Wicked Running Club

Vacation week? Too hot? Overslept? For whatever reasons, the crowd at Front Street this morning was pretty sparse. However, those who did show up got their workout in early, escaping what is predicted to be a scorcher. Starting their mad dash down Front Street are Dan, Steve, Billy, Tim, Paula, Karen (in back), Brett, and Stephanie. Tucked in back on the right is Deb who remains, much to her chagrin, on the injured list. Undaunted, she joined me for a speed walk. This is always a good run to catch up on conversation, and I was sad to hear, although I had heard rumors, that Paula Novelli, one of our newer members, will be leaving Wicked soon. The good news is that she is getting married this fall and has accepted a new teaching position in Arlington. The bad news is that she will have to relocate further south, sell her condo which is literally right around the corner from Front St, and leave Wicked. Paula is pretty bummed out about this. She attributes Wicked with helping her run faster and with meeting new friends. We will all miss Paula, too. Always pleasant, smiling, and upbeat, Paula makes the perfect running partner. I’m sure I speak for all from Wicked who have met you when I say, “Good luck. We’ll really miss you!” One nice feature about this morning was that a few of us, because of vacations, etc., were able to go to Red’s for breakfast. We’re planning breakfast again on Thursday morning, so if you’re running (or walking!) and are able and interested, you are more than welcome.

A big day is coming up this Sunday for Tim Clarke who will be participating in a Half Iron Man down in Narragansett, Rhode Island. Best of luck, Tim. Be tough! Show your Wicked colors. Look for a feature story on Tim’s “adventure” next week.

Save the date, September 15, a Monday evening, for a Wicked Running Club Pot Luck outing at Camp Naumkeag at Salem Willows. With our membership burgeoning at 85 members, we hope everyone can make it. It should be a nice event and an opportunity for everyone to get to know each other better (or, at the very least, be able to say, “Oh, I’ve seen you at races. Now I know you’re a Wicked runner!”) Also, make sure you periodically check out the “Calendar” feature on this website for important upcoming events.

Everybody have a wicked “cool” week.