10 Weeks to 10K - 2020 Program Design
Due to the unique circumstances of the Covid-19 Pandemic, this year's training program is as follows:
- Maximum registration.Registration for the program will be limited to 50 persons plus ten coaches. (In 2019, 82 participants and 13 coaches participated.)
- No designated in-person capstone race.In previous years the program has been affiliated with the Perfect 10 (10K or 10 miles.) The Perfect 10 is accepting paid registrations and has a notice stating “We hope to see you out on the course in person on September 27th. However, if government guidelines regarding COVID-19 determine it best, the Perfect 10K/10Miler may be converted into a virtual race.” We have certainly enjoyed the race in previous years, however, we feel that the race fee would be excessive, should the event go virtual. Additionally, some participants might be inclined to opt out of an in-person group race due to COVID concerns. Therefore, instead of encouraging participation in the Perfect 10 this year, we will instead strongly urge each participant to run and continuously time any 10K or 10 mile course of their choosing, either an in-person race or a solo run, on any day from September 26 to October 18, as their capstone accomplishment of the program. Those who report their finishing time and date of completion to us will receive a certificate.
- The 10 Weeks to 10K program lead reserves the right to cancel the remainder of the program at any time before or during its commencement, if, in the sole judgment of the program lead, any of the following occur:
- State, local or federal guidelines that are substantially in conflict with the program are issued;
- The behavior of participants and/or coaches deviates substantially from the safety policies established, and the program lead and coaches are unable to address the deviation to their satisfaction; or
- One or more program participant(s) and/or coach(es) reports positive COVID test results to the program lead, and continuation of the program is deemed to present a significant risk of further spread.
In the event that the program is canceled, the program lead may elect to continue it as a virtual program, with each individual completing training runs or walks on his/her own. In the event of cancellation after the second program meeting, the major expense of ordering T-shirts will be incurred, and refunds will not be made to participants after that time.
- Self-monitoring and exclusion.Participants or coaches having symptoms associated with COVID-19 must exclude themselves from attending in-person meetings. See the CDC website for a list of symptoms: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fabout%2Fsymptoms.html
- Social distancing.Participants and coaches not residing in the same household will be required to maintain a separation of at least six feet from others at all times when it is possible, and to refrain from physical contact including high fives, fist bumps, handshaking or hugging. The required social distancing separation, in accordance with State of Virginia Phase Three Guidelines, increases to 10 feet during exercise and while signing or cheering.
- Hydration and car key storage.Each participant should bring his/her own hydration, for use before, during and after meetings. The program will not provide hydration. Additionally, temporary storage of car keys will not be provided. Each participant will be responsible for storing or carrying his/her own car key. Pockets with secure closures and belt packs are recommended as suitable means of key storage while running or walking.
- The program lead and coaches will conduct training walks and runs only on courses that provide suitable room for separation of passing runners/walkers, traveling in the same or opposite directions.For example, a residential road with light traffic, or footpaths directly adjacent to such a road, will be suitable. Courses with segments on footpaths that lack suitable lateral spacing will not be used.
- Meeting locations.Only meeting locations that provide sufficient room for separation of the group will be selected.Participants and coaches will be required to maintain six feet of separation while gathering in advance of and following, meetings. The program leads will determine a means for separating the group into several subgroups, for example, by typical running or walking pace.
- Staggered Start:It is anticipated that coaches will start small groups of 3-5 persons with similar expected pace at a time, faster paces first, with groups separated by one minute to 90 seconds.
- Masks.Participants are encouraged, but will not be required, to bring and carry a mask in the event that situations arise where proximity to others cannot be avoided. Participants will not be required to wear masks while gathering at socially distanced spacing, or while exercising.
- Reporting positive COVID tests.Any participant having a positive COVID test within two weeks of participating in person in a 10 Weeks to 10K activity is required to inform the program lead, John Koss, immediately. John can be reached at 703-606-5180 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The other participants will be notified that a participant has tested positive, and the identity of the individual will not be disclosed. The affected individual may not participate in-person until cleared to do so by a physician.
Candidate meeting locations and courses:
- Lake Audobon Pool at Twin Branches.There are nearly 30 parking spots in the pool parking lot, with overflow parking on Twin Branches. An out-and-back course of Twin Branches to Glade towards Reston Parkway provides a distance of three to five miles with substantial evening shade.
- Hunters Woods Elementary School (alternative:Hunters Woods Shopping Center).The parking lot provides sufficient parking, and could be used until the school year begins. Colts Neck to Quorn, left to the T at Quorn, and back is about 1.7 miles and nicely shaded, and a Paddock Road/Steeplechase route passing Hunters Woods pool provides additional mileage.
- Lake Fairfax Park.Roads with sufficient width within the Park, as well as adjacent roads (Blaze, Dasher, Hunt Club, Ring, and portions of North Shore) will allow a three mile course.
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Hunters Woods Village Center (HWVC) – 5 Mile Run
Street Map Measured: 5 Miles
Directions:
- Start in West end of the parking lottowardColts Neck Dr. heading to the Reston Community Center (RCC).
- At the RCC, turn right through the townhouse parking lot to the path through the tunnel under Glade Dr.
- Bear right on the path uphill to Colts Neck. Turn left on Colts Neck.
- At the Hunters Woods Elementary School, turn left on Steeplechase.
- At the path crossing, turn left and follow the path through the Glade.
- At the Marker Post Y intersection, bear right (Mile1.25) and continue.
- At the next Marker Post intersection bear right (Mile 1.5)
- At the Marker Post 21 intersection, continue straight ahead crossing Sopstone Dr.
- At the bridge intersection (Mile 2.46), turn left and follow the path up the hill to Hunting Horn Lane, then left up Acton Dr. to Glade Dr. Left on Glade.
- At Quartermaster Lane, turn right down the hill to Spyglass Cove Lane to pick up the path on the right heading down towards Lake Audubon.
- Turn left and then immeadiate right across the bridge to pick up the Snake Den Branch Trail. Turn left on the path. Bear left and the next Y and continue to the left.
- Down through the tunnel under Soapstone Dr. Continue on the path till the intersection to the right down to the bridge crossing the stream, then left on the path keeping the stream to the left at intersections.
- Approaching HWVC, just before the tunnel under Colts Neck, take the path on the left up to the HWVC parking lot.
(Click on the map for larger image)
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RMR Training Program (New!) 2020
12 weeks to 13.1 miles! Starting Saturday, January 11, 2020, an all new training program will be led by run-walk coach Liz Badley. The program starts January 11 and finishes with the Runners Marathon of Reston on April 5, 2020. The Program meets at the same time (8 am) and the same place as the regularly scheduled Saturday Club run - See the Calendar.
Hello Runners!
Registration is now OPEN.
Coach Liz
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As long as the Corona Virus remains a dangerous threat, it is essential for individuals to follow the current government guidance, as well common sense safety protocols for group activity and mandatory for participants in Reston Runners runs and walks.
Reston Runner Group Activity
While current local regulations allow gatherings of up to 50 people, and outdoor exercise, properly distanced, is considered relatively safe, the Corona Virus remains a dangerous threat. To promote a safe return to group activity, the Club Board has set forth the following framework based on guidance from the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA), developed in partnership with the Chicago Area Runners Association, which all participants are expected to adhere to.
- Intially, meeting locations will be limited to those courses that allow safe distancing, both at the start/finish, and along the course itself (6 feet, but 10 feet while running).
- Bring your own hydration (bottles/packs). The Club is suspending water support. Do not share personal items.
- To promote safe distancing, there will be no general announcements at the start. Look for updates on the Website and eNews.
- Do not particpate if your are feeling sick or ill, or have a fever, or if you have been in contact with someone that has had Covid-19.
- Make a careful decision about particpating if you are in a high risk category (age or underlying medical condition).
- Do run single-file, not two abreast unless there is ample public space to do so. Don't force others off of a sidewalk or trail by hogging the space, or block access to restroom or buildings. Be considerate of others.
- Don't spit or “nose rocket” your nose in public. Bring along tissue.
- Do wash your hands or use hand sanitizer after using a port-a-john. As a reminder, prepare for limited access to public restrooms or water fountains.
- Post run/walk socializing will be limited to outdoors, maintaining safe distancing.
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In attendance:
Marcy Foster, President
Mike McCord, Vice President
Cailin Clinton, Member at Large
Mary Goebel, Director of Walking Programs
John Koss, Secretary
Catherine Nelson, Member at Large
Pablo Raffo, Member at Large
Mary Shedlock, Treasurer
Old Business
RRCF Donation:The Board discussed the Runners Marathon of Reston (RMR) recommendation to transfer $7000 to the Reston Runners Community Fund (RRCF). The RMR committee is confident that funds remaining after that transfer will be sufficient to pay any expenses for the 2020 race. The Board agreed to the $7000 transfer to RRCF.
Board responsibilities:A recommendation was made to strengthen and formalize the oversight responsibilities of the Board. In particular, oversight of finances is needed to meet the Board’s fiduciary responsibilities. Additionally, an opportunity exists to strengthen succession planning and increase the coordination of programs with the Board and the uniformity of the Club’s practices in presenting our programs. The RMR already has a governing committee and would be excluded from this process. Four areas of responsibility were discussed: Finance, Governance, Programs, and People (to include succession planning.) Marcy, Mike, and Catherinewill discuss possible approaches and return recommendations to the Board.
Publicity: We will ask PRR if we can leave RR flyers. Action to be assigned.
Documenting plans and materials for Club annual events and programs.Catherine and Cailinwill collect descriptions of program plans and records from current program leads. The descriptions, related materials and tools will be posted on the Club’s Google documents repository for use by incoming program/event leads.
Succession planning: New leads need to be selected for the Pool Party and the Women’s Training Program.
New Business:
Special Event Pages: Bill D’Agostino visited the meeting to discuss his proposal for a web page(s) on which Reston Runners members could add events they planned to participate in. The page would allow other club members to find out who will be participating in an event, prior to the event. After the event, participants who listed themselves on the page could post their results and if desired, view the results of others.
The Board discussion addressed several issues that would need to be addressed, including restriction of access, especially for individuals adding content to the pages, and maintenance. It was suggested that the capability Bill proposed could be implemented more readily on Facebook or Meetup than on the website. Pabloagreed to consider the idea and put together a list of options to implement it.
RRCF Update: Mike presented an update on RRCF activities. The RRCF will be increasing its community outreach and support beyond the scholarships that have been offered to high school students at Herndon and South Lakes high schools. A donation was recently made to Dogwood Elementary School for the Dragon Dash 5K race and is featured on the Web site. The RRCF will be seeking additional opportunities to support elementary and high school track and cross country teams, and fun runs.
RR Logo Contest: More than 40 logo entries were received. Mary Shedlock is consolidating them for review by the Board. Each Board member will individually select the top five logos recommended for further evaluation, and Marywill select a smaller set of logos from that processfor review by the Board and presentation to the general membership for a vote.
Improving course descriptions.Mike presented for comment a sample of an amended course description for an existing course – the Reston South Commuter Lot 10 mile run (street). He incorporated additional cues, especially the numbered Reston Association (RA) trail markers and accumulated distance at each turn. He also added references to the RA trail name(s) (Turquoise Trail, for example) and a link to the RA trail map. All present thought that Mike’s amendments were an improvement, and agreed that updating courses with such information would be useful.
10 weeks to 10K program:John circulated the results of the post program survey. The Board agreed that the program should be continued next year. John identified the following recommendations based on comments made by respondents:
- Consider increasing distance over the program durati
- Consider selecting a venue for the last 3-4 weeks that has better lighting, since it gets dark before the slower participants finish.
- Consider a post-program happy hour or party.
Thanksgiving Turkey Trot. The Club will be holding its traditional 5K cross country style race on Thanksgiving morning. Dennis Hayswill obtain a permit from Lake Fairfax Park. Marcy will look in the locker to find items that can be awarded as prizes, and will procure pies and wine for the winners.
Glory Days fundraising policy change. Previously, Glory Days had an open-ended program of making donations to Reston Runners of a small percentage of any restaurant checks presented by the Club to Glory Days. This policy is being discontinued. If the Club wishes to partner with Glory Days on fundraising, a specific date and duration will need to be established.
Winter Training Program. There have been numerous requests for the Club to present a winter training program to follow the Womens Training Program and the 10 Weeks to 10K program. Shandila Collins will co-lead a Winter Training Program that will meet concurrently with the Club’s Saturday 8 am runs. Liz Bagley is going to prepare a training plan. The training plan is expected to be focused on preparation for the RMR half marathon.
Holiday party: Mike McCord and Donna Rostant are having the holiday party at their house on December 21st. Help will be needed for setup between 3:00 and 4:00 pm.
Treasurer’s report: The present balance is $12,064, not including the two CDs. The Board agreed that it would be best to find a qualified member willing to prepare the tax return as well as the 501(c)3 report. Pablois checking with an individual who could do this.
Annual Meeting. The annual meeting date will be February 15th. Nominations will be offered and reviewed for the Green Jacket award.
Future meeting schedule:The next meeting will be on Saturday, December 14that 9:30 am.
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