna walk a Full Marathon. Now that’s a walking group!!!… So I ran with it…I have almost 70 people signed up now. Although, I don’t have all them show up every week at the same time..But that may change as the it gets warmer outside. GRR doesn’t just Run This Town any more, we now Walk This Town..Yippi..

Now that I have been speed walking, I noticed I can speed walk almost faster than I was running..LOL

WHY DO YOU RUN: It’s my only quiet time. No cell, it’s me and the road ahead. Makes me happy.

NEXT RACE GOAL: Hartford Full..Yippi. My favorite races are dress-up ones…

FAVORITE ENERGY FOOD/DRINK: Clif double espresso Shot Turbo, and Camelbak electrolyte hydration effervescent tabs.

FAVORITE MUSIC TO RUN TO: Green Day, Rob Zombie for hills

OTHER ACTIVITIES YOU ENJOY: Crossfit .4-days a week and compete in throwdowns when I can. I also started cycling last year. In the hopes of completing a Duathlon or 100-mile bike ride of sorts.

Margaret Conquers CrossFit Throwdown

Glastonbury River Runners — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 01:02:16 +0000

Congratulations to Margaret Rorrio, who competed in her second CrossFit Relentless throwdown last Saturday, February 4th. She came 14th out of 20 women, after coaching the Rockin’ Walkers that morning.

If you don’t know what this is all about, check out the CrossFit website or go by Margaret’s description:

These pictures are from my first event called The Chipper. You have 12 minutes to complete as many rounds as you can of:

20 box jumps on a 20″ box

30 sit ups

40 air squats

50 kettle bell swings

60 jump ropes.

The second event is the Conan wheel of hell, 70lbs. The third is Crucifix – hold out your arms with a 10lb bucket in each hand and you stand like a cross as long as you can. The last event is 1000m row, 1000m ski, which is a stand-up rowing machine.

This what i do Mon-thru Friday. I cross fit, which is an insane workout, You may come home bleeding, crying, puking and busied.
But man is it fun. Yippi.

Help Your Club – Join a Committee

Glastonbury River Runners — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 22:38:32 +0000

A personal plea from Erik Emanuele

There are many things going on with GRR as well as the community. As most of you know we have new groups starting, the Diva Race committee has held their first meeting (planning and organizing is in full swing), GRR has new officers that are all getting acclimated, new committees are being formed and organized and we continue to see membership grow with many new enthusiastic people.

The main reason for this article is simply to call upon our entire club to help out and volunteer. We need help. With growth comes more responsibility. There are new committees that need members and existing committees that need some help and reinforcements. Many committee members have been working on there committee for a couple of years and could use a hand.

Each of us have a story within our club. We all remember who the first people we met were, our first runs, people who inspired us and most of all the friends we all have made. If it were not for GRR, some of us would have never met. With that said, as you know, this group has grown by leaps and bounds. Our races have grown each year, our new groups have grown, everything has gotten bigger and so has our need for volunteers. I am hoping that everyone can find a little time to reach out and help one of our committees. Below I will list some of our immediate needs and the people to contact if you can help. I and all your GRR friends and future members, sponsors, and race participants thank you in advance for your help.

Volunteer Committee

The Volunteer Committee is a brand new committee that is going to be tasked with soliciting and organizing any people that want to volunteer. Either at a race, helping out one of our new beginner 5K or walkers group or other club events. We have had one of our newer members step up and offer to be the chairperson of this committee: Jessica Crowley. She will be helped by Brett Roberson. If you think you do not have a lot of time but want to lend a hand at an event or two, this is the committee for you. Please email info@glastonburyriverrunners.com if you can either help her recruit volunteers or if you want to volunteer.

Beginner 5K Group

Dawn Emanuele is coordinating the Beginner 5K Training Group leading up to the Diva Run on April 15th and needs helpers on Tuesday evenings at 6:00pm at Rotary Field and Saturday at 8:00 am at Riverfront Park. You do not have to commit to doing it every week. Even if you can only assist once during the training period (February 11th to April 10th) it would be greatly appreciated. See more information and contact Dawn at info@glastonburyriverrunners.com if you can help.

Rockin’ Walkers

Did you know that we have over 60 walkers signed up for the “Walk Your Way to a Marathon” program? That being said, your assistance is needed. Again, any help is appreciated. Contact Margaret at glastriverrunnerspublicity@gmail.com for exact needs.

Sponsorship

With all our growth and our hopes to do bigger and better things for the community comes more costs. It’s simple. If we want to have bigger races, to make more money to donate to charities, we need to bring in more money. We would not be able to exist if it were not for our sponsors. We need to thank them and promote them to our friends and families as well as frequent them when we can to show our support for them as they have shown to us. We also need to grow our sponsorship base. Kevin, Rich and David have done a remarkable job on the Sponsorship Committee but they need help!!! Please contact Rich, Kevin and Dave at info@glastonburyriverrunners.com to help out.

Membership

Tricia King and Jen Black do a magnificent job on the Membership Committee –looking after you! If you want to help them out, email info@glastonburyriverrunners.com.

Activities

The Activities Committee plans social events/activities for our club. If you have some good ideas for socializing and can spare some time occasionally, then email me at edemanuele@yahoo.com.

Bottom line is all our committees need help. Looking forward to hearing from everyone….Thanks!!!

Can You Spare an Hour to Help Our New Runners?

Glastonbury River Runners — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:05:25 +0000

Have a heart – help our new runners

From Dawn Emanuele

Hello all fellow club members. Do you remember when you finished your first 5k? I do and I remember what an accomplishment that was for me. I know how very thankful I was to the GRR people that supported me through that process. Someone was always there for me two days a week to help me meet weekly goals and complete my first race ever.

After completing my first 5K and knowing how much it helped me, I volunteered to help with the next couple groups of couch to 5K members but had taken a break from the organization, however helping when I could. I will be organizing this next group again and I am looking forward to it. It is a very rewarding experience to give back. I know some of you have helped occasionally and it’s been greatly appreciated.

I am reaching out to you once again for your occasional support with the 9-week beginner training program leading up the Diva Run on April 15. If you can help out one or multiple times between 2/11 and 4/10, please email me. We meet at 8am on Saturdays at Riverfront Park and 6pm on Tuesdays at Rotary Field.

I will be putting together a schedule of volunteers in the next couple of weeks. All you have to do is pick a date, I’ll even send you a reminder a few days before if you’d like.

Thanks for taking the time to support another runner!
Dawn Emanuele

Over the River and Through the Woods: New Running Routes in Glastonbury

Glastonbury River Runners — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 19:07:54 +0000

Deb Dauphinais advocates for bike- and runner-friendly paths in Glastonbury

By Deb Dauphinais of Bicycles Eas t

Guess what!

Both local and state advocacy groups have been working on new walking and bicycling paths that will also provide new places for running.

Smith School to Bell Street greenway

Sometime this spring, we will see the completion and grand opening of a 1 mile section of greenway, extending from Smith Middle School to Bell Street. This greenway will be paved to provide access to all people who choose to enjoy it, with a narrower stonedust sidepath on one side. This section of greenway is the first of what is anticipated to be a longer connection across town.

Several years ago, Glastonbury Bikeways, a local non-profit group, along with much support from town staff, created the Glastonbury Master Bicycle Plan which was later endorsed by the Town Council. The plan includes both east-west and north-south connections across town, using both on-road and off-road segments.

The plan would ultimately connect the Buckingham section of town (where a path currently parallels Hebron Avenue) to the community center, and then travel south the Glastonbury Ferry.

A safe, scenic alternative to Hebron Avenue

Glastonbury Bikeways anticipates that the next section for completion would extend the current path west to House Street, providing safe access under Route 2 to the center of town. The east-west section of the greenway would provide a scenic alternative to Hebron Avenue, for individuals to use for both transportation and recreational purposes.

Who are Glastonbury Bikeways?

As Glastonbury Bikeways moves forward, we have chosen to expand our mission to include advocacy for both bicyclists and pedestrians, and we plan a name change in 2012 to represent this change. We welcome the opportunity to work with the Glastonbury River Runners in this mission as we will all benefit from both the addition of greenways and from the increased safety of our roadways.

The most influential thing that GRR members could do to help the cause is to use the new greenway when it opens. The more people who use the initial path, the better chance we have of expanding it.

Putnam Bridge walkway

Persistent advocacy works! After many, many years of advocating for bike/pedestrian access on the Putnam Bridge and being told that this is simply not possible, times have changed. The CT Department of Transportation (DOT) has agreed to include a 6 foot wide walkway for use by pedestrians and bicyclists, as part of the bridge rehabilitation project planned to take place between late 2012 and 2014.

The DOT will provide for the portion that is attached directly to the bridge itself, with municipalities responsible to help with the planning and funding of the approaches. DOT is currently funding and implementing a feasibility study to determine the best methods of access.

Fight to save Glastonbury–Rocky Hill ferry

And … after the Glastonbury-Rocky Hill ferry found itself on the list for proposed budget cuts, both the local and state advocacy groups supported the need for continued service. New DOT Commissioner Redeker has supported the return to the 7:00 am – 7:00 pm schedule (after service was reduced in 2011 to eliminate the primary commuting hours) and to seek a long-term solution that will allow continuous operation of the ferry after the conclusion of this budget cycle. [The Save the Rocky Hill/Glastonbury Ferry fight is ongoing.]

About Deb Dauphinais

Deb Dauphinais has committed herself to bicycle and pedestrian advocacy and is a member of the Board of both of these groups – the State of CT Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board and Glastonbury Bikeways. Both groups are working to increase the safety of bicyclists and pedestrians (including runners of course!), both on and off road.

Anybody interested in additional information – or, indeed, wanting to buy a bike or bike equipment – can contact Deb at Bicycles East, 331 New London Turnpike, Glastonbury, at 860-659-0114 or info@BicyclesEast.com. Or check out their website at bicycleseast.com.

Bicycles East are a Silver Sponsor of the Glastonbury River Runners.

Margaret Rorrio Is Crazy…But Cool

Glastonbury River Runners — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 21:00:55 +0000

Check out Margaret’s flyer for the Spicy Green Bean Run Diva Run on April 15th! More importantly, print it off and stick it in your window, or send it on to friends.

Download the Run Diva Run 2012 Flyer