OK... most folks say that Spring is around the corner when "Ground Hog" Day or the trucks head down to Ft Meyers...  Most runners know that when the Mid Winter Classic 10 Miler rolls around, it is time to start thinking about the 2010 running, racing and triathlon season.  The Mid Winter Classic will be held this Sunday, February 7 @ 9:45am in Cape Elizabeth at the High School.  Weather looks to hold, so we may see a record field with a record pre-registered field of 700+ runners already signed up.  Pre-packet pick up will be held at Maine Running in Portland Saturday, Feb. 6, from 10-5pm.  The first 500 who pick up their packet will receive a MWC tech tee on a first come, first serve basis.  Brooks Sports will also be on hand with all footwear 20% off and lots of swag.  Additionally, the popular "Tri For A Cure" all womens Triathlon registration is slated to get underway at 11:59pm, this Saturday, February 6.  The field has been expanded to 800.  The event will be held on Sunday, August 15, 2pm @ Southern Maine Community College ...  Set your alarms and Giddyup!

Lot's of Training Groups getting underway in March.  MRC's new Maine Running Academy will provide runner's and walker's a host of training and educational opportunities.  For a yearly fee of $150, you can participate in any of the 10 Maine Running Academy training programs, from our popular "Reach The Beacon" 201 and "Reach The Beacon" 101 training groups to our Maine Marathon & 1/2 Marathon training groups .  You can also sign up for individual programs, such as RTBeacon, for the normal fee of $100.  Doug Welling will serve as the Academy Director and will be one of 5 RRCA certified coaches.  Doug is in the process of becoming USA Triathlon Certified, as we begin to offer Triathlon 101 sessions and seminars in April and July.

Two new clubs in the area... Midcoast Triathlon Club, already 60 strong, is based out of Brunswick and has Jim Favreau, former owner of Midcoast Multisport as president and Doug Welling as VP...  SheJams, an all womens training group founded by Julie Marchese, Andrea Brown and Melissa Smith, will offer "Tri For A Cure" and Run/Walk Training programs.   Both should be great inclusive and approachable clubs for the beginner to the next level athlete, as well as social.

Both Gorham Bike and Ski and Cycle Mania, excellent specialty operators, will also offer several training groups and seminars.  Both will also be offering wetsuit programs and nights and tri accessories to support the Tri community.  MRC will be launching a new Tri Corner offering a broader selection in compression and tri apparel, including CWX, Sugoi &  Zoot.  Additionally, nutrition, swim accessories, etc...will be expanded.   However, we will not carry wetsuits, as our core focus will continue to be run specialty.  The tri community should have plenty of support and we look forward to continueing being a part of it.

See you in 2010 and remember.... Run Happy!