2008 is almost here and Golden West Athletics Club has completed its first year. It was a very successful year. We established our team and had a great deal of success on the road and the track. We have built up our membership and most of all have managed to have a lot of fun and enjoyable experiences. This past year has been the most fun I have ever had coaching. I am looking really forward to even bigger and better things in 2008.
First off workouts. We will continue to have Tuesday and Thursday workouts for distance runners and for sprinters at American River College. There are also Saturday and Sunday workouts for the distance runners and Sunday workouts for the sprinters. Always check the website and e-mails to confirm for any changes in that. Workouts are always open, they are not exclusive. We do welcome people who are with other clubs or don't have a club. All are coaches are available at those practices, however, our first priority are the Golden West Athletes.
Coaching. As the head coach I put out lots of e-mails with training information, team information, etc. In 2008 the list will be limited to the following:
1. Those who have paid dues for 2008. Remember, you get a discount if you sign up before January 1, 2008. Liz has sent the info and as Liz lives right by me you can give it to me at practice and I will get it to her if you want to save a stamp.
2. Those who want coaching or workouts from me and have paid a fee for that. The amount will be published shortly. This is because it is unfair to the Golden West athletes who pay dues for others to just get it for free.
Again, practices are open, but the coaching and training informtion is only for these two groups of people.
Now some goals to think about for the coming year:
1. Continue to have fun and race without putting pressure on anyone.
2. Continue to participate in local and regional events for fun and to grow the team.
3. A greater presence in the PAUSATF road and cross country events. Let's field some teams this year and hopefully by fall can field teams in almost all the age groups.
4. A greater presence at the Masters Indoor Nationals in Boston.
5. Defend our PAUSATF Masters Track and Field Championship.
6. Go after So Cal and Florida AC at the Masters Outdoor Nationals in Spokane.
7. Field teams at the PA and USATF cross country championships in the fall.
8. Do the marathon relay again!
Those are just some basic things. I will send out dates and details on some upcoming events later this week. Again, thanks for all you do. I am sorry for those of you who missed the team party. It was really great. I hope you can make it next year, although I understand if you live in Missouri it might be tough.