Thursday, December 26, 2013


BCRR This Week, December 23 through 30, 2013

HAPPY HOLIDAYS BAYOU CITY

Thanks to Roger Redding and Tina Reynolds for sponsoring the tab at Valhalla on Wednesday. This Wednesday we will not be meeting since Valhalla will be closed for Christmas.

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BCRR Birthdays This Week:  Joe Schwieterman (December 23), Lynn McGrew (December 25), Gary Wood (December 27), Simon Brabo (December 28), Becky Spaulding (December 28), Heather Hofstetter (December 29), Jason Anderson (December 30) and Anna Sumrall Helm (December 30).
* = New age group

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Thursday, December 19, 2013

BCRR This Week, December 16 through 23, 2013

HELLO BAYOU CITY

Welcome New Members:  Duke Banerjee, Jason Anderson, Ricky Kramer, Gail Clayton and Japheth Nyabiosi

BCRR Birthdays This Week:  Matthew Reue (December 16), Tina Reynolds (December 16), Jeff Tabourne (December 18), Marie Hutchinson (December 19), Jennifer Figueroa (December 19), Claudia Verm (December 20), Tom Whillans (December 20) and Joe Schwieterman (December 23)
* = New age group

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Monday, December 9, 2013

BCRR This Week, December 9 through 16, 2013

HELLO BAYOU CITY

BCRR Birthdays This Week:  Deborah Touchy (December 9), Cecilia Farias-Ruiz (December 10), Wendy Zhang (December 10), Cheryl Shaw (December 11), Rene Munoz (December 11), Glenn Alan Darrah (December 15), Matthew Reue (December 16) and Tina Reynolds (December 16).
* = New age group

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The December 2013 Edition of the BCRR newsletter has just been released and can be viewed on the BCRR Facebook page and on our website.

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Want to have some input on the proposed upgrades to the Memorial Park running trail?  The Memorial Park Conservancy will host their second meeting  at 6:30 on December 10th at St. Theresa Church Hall, 6622 Haskell Street.  This meeting will include a short presentation on the ecology of the Park and will be followed by a facilitated group discussion.

They are also looking for park users to take part in an online survey on their website Memorial Park Tomorrow:  www.memorialparkmasterplan.mindmixer.com

Friday, December 6, 2013

BCRR This Week, December 2 through 9, 2013

HELLO BAYOU CITY

BCRR Birthdays This Week:  Raymond Ruiz (December 2), Marisa Engelhardt (December 4), William Hayes (December 6) and Deborah Touchy (December 9).
* = New age group

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We had about 75 BCRR members and guests attend the BCRR Christmas Party at the Cadillac Bar and Grill on Sunday night.  The scrabble game was lots of fun and we also managed to raise approximately $150 for a cash donation to the Houston Food Bank.   Many door prizes were awarded and the dancing went on late into the evening.  The board would like to thank Susan Cita for making most of the arrangements.

Thursday, November 21, 2013

BCRR This Week, November 18 through 25, 2013

HELLO BAYOU CITY!

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Welcome new member Kristin Goff to BCRR.  Welcome Kristin!!!

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Thanks to Lisa Thompson and Sarah Harrington for picking up the beer tab at Valhalla on Wednesday.

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BCRR Birthdays This Week:  Steve Liston (November 18), Ron Morgan (November 20), Matt Valladarez (November 23), Fred Queen (November 24), Megan Rozelle (November 24) and Irma Conran (November 25).
* = New Age Group
Have a very happy birthday!

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

BCRR This Week, November 11 through 18, 2013

HELLO BAYOU CITY!


Join us this Wednesday at Valhalla where our new BCRR logo technical shirts and singlets will be on sale.  Only $12 each.  Cash and checks only at this time.

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BCRR Birthdays This Week:  Sarah Harrington (November 11), Lisa Foronda (November 12), David Martinez (November 13), Patrick Flaherty (November 15), Terry Fanning (November 16), Dianne Lee * (November 17) and Steve Liston (November 18).
* = New Age Group

Have a very happy birthday!!

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The 3rd Annual Alex’s 5K Run/Walk & Kid’s K will take place this Saturday Nov. 16, 2013!!
Kids’ K starts at 8:00 AM - 5K run/walk starts at 8:30 AM

100% of our net proceeds go to Autism Charities

Awesome new venue:  Tom Bass Regional Park, 3452 Fellows Road, Houston, TX

Thursday, November 7, 2013

BCRR This Week, November 4 through 11, 2013

HELLO BAYOU CITY!

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BCRR Birthdays This Week: Edward Albrecht (November 5), Jesse Bounds (November 5), Larry Lindeen (November 9), Nancy Reuter (November 10) and Sarah Harrington (November 11).
Have a very happy birthday!!

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Thursday, October 31, 2013

BCRR Weekend Update, November 1 through 3, 2013

It's a long weekend!   Don't forget to turn back your clock on Saturday night so you can sleep in that extra hour before the River Oaks Run!

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On Monday we failed to mention that Brenda Hilton finished First Place, Female, 65-69 in the Half Marathon Race on Sunday.
Sorry to leave your name off Brenda.
Congratulations on running a great race! 

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Friday 6:30pm:  Join us for happy hour at Under the Volcano, 2349 Bissonnet Street.

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On Saturday at Noon: Join BCRR for our first packet pickup for Alex's 5K at No Label Brewery in Katy. No Label has been a donor to Alex's 5K since our inaugural race. They have been very generous and we are very grateful. We will be outside the fence for packet pickup, but if you want to take a brewery tour... obviously you will be in good company. Brewery tours are $5.00 for 4 tokens starting at noon. After 2:00 pm, there are only 2 tokens. So come early and have fun with our race committee!

If you are planning to going on Saturday note that Interstate 10 will be closed at Hwy 90 this weekend.  If you want to avoid the traffic consider taking the Westpark Tollway to Grand Parkway Hwy 99.  Left under the underpass on feeder of Interstate 10 to the Brewery.

We really need your help getting more people to register for the race so get your family, friends and co-workers to register today. 

We will be at a new location with a great post race party.  Its for a really great cause and all of the proceeds go to charity.

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Volunteers are still needed for both the Rockets Run (Nov 9th) and Alex's 5K (November 16th).  Please contact Patrick Flaherty (callpatf@aol.com) or Rosie (rschmandt@yahoo.com) to volunteer for the Rockets Run and Sam McMurtrey (samantha_mcmurtrey@hotmail.com) to volunteer for Alex's 5K Race.

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Don't forget next week after the Rockets Run, the Fifth Semi-Annual BCRR Croquet Extravaganza will be held at the Memorial Park Croquet Pitch on Saturday, November 9th, from 1:30 to 5. This will also be a volunteer appreciation party for Rockets Run volunteers! BYOB – pizza and snacks provided. Prizes for Top Mallet (the John Phillips Award), Best Dressed (the Sam Pace Award), and Sportsmanship (the Zwick Award). Dinner afterwards at a location TBD. A good time guaranteed for all!

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The HMSA Classical 25k and 5K Run is capped at 1,500 runners and the race is expected to sell out before race day.  If you have not signed up for this great race please do so today so you don't get left out.  BCRR needs your points for the HARRA Club Competition. NOTE: only the 25K counts for the HARRA competition.

You can sign-up online at:  https://www.thedriven.net/hmsa-classical-25k-and-5k-fun-run.race_reg

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Your BCRR Board!!!

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

BCRR This Week, October 28 through November 4, 2013

HELLO BAYOU CITY!

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Thanks to Kathi Mahon and Katie Decker for picking up the tab at Valhalla on Wednesday!

This Wednesday BCRR will celebrate...Valhallowe'en with the club picking up the tab.  Come run and party in costume.

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BCRR Birthdays This Week: Victor Aguirre (October 28), Larry Jensen (October 30), Ben Harvie (November 2), Xavier Avila (November 3) and Patricia Haule (November 3).
* = New Age Group
Have a very happy birthday!!
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Thursday, October 24, 2013

BCRR Weekend Update, October 25 through 27, 2013


FRIDAY NIGHT 7:30 PM: Halloween Costume Party at the Modern B&B, 4003 Hazard
Lisa Thompson invites everyone to attend her Halloween Party - costumes are required.  Please bring any other costume items that you want to donate to help Lisa dress anyone who arrives without a costume. 
 
SATURDAY 4 PM:  We need to set up our BCRR tent/potties, for Sunday's Half Marathon Race at Sam Houston Park.  If you think you can help, please let Rosie (rschmandt@yahoo.com) or John P (jrphillips@comcast.net) know.  
 
SUNDAY 7:00 AM: Houston Half Marathon...a HARRA fall series race at Sam Houston Park Downtown.  Free parking in the 1600 Smith Street Garage. 
 
SUNDAY 10:00 AM: BCRR Post-Post Race Party is being hosted by the lovely Sam Pace at 2506 Rutland Street, Houston 77008 (corner of 25th and Rutland http://goo.gl/maps/2oZwj)
 
Showers are available for any who need them. Two TVs will be provided for your football watching needs. Runners welcome starting at 10 am. The menu will be mac and cheese with salad and veggies but feel free to bring a snack to share. Water, soda, OJ, grapefruit juice and some beer will be available but donations are welcome.
 
Because of the half-marathon, John P and Rosie will not be putting Gatorade out on the regular River Oaks route on Sunday morning.  

Your BCRR Board!

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

BCRR This Week, October 21 through 28, 2013


HELLO BAYOU CITY!


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Welcome New Members: Lindzi Howder, Kaitlin Wasko, Karen Dobson, Neil  Molino, Juka Smits, Andre Ditsch and Leyu Cui.  Welcome!

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BCRR Birthdays This Week: Raymond Verm (October 21), Jen McKay (October 22), Yolanda Farias* (October 25) and Victor Aguirre (October 28).   
* = New Age Group
Have a very happy birthday!!
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Wednesday, October 9, 2013

BCRR This Week, October 7 through 14, 2013


HELLO BAYOU CITY!

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BCRR Birthdays This Week: 
Tim McGuirk (October 8), Rosanne Bulgarella (October 10), Graciela Nogueras (October 10), Greg Figueroa (October 10), Raymond Foltz (October 11) and Glen Lyons (October 14).    * = New Age Group

Have a very happy birthday!!
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Friday, October 4, 2013

BCRR Weekend Update, October 4 through 6, 2013


Hello BCRR,

It's official! Susan Cita Day
(click for hi-mag)
Last Monday was a very important day.  Houston Mayor Anise Parker and the Houston City Council proclaimed October 1, 2013 to be "Susan Cita Day" in the city of Houston. This was done to honor Susan for her extensive volunteer efforts for over seven years with Keep Houston Beautiful and Houston Clean City.   In addition to her volunteer efforts with the city Susan has been a very active BCRR board member serving as Secretary and Treasurer.   Susan has also been a key volunteer with the Alex's 5K Race since the beginning and this year is the title sponsor for the Kids 1K Race.   Susan is very creative, smart, has always worked hard on your behalf and we are very fortunate having her in our club.
CONGRATULATIONS SUSAN!!!


FRIDAY:  Impromptu Happy Hour at The Petrol Station, 985 Wakefield.  Rumor has it that the Birthday Boy, Mark Conran, may be in attendance!  See you there!   

Get happy at April Murphy's Art Opening (click for hi-mag)
http://tinyurl.com/ompdz3f

SATURDAY: BCRR Happy Hour, April Murphy's Studio (Winter Street Studio, Suite 20) is having an open house on Saturday, October 5 from 5-10 pm.  Over 150 artists in two buildings Winter Street and Spring Street Studios.
Complementary beverages, snacks and valet parking provided. 

SUNDAY:  Looks like the San Felipe Bridge may have been opened again so we may be able to resume our regular River Oaks Route.  John will give you an update on Sunday morning.
Did you leave a pair of running shoes at the Tornado's X-Country Relay last Saturday?  If so please reply to this message.

Have a great weekend

Your BCRR Board!!!

Thursday, October 3, 2013

BCRR This Week, September 30 through October 7, 2013


HELLO BAYOU CITY!

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Thanks to Peter Griffiths for picking up the tab at Valhalla on Wednesday.  
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BCRR Birthdays This Week: April Murphy (October 1), Heather Carlson (October 1), Mark Conran (October 3), Hristelina Ilieva * (October 5), Hardeep Thind (October 6) and Tim McGuirk (October 8).    * = New Age Group

Have a very happy birthday!!
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Thursday, September 26, 2013

BCRR Weekend Update -September 27 through 29, 2013


PARTY, RUN, REPEAT...

FRIDAY: Happy Hour at 6:30 PM: Local Pour, 1952 West Gray Street,   Happy Hour prices until 9pm.


SATURDAY:  HARRA Fall Series Tornados X-Country Relay 5pm @ Spotts Park.  This race is always a fun time and has a great post-race party.
If you can run (or walk) 2 miles, we ‘d love to have you on a team representing BCRR!   If you already have a team, please let Rosie know who is on your team so you can collect your HARRA/BCRR points. (rschmandt@yahoo.com).    Remember, you must have both current HARRA and BCRR memberships for your whole team to count.

SATURDAY POST RACE PARTY:

SEC Football Party – Saturday Sept. 28

Chez Sue Leone et Alan Svoboda
326 Terrace Ave, Houston, TX

BCRR X-Country Relay Runners, come over AFTER the relay for football and post race libations!

2:30 pm Games
LSU vs Georgia
Oklahoma vs Notre Dame
FSU vs Boston College
Colorado at Oregon State
!!!Geaux Tigers!!!

5:30-7:00 pm Games
Texas A&M vs Arkansas
Ole Miss vs Alabama
Florida vs Kentucky
Ohio State vs Wisconsin

9:00 pm+ Games
USC vs Arizona State
Stanford vs WSU (Mike Leach!!)
Oregon at California

Runners: OUTDOOR/INDOOR SHOWERS!
Pool, Hot Tub, Food, Beer, Wine & Drinks
Feel free to bring a dish or some of your private stock drinks.

Note: Open Date – Nebraska, PSU, UT and Texas Tech


SUNDAY LONG RUN:  Due to construction along San Felipe the River Oaks Sunday Run has temporarily changed.    We will run River Oaks backwards.  John has marked a 5 mile turnaround point for those who want to run 10 miles.  If you want to do more you can run to the gas station water stop and just reverse your route back to the park and get in around 12.4 miles.  The water and Gatorade will be at the normal locations.

Your BCRR Board!

BCRR This Week, September 23 through 30, 2013


HELLO BAYOU CITY!

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Welcome New Members: Donald Daum, Claire Daum, Colleen Tice, Alan McClain, Camille Fitzsimmons, Gregory Baker, Alicia Garcia, Bill Richards, Raymond Foltz and Megan Rozelle.

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Thanks to the Virgos for picking up the tab at Valhalla on Wednesday.  Special thanks to Susan Cita for once again coordinating this really great annual party and for preparing and providing all of the food.

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BCRR Birthdays This Week: Kelly Blott (September 23), Richard Kelly (September 23), Emily Brabo (September 24), Peter Griffiths (September 25), Alexandra Paddon-Jones (September 27) and Bob Kirkpatrick (September 29).   * = New Age Group

Have a very happy birthday!!

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

BCRR This Week, August 26 through September 2, 2013


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BCRR Birthdays This Week: Mike Crowley (August 26), Sarah Schaft (August 26), Larry Teeter (August 26), Carrie Arnett (August 27), Karen Skweres (August 27), Kathryn Vidal (August 27), Lorraine Becker * (August 27), Brenda Gonzalez (August 28), Neeraj Rohilla (August 28), Chris McGrew (August 29) and Mike Grimes * (September 2).  * = New Age Group

Have a very happy birthday!!

Monday, August 12, 2013

BCRR This Week, August 12 through 19, 2013


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BCRR Birthdays This Week: Jill DeVay (August 13), Ralph Feniello (August 13), Gail Webster (August 16), Rob Arnoldy (August 18) and Bethann Hubert (August 18).* = New Age Group

Have a very happy birthday!!

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The July BCRR newsletter is hot off the electronic press! Read it  here:  http://www.bcrr.org/newsletter/jul13.pdf

Thursday, August 8, 2013

BCRR This Week, August 5 through 12, 2013


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Welcome new members: Patricia Haule, Chad Dodd, Heather Carlson and David Scheel  
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BCRR Birthdays This Week: Cheryl Verlander (August 6), Leslie Medley Russell (August 8), Kim Phillips (August 8), Hope Sellers (August 9), Eddie Rodriguez (August 10), Marilyn Blythe* (August 11), Lauren Castro (August 11) and Brad Godwin (August 12)  * = New Age Group

Have a very happy birthday!!
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Friday, August 2, 2013

HASH Kickball Challenge - Benefit for Eddie Rodriguez


The Houston Hash House Harriers Kickball Challenge - Benefit for Eddie Rodriguez - Friday, August 9, at 6:30 PM in Memorial Park.   
 
We’ve been challenged to a friendly game of kickball and there’s free beer involved!
 
The Houston Hash House Harriers (H4) have challenged all of HARRA’s running clubs, including BCRR, to a game of kickball.  
H4 and HARRA will each sponsor a keg and donations will be accepted to support the recovery fund of fellow HARRA member and former BCRR President, Eddie Rodriguez.  Eddie (aka Hasher "Ho Cheez Man") was severely injured in a car accident this past April and is on his way to recovery thanks to the donations from many of his friends within the running community!
 
HARRA President, Joe Carey, will be our mighty captain, so please consider joining us for a fun evening!
 
Date:  Friday, August 9, 2013
Time:  6:30pm
Location: Grassy area off of the Picnic Loop (south side of Memorial Drive)
 
How this will work: Wear your attractive and functional BCRR logo shirt or purple color! If we have 11 players, we will be able to play an inning (or more) together. If there are fewer than 11, our players will be fielded with those from other clubs. (The game has 5 innings) If there are too many HARRA players we can have a round robin tournament. 

Don’t like to kick balls? Be a HARRA athletic supporter instead!  Members of the media, deep-pocket donators, spectators, cheerleaders, designated drinkers, hecklers, etc. will all be welcome

(Not sure what will happen in the unlikely event we lose...maybe Joe Carey will have to chug and sing one of the HASH's child-inappropriate songs. Also not sure what will happen if we win...maybe Joe Carey will chug and sing one of the HASH's adult inappropriate songs...)
 
 
If you’re playing, watching or just drinking, please consider making a donation to Eddie’s recovery fund in lieu of a fee to play or drink!  Kegs from St. Arnold’s and Karbach will be provided
 
Hope to see you there!

BCRR Family Member Needs Help!


From President Rosie Schmandt:  BCRR Family Member Needs Help!

As you may have heard by now, longtime BCRR member Molly Regan, has lost her home and all of her personal belongings in the wake of a horrible fire that engulfed seven homes in Houston this past weekend.


KTRK Video

 In true BCRR community fashion, many of our club members have already stepped up to ask how they can help out.  Here are a few friendly suggestions.

IMMEDIATE CONCERNS:
In the short term, gift cards to Target or Walmart offer great flexibility to replace personal items.  We will also accept any monetary donations at Valhalla, and will convert the collection to a gift card from the club.  Since Molly is currently living in a hotel, an invitation to dinner and a chance to do laundry might be nice too.

INTERMEDIATE CONCERNS:
It may be a few months, but once Molly finds a new place to live, she’s going to need house stuff.  If you are in the process of replacing or upgrading anything in your home (bookshelf, desk, table & chairs, sofa, lamps, even kitchen tools and utensils), rather than donating it elsewhere, please set it aside.  We are thinking of starting a type of registry of household items that we can make available to Molly.  This will save her from having to buy everything brand new and all at once.  Best of all, you know your “donation” will be going to a good home!!  If you can help with large item delivery, that too would be greatly appreciated!

Please let Sam Pace (mpace1@gmail.com) or Rosie Schmandt (rschmandt@yahoo.com) know if you would like to contribute in any way. The Bayou City Road Runners are “family” to many of us and at times like this, it sure feels good to know we have family that cares. Thanks to everyone!

BCRR This Week, July 29 through August 5, 2013

HELLO BAYOU CITY!

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Welcome new members: Michael Parker, Bethany Dickinson, Subbu Venkat, Jill Fragoso and Lou Fargoso.
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Thanks to Avi Moss and Rob Walters for sponsoring the beer tab, pizzas, birthday cake and apple crisp at Valhalla on Wednesday!
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BCRR Birthdays This Week: Ben Sopchak (August 1), Joe Lengfellner * (August 3), Jill Priesmeyer (August 4), John Anderson (JP) (August 5) and Cheryl Verlander (August 6)  * = New Age Group

Have a very happy birthday!!
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Thursday, July 18, 2013

BCRR This Week, July 15 through 22, 2013


HELLO BAYOU CITY!

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Thanks to Sam Pace and Scott Bounds for picking up the beer tab at Valhalla on Wednesday.
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BCRR Birthdays This Week: Jennifer Brown (July 16), Michael Wilson* (July 16), Rick Muhleman (July 17), Marlon Sanchez (July 18), Joshua Atkins* (July 19) and Tricia Hernandez* (July 20).  * = New Age Group

Have a very happy birthday!!
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Monday, July 8, 2013

BCRR This Week, July 8 through 15, 2013


HELLO BAYOU CITY!

Welcome new members: Doug Becker, Nicole Becker, Morgan Becker, Lorraine Becker, Robert Macleod, Robert Johnson, Judy Johnson and Courtney Weimert.

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BCRR Birthdays This Week: Peggy Louie (July 9), Phillip Smith (July 10), David Harrison (July 11), Scott Bounds (July 12), John Adams* (July 14), and Ellen Pannell (July 15).  * = New Age Group
Have a very happy birthday!!
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Wednesday, July 3, 2013

BCRR This Week, July 1 through 8, 2013


HELLO BAYOU CITY!

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Thanks to Don Brenner for picking up the beer tab at Valhalla on Wednesday.  Thanks Don!
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BCRR Birthdays This Week: Joe Sellers (July 2), Iman Moussa (July 3), Mike Mangan (July 4), Matthew Inman (July 4), Carolyn Muirhead (July 5), Bernard Castro (July 7), Ana Abud (July 8) and Tom Wille (July 8).  * = New Age Group
Have a very happy birthday!
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We had lots of people stop by the BCRR tent at the Run for a Reason Party on Saturday.  Thanks to all who came out to promote the club and THE 3rd ANNUAL ALEX'S 5K & Kids' K scheduled for November 16th.  We will be moving the race this year to Tom Bass Park.  Details to follow!
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Monday, June 24, 2013

BCRR This Week, June 24th through July 1st, 2013


HELLO BAYOU CITY!

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BCRR Birthdays This Week: Maggie Cordova (June 26), Lauren Svoboda (June 29), Jesman Devia (July 1) and James Reed* (July 1).   * = New Age Group
Have a very happy birthday!
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Thursday, June 20, 2013

BCRR This Week, June 17 through 24, 2013

HELLO BAYOU CITY!

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BCRR Birthdays This Week: Don Brenner (June 19), Kim Gray (June 20), Lauren Wilder (June 23) and Richard Verm * (June 24).
* = New Age Group
Have a very happy birthday!
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Now is the time of year to renew your BCRR dues. When you renew your BCRR dues don't forget to also join HARRA so the club can claim you points at the HARRA fall and spring races and continue to be the number one running club in Houston. Renewing is easy and can be done online. Just visit our website bcrr.org and click on the Join The Club tab (which is the same as renewing). 


 HARRA Memberships expire at the end of June and if you renew before your's expires, you can get a $5 discount. Your membership gets you discounts for many races and discounts for shoes and clothes at local merchants. To renew, go the HARRA web site and on the home page, login (look on the middle of the right side for the Member Login link). Then:
Click on "MyInfo" and then "Change Membership Plan"
Click on "Continue"
Under Membership Options - Select either
Early Individual Membership
Early Family Membership

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Monday, June 10, 2013

BCRR This Week, June 10 through 17, 2013


HELLO BAYOU CITY!

In honor of National Running Day this weeks Valhalla tab was sponsored by BCRR. We had lots of potential BCRR members who regularly run at Rice stop by our hydration station and express interest in our club. Thanks to all who stopped by and helped out especially Susan Cita and Joe Lengfellner.
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BCRR Birthdays This Week: Rebecca Verm (June 13), Jonathan Zwickel (June 14), Sharon Prentice * (June 15), Jay Hendrickson * (June 16), Lloyd Luco (June 16), John Wacasey and Andrew Kenworthy (June 17)   * = New Age Group
Have a very happy birthday!
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BCRR..... "where the women are strong and the men are good looking"..... well maybe just half right. BCRR really took home the hardware at the HARRA Banquet on Sunday night and our women especially dominated. 

In the Club Competition we won the Overall Club Award, Masters Female, Veteran Male and Veteran Female. In Team Competition we won the Overall Team Award, Masters Female and Veteran Female.

In the Runner of The Season Competition Shelly Grahmann finished third place Open, Anna Helm finished third place Masters Women, Jody Berry finished second place Veteran Female and Ed Fry finished second place Veteran Male. 

Thursday, June 6, 2013

BCRR Awards Slideshow 2012-2013

Running and Service Awards for the 2012-2013 running year presented at the Awards Banquet May 29, 2013

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

The Year in Pictures Slideshow 2012-2013


BCRR - The Year In Pictures 2012-2013 Video by President Rosie Schmandt.

If you missed the slideshow at the BCRR Annual Banquet (or if you just want to see it again), here it is for your viewing pleasure! Thanks to Rosie for creating such a great photo montage of our various activities and thanks to all of you for making BCRR the best running (and playing) club in Houston!

BCRR This Week, June 3 through 10, 2013


HELLO BAYOU CITY!

Welcome New Members: Maggie Cordova, Andrew Young, Yonghong Bai and Tom Whillans.

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In honor of National Running Day this week's Valhalla tab will be sponsored by BCRR.  We will also be manning a hydration table along the running trail near the church to try to recruit some new members.  If you see some new people at Valhalla please say hello and make them feel welcome.

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BCRR Birthdays This Week: Steve Hannson (June 7), Caryn Honig (June 8), Fred Steves (June 8), David Ost (June 10) and Carol Schmidt (June 3).  * = New Age Group
Have a very happy birthday!

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Thank you to all who came out to St. Arnold's and enjoyed the awards banquet on Wednesday. Special thanks to John Phillips for emceeing the event, the organizers and volunteers that helped set up and congratulations to our winners. The board for next year will be pretty much the same as last year except it includes all new At-Large members.  Thanks to Susan Davis, Kate Phillbrick, Eric Pace and Jim Wiedemer for serving last year.  We will miss you.

2013-2014 Board
President - Rosie Schmandt

VP - Bob Thompson

Secretary - Sam McMurtrey
Treasurer - Susan Cita

Members-At-Large - Heidi Zimmerman, Andrew Kenworthy, Andrew Young and Patrick Flaherty.

Friday, May 31, 2013

The HARRA Summer Celebration: An event not to be missed


A special invitation from HARRA President and BCRR member Joe Carey to attend the HARRA Summer Celebration:

On June 9th, the guest speaker at the HARRA celebration will be Brant Kotch, the Race Director and President of the Houston Marathon Committee.   

Brant is sure to touch on a lot of items of great interest to the running community, including status of the new course, his experience in Boston, impact of the Boston tragedy on major marathons, the future aspirations for the signature running event in Houston - it's size, the potential to get the Olympic Trials again, and more, and the positive impact the marathon has on the community.    You will have a chance to give feedback and ask questions - we know you have them!

The event takes place on June 9 at 6pm at the Cadillac Bar on Shepherd.  If you register online before midnight tomorrow (June 1), you will get your Tex Mex meal and two beverages all for $22.  On Sunday the price goes up to $30.   Don't wait, space is limited.     

Register at 

See you there and best regards,

Joe Carey

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Candidates running for reelection to the BCRR Board of Directors 2013-2014

Voting for next year's Board of Directors will take place at the BCRR Annual Awards Banquet Wednesday, May 29th at St. Arnold's Brewery. Details see Here.

The following board members are seeking reelection for the 2013-2014 term after serving the last year in these positions. Below are their candidate statements from 2012 (view candidate statements for open Member-at-Large positions here) :

President   

Rosie    Rosie Schmandt

I am honored to be nominated for the position of BCRR president this year. I previously served on the BCRR board for 5 years, as an ad hoc member during David Gaughn's presidency, as an at-large member for two years during Mark Fraser's presidency, and finally as VP during April Murphy's presidency. Since then, I've been happy to work behind the scenes as a BCRR booster. I love this club!

BCRR has had fantastic leadership over the years. If elected, I hope to follow in the footsteps of our past boards, all of who have been very inclusive in the management of our club. Any and all help will be gratefully accepted. The coordination of BCRR running and social events within the framework of a busy HARRA race schedule requires a real team effort, not only from the elected board members, need the participation of all of our members in the HARRA fall and spring series to make the 2012-13 running season a successful one!

Just to change things up, I would like to revive some of our older social events in addition to our regular happy hours. We need get the "Why I run instead of bowl" trophy out of mothballs and back into circulation (ask around about the origins of this coveted trophy). Scrabble and poker runs, and softball challenges have been a fun way to mix and mingle with other running clubs. Volleyball and a new favorite, croquet, are also great happy hour events that I hope to continue.

As a newcomer to Houston, I joined BCRR as a way to get in shape and make new friends outside of work. I got more than that. I was welcomed as a member of an extended family ... one that runs. BCRR got me through my first marathon, 17 more after that, and hopefully many more to come. Believe me, this is not something I could have done on my own. I've never seen a group of people who support each other, in good times and in bad, both on and off the road, like the members of the Bayou City Road Runners. I am a proud member of this great club, and will try my best to serve our membership. I appreciate your support.


Vice  President

Bob Robert (Bob) Thompson

It is an honor to have been nominated for the vice president position for the new BCRR board. I have been a recreational runner for over 25 years and a BCRR club member since 2005. BCRR has not only made me a better runner but also a better person. I have met and become friends with a number of great BCRR members. During that time I have gone from running mostly alone to hardly ever running alone because of these friendships.

What I like most about our club is that we are a very diverse group. We have serious runners, casual runners and members from many different cultures and backgrounds. The club has a lot of social activities, which has allowed me to gain many new friends.

I feel I am a good candidate for the board because I have a great deal of prior experience serving on committees for scouting (both Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts) as well as school activities for both of my children. I have developed management and problem solving skills from starting and running a small business.

During my seven years with the club I have volunteered and/or participated in many races for the club. Very importantly, I am a good team member. Rosie has been a good friend of mine for many years. I will do everything I can to help her succeed as the new president and to help BCRR continue to be the best and most fun running club in Houston.

  



Secretary  
Sam    Samantha (Sam) McMurtrey


Years in BCRR: 3.5 years
Favorite Running Event: All of them


Hello BCRR: Most of you already know who I am but to confirm, I am British, mother of two girls, and a dog named Max. I have been a member of BCRR for about 2.5 years and this will be my second year to be nominated for a Member At Large position. I have had a lot of fun working on the board this past year and hope to continue the service by giving back to the club as much as I have received.





Treasurer
Susan    Susan Cita

I am very grateful to be nominated for BCRR Board for 2012-2013. When I started exercising in 2005, I never thought I would join a running club, any more than I thought of running numerous marathons, half marathons and 5Ks, but I surprisingly have.

Since joining BCRR in 2006, I have enjoyed being an active member, BCRR supported race volunteer, BCRR Relay Team Masters Women Captain (2008), recipient of Dale Holder Award (2009 & 2011), Alex's 5K Food Service Coordinator (2011 & 2012), and Houston Marathon 20-mile BCRR Hoopla Station Coordinator & Sponsor (2008-2012)

My experience, past and current, in other non-profit and community improvement organizations include volunteering for Keep Houston Beautiful, Trees for Houston, Habitat for Humanity, and The Houston Food Bank; past Treasurer for Friends of Piedmont Park and The Piedmont Park Conservancy in Atlanta; past Treasurer, Chairperson, and Texas State Conference Chair for the American Society of Landscape Architects Houston/Gulf Coast Section; and current City of Houston Clean City Commissioner.

BCRR is great running club that truly has a positive effect on Houston. I would be very honored to serve on BCRR's 2013-2013 Board and continue to support our club in any way I can.

Candidates for Member at Large Positions on the BCRR Board 2013-2014



The following members are candidates in the Member at Large Category. Voting will take place at the BCRR Annual Awards Banquet Wednesday, May 29th at St. Arnold's Brewery. Details see Here. (Read statements from board members seeking reelection here)


Andrew Kenworthy

I am Andrew Kenworthy. I was born and grew up in Scotland and first came to the US in 2001. I lived in New Orleans where I was a very active member of the running and Triathlon community. I moved to Houston in July 2010 and joined BCRR in fall after running with a primarily New Orleans based team competing in “ the Reach to the Beach relay” with 2 great BCRR runners Alonso Vargas and Simon Brabo

Alonso and Simon shamelessly sold BCRR as the best running club in Houston to my wife Tina Reynolds and myself on the trip. Simon and Alonso you were right!

Having run regularly with BCRR on both Wednesdays and Sundays over the last nearly 3 years I have got to know a great and fun group of runners and I have gained a tremendous amount from their selfless hard work that continues to make BCRR the great club that it is. Having benefited from others effort. I believe it is time I stand up and do my part for the club. 

Although it is a few years since I volunteered I do have some past experience helping run running/drinking organizations. I am a past Beijing hasher-master and was very active member of the Aberdeen hash. 

The primary reason I joined BCRR was I feel it is a great balance between a group of people who love to run, but also like to have fun as well. I hope to be able serve the club in the coming year and help continue this tradition. 


Andrew Young 

I am a chemist with the Dow Chemical Company. I grew up in Minneapolis and I most recently lived in Champaign, Illinois. I am 29 years old and I have been running for about 15 years now. I have been a member of BCRR since 2012, when I moved to Houston. For me, BCRR has been a phenomenal group of people for both running and socializing and it has done a lot to smooth my transition to a new city. I would like to serve on the board be cause I want to give back to the club and to help it become an even better organization than it already is.

Heidi Zimmerman

Heidi Zimmerman started distance running when she turned 12 and never slowed down. Aside from training and competing, she loves reading and baking. She has taught 3rd and 4th grade for the last six years and is hoping to find a school counseling job for the fall. Heidi joined BCRR when she first moved to Houston three years ago. She was looking for a group to help her fit in her long runs, but the friendship she has made within the club make being a member extra special. After her apartment caught on fire in 2011, people from the club rallied together to help her pack and move. With graduate school almost behind her, she is ready to pay it forward as an at large member for the club. 


Patrick Flaherty

I would like to serve the club as an At Large Member of the Board for the 2013 -2014 club year. 

I have been a BCRR member since returning to Houston from Dallas in December 2004. How time flies. I have always enjoyed running, socializing and associating myself with good people. I have found all three at BCRR. 

Running is our common bond. It is probably the thing that brought most of us to the club. But it is the friendship among members that keeps us part of the group. BCRR has been a successful organization for over 25 years. We are all part of that in one way or another. I count myself as a small link in a large chain and will continue to be a link in whatever roll I have with the club.

Quick tidbits about me: 
· Native Texan
· Texas Aggie
· CPA
· Serious but not that serious of a runner
Don’t claim to be an expert at anything but I do know a little about a lot.


Nicole Richardson Desai






Biography/statement not received in time for this posting.





BCRR This Week, May 27 through June 3, 2013


HELLO BAYOU CITY!

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Thanks to Bill Lindsey who hosted the tab at Valhalla on Wednesday.
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Welcome New Members: Ananya Srikanth, Jamie Varughese and Penny Martin
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BCRR Birthdays This Week: Sonja Longbotham (May 31), Lisa Fletcher Pace (June 1), Claire Greenberg (June 1), Joe Carey (June 2), Paul Cooley (June 3) and Bill Tommaney (June 3).  
Have a very happy birthday!
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BCRR Annual Awards Banquet tomorrow at 6:00pm at St. Arnold's Brewery located at 2000 Lyons Avenue (Directions below).
It's also a great time to renew your annual BCRR membership. Only $20 for HARRA Members and $25 for non-HARRA Members (but why would you not be a HARRA member?)    If you did not RSVP last week you will not be able to attend.

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Eddie Rodriguez: Get Well Soon!!

As most of you know by now, longtime BCRR member Eddie Rodriguez was injured in an automobile accident while driving from Austin to Houston on Saturday April 27th. Another driver crossed the median and hit his truck head on. He was trapped inside the vehicle crushing his feet and fracturing his ribs and sternum. He lost skin on one foot due to a fire inside the vehicle. He has already had many operations and is still hospitalized at the Brackenridge Hospital in Austin.

April Murphy shares her special recovery drink with Eddie
Not only was Eddie a past president of BCRR, he is one of HARRA's most active members, a PIM coach, and has volunteered on numerous race committees and in the running community for many years. Lisa Foronda has been raising money to help with Eddie's medical expenses and to cover travel expenses for his mother and brother in Austin while he recovers. So far she has raised over $12,000. You can send a PayPal donation to https://www.paypal.com/webapps/mpp/send-money-online and use the recipient email of edrod.fund@gmail.com

There is also a special Facebook page, "Let's Brighten Eddie's Day", dedicated to news and well-wishes for and about Eddie. BCRR and the Houston running community have really reached out to Eddie and his family during this difficult time and many have made the trip to Austin to visit him. Recently, BCRR members came together at Valhalla to send Eddie our collective virtual expression of love and support from afar.


Jen McKay and Loris Fusi-Goldberg went to visit Eddie in Austin to special deliver a poster-sized get well banner from all of us (thank you June Harris, for creating the banner).
Jen, Loris and Eddie
We are looking forward to Eddie's return to Houston and know that this won't keep him down for long!