THE
WICKED
Running Register
November/December 2015/January 2016 • Priceless
Est. Jan 2010
Presidential Perspective Julie Arrison-Bishop
Thank you for voting for me to represent you as the newest president of the Wicked Running Club. I have been a member since 2009 and love everything about this club. It’s been amazing to be a part of the growth process and to watch the hard work of my predecessors come to fruition. Now, it’s my turn to bring your ideas, interests, and passions into reality for the club.
Salem nominated as a runner-friendly city for another five year period. We’ll also begin the process of updating our website so it reflects the club and who we are in 2016 and beyond--vibrant, energetic, and amazing.
I have a long history of working in nonprofits and being a part of board of directors. One of the biggest lessons I have walked away with is planning for smart growth. There are always new, big, awesome ideas. Responsible leaders think carefully about those ideas, work with their supporters, and don’t grow irresponsibly. The Wicked Running Club has done an amazing job growing memberships, local races, and supporting the running community.
We’ll also be reaching out to club members with a call to action. We greatly appreciate the support at local races, but we need a bit more to keep our club continuing on a path of greatness. The Wicked Running Register editor would love some “beat reporters” to help keep our bi-monthly newsletter fresh and full of information. We’d love a social activities coordinator to help plan the fun stuff outside of group runs--trivia night, bowling nights, etc. Many members have asked for supported long runs. We’d love to put together an army of volunteers to help out on weekends on a variety of courses to offer both refreshments and support to our runners. If you are interested in any of these, email me.
This year, we’ll be looking to “go regional” with what will hopefully be a growing presence on the USATF-NE race circuit. Jason Carraro and Melissa Jaynes have worked hard in the past few years to bring Wicked members into the fold of this series. In 2016, the new representative, Michael Paulin, will share news about an initiative to make that a reality with true club backing. Tim Short will be working hard with the RRCA to have
Let us not forget we are a running club! Besides our soon-to-be announced Wicked Grand Prix series, there are a number of other series you can take advantage of. From supporting your local YMCAs to hitting the trails with New England Running Company there is a little something for everyone out there. Challenge yourself with a new PR, a new distance, or a special accomplishment this year.
Speaking of running, we’re looking for a great coach for the season. The request for proposal in on the website and if you know someone that loves to run, has experience over a variety of distances and paces, and has an inspirational personality--send them our way! 2015 was a year of transition in our coaching program from starting it up with a long time and well loved area coach to someone who really blew up what many of us knew from past workouts and offered a wonderfully extraordinary challenge. We look forward to a more stable 2016 and thank both Mike Toomey and Junyong Pak for their service last season. 2016 is a great year for me to be president. After nine marathons in four years, I’m cooked and done. I’m planning on finding my running roots and training for 5Ks again. I need a break from the time and extended effort of distance running. I need to lose some of the bad habits I’ve picked up because of marathon training. I need time for strength training and yoga. I need time for family and friends. I need time for my newer work role at The House of the Seven Gables. And what will I do with what’s left at the day? Gladly serve the members of the Wicked Running Club.
Julie