AN INTRODUCTION TO SPEEDSTERS

So, why call ourselves something so intimidating as "Speedsters" when we're trying to recruit new and unsure folks, many of them who think of themselves as "too slow" to join a workout group? 

Because the notion of "speed" and "getting faster" is universal and applies to everyone at a very personal level! 

Our aim, since we started with a small core group of just five folks back in 2004, has always been to help guide everyone, no matter their current pace, to get faster. And "faster" is such a personal term, as it still always means you're improving. So, if your current race pace is 12 minutes/mile, we're going to try to help you improve that pace so you run a "faster" pace of say 11 minutes/mile!

It's all relative in that each person working out with us is always aiming to get faster! 

"Speedsters" sounds so athletic, which is exactly how we want ALL of our runners in the group feeling. The more athletic you feel, the more confident you'll get with your running and racing! 

Today, we have over 400 in our group and on any given Wednesday morning, we can have upwards of 60-70 folks of all abilities and paces showing up to workout, in smaller groups, with one another. 

And our goal remain the same as it was back when we started: to help everyone, no matter their current pace, to get faster in a competitive yet welcoming, nurturing, safe and fun environment. 

This has been my mantra since I started coaching back in 1980 and one of my most focused obsessions is to make sure that not a single person walks away from a workout frustrated, intimidated or injured! And one of the ways we accomplish this, on a weekly basis, is to break into "pace" groups for each and every workout, so folks are always comfortably running in their own personal "zip code".

Relationship building is also at the core of our group and one of my delights, as a coach, has been to see so many wonderful friendships blossom, both on and off the track,over the years. 

Our requirements are simple:

1. You must be currently running injury free.
2. Your longest run must be a minimum of at least five miles. 
3. You must be willing to communicate with me, your coach, when things go astray, so I can help you quickly and efficiently get back on your feet again.
4. You should have a desire to get faster! 
5. And you've got to like running with (or the idea of running with) other folks! 

So, come join our family of "Speedsters" on any given Wednesday for a pile of fun and "fast" running!

Mark Lorenzoni, "Speedsters" volunteer coach

P.S. Please download the ANNUAL SPEEDSTERS MESSAGE EXPLAINING THE PROGRAM.