Article from Keene runner Thomas Paquette

Gratitude and the love that comes with the running community

It’s rainy. Oh, and let’s not forget about that wind. The grass is brown, and there are still snow mounds stained with mud in the pockets where the sun doesn’t shine. Your goal race is just a few weeks away, yet it seems like there are still a million miles between you and the start line.

We all have had these negative thoughts creep into our heads. What seemed possible last week, seems impossible today. When these negative thoughts overcome me, I always think about how grateful I am to have legs that move, shoes to lace up and, most importantly, my “tribe” that is the running community to support me.

Running has the power to bring the good out of people. I’ve never been to a race where someone is booed or heckled. It is because of my tribe that I appreciate even more why I run, why I coach. It comes from those 6 a.m. text messages from an athlete telling me, “I got into the Boston Conservatory! I’m going to college! I’m going to college!” that all of a sudden makes the rain not as relentless. It’s the smile from an athlete, after running her longest and fastest run, that makes my own long run not as daunting and the wind a little more forgiving.

Be thankful for those who make your own training less stressful, and not so much of a burden. The running community is unique in that way. It doesn’t matter what club you are affiliated with, the different runners you run with or how fast you are. I think it is safe to say we are all in it for the love of the run. Running is that simple, and I am thankful for that.

Thomas Paquette is the owner and personal running coach for Next Level Running and can be reached at thomaspaquette13@gmail.com. [originally published in Keene Sentinel 4/18/2018]

Monadnock Regional Milers Running Club is looking for leadership and volunteer assistance

Elected officer positions:

President - (2 year term) Leads the club into the future. Oversees club operations/activities including influencing club direction and efforts. Presides over club meetings. Oversees and supports club committees and directors. Calls special meetings and appoints committees and chairpersons as required.

Vice President - (2 year term) Works closely with president including any special assignments & assistance as requested. Serves in the absence of the President.

Treasurer - (1 year term)  Manages finances for the club - finances are very small but important for our small non-profit organization. Signs or disburses necessary appropriations as directed.  Works with membership director to maintain membership list.

Secretary -  (1 year term)  Records meeting minutes and keeps files of such minutes. Accepts assignments involving official correspondences and record keeping as requested.  Works with communications coordinator.

Appointed directors:

Communications coordinator - (1 year term)  Responsible for club communication/promotion. Works with webmaster and delegates regarding web content, social media, eNewsletter, fliers, press releases, etc.

Membership director - (1 year term)  Manages the membership list. Coordinates with the Treasurer to maintain membership list.  Works with club officers, directors/coordinators, and delegates to foster club membership.

Competition director - (1 year term)

Coach - (1 year term) - coaches and offers running advice to club members.

Webmaster (1 year term) - Manages the club website.

What does the MRM running club do?

Winter Chillers - The MRM running club conducts 6 very affordable races in Monadnock area towns during winter months. Chiller races motivate runners to get outside and keep running in winter.

MAGP - The Monadnock Area Grand Prix (MAGP) is the MRM's effort to promote local, independent Monadnock area races and their communities. The 2018 MAGP series is 14 races!

Summer races - The MRM running club administers a local race (Anne Bunce Memorial). Additionally, the club administers the Jack Murphy fun runs in Peterborough throughout the summer.

Conval track workouts - Our MRM coach conducts track workouts weekly (in warm weather) at the ConVal field and on local roads.

There are also some of new endeavors recent club officers discussed but  have not yet initiated:

  • More community outreach and support (both running based and non-running based).
  • Offer and/or assist people to get started with running (like Couch to 5K but more personal).

Interested?  We could use your help!  Nominate yourself or others by sending an email to monadnockmilers@gmail.com or submitting on our website: https://www.monadnockmilers.com/news/2018/5/27/mrm-club-nominations . Nominees do not have to be MRM members at time of nomination, but must be MRM members at time of election.

MRM Running Club nominations!

It is time for MRM Officer and director/coordinator nominations!  We need nominee's name and contact information (email or phone)

You may nominate as many people as you like. 

Once nominees are finalized, we will have club elections. NOTE: The MRM club elects President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary at an official club meeting. The other positions are appointed. Nominations are requested for all positions.

MAGP race series, two races completed in April, two more for May

The weather is getting warmer, no more ice (hopefully) and the bugs are mostly not out yet.  Good time for a MAGP race!  The Monadnock Area Grand Prix (MAGP) has two completed races (see our race results) and two more are scheduled for May!   Details are below.

May 8th, Run for NICA, 5K at the Hope Fellowship Church in Jaffrey, NH
May 19th MRM 1ST ANNUAL ANN BUNCE MEMORIAL RACE 5K at Chapel by the Lake, 529 Granite Lake Rd   Munsonville, NH

Remember, participation all that matters in MAGP series.  See everyone this Saturday 5/8 at Hope Fellowship Church in Jaffrey, NH!

MAGP race series starts next week!

Are you a little sad the 2018 Winter Chiller series is over?  Well, no worries! The Monadnock Area Grand Prix is starting next week!  The first two MAGP races are in April:

April 7th, Spring Fling 5k Conval HS at ConVal HS, Peterborough, NH
April 21st Greenfield Fire Dept 5k/10k at Oak Park, 971 Forest Rd Greenfield, NH

 Remember, participation all that matters.  See everyone next Saturday 4/7 at ConVal!

MRM Membership Renewals

The last Chiller is March 24th at the Be Fit Center in New Ipswich NH.  If you have not yet renewed please consider renewing then.  

Not to worry, if you did not renew at a Chiller you can renew at the Conval Track when we are back in session or if you would like head over to the Membership section of our website and renew via PayPal.  Don't forget to fill out the membership application and mail or email the completed for to us.

As always, we thank you for your support and look forward to seeing you on the road and at our events.