I was hoping to race a 5K in early July, acting as a host for the event... unless you were planning on skipping any races up here in the Spring. Of course, you could always run the Capitol Classic 10K in May.

When do you anticipate coming up here for a race, though? Keep in mind I'm only planning on doing one a month, but you might be able to convince Alden to have another one.

Two more races to add to the Spring Schedule: 4/12/08 (Sat) - Invisible Children 5K - St. Mary's City, MD 6/?/08 (Sat) - National Trails Day 5K - St. Mary's City, MD

This is something for Joe (and possibly Alden or even Rick) to think about. Volunteering would be an excellent way of showing League fellowship. And this is from the CBRC marathon page ... Volunteers are needed as course marshals, bicycle escorts, water/aid station crew, and for various duties at the finish line, such as handing out medals and serving "immediate replenishment" food and drink to the finishers. Volunteers will receive a commemorative race t-shirt and effusive thanks from the runners and race organizers, and are welcome to join in the post-race festivities. Volunteering is a fun and rewarding way for non-runners to get involved in road racing. Runners, if your support crew wants to do more than cheer from the sidelines, we'd love to have them help out. They can staff a water/aid station in the early miles of the course, and return to the finish line in time to give you your finisher's medal. We also need volunteers for pre-race activities such as bag stuffing (bib #'s, t-shirt, and course info) and registration. If you're an EMT, or CPR or Basic First Aid certified, you're especially needed at an aid station on the course, or at the finish line. Volunteers can also win an award without running on race day. A prize will be given to the best water/aid station based on spirit (loud cheering!) and efficiency. We'll provide the water, sports drink, and gels - you provide the cheers, and anything else that runners might like - Gummi Bears, M&M's... This is a great opportunity for sports teams, scout troops, charitable organizations, or any group of friends to show support for our runners and give them a Southern Maryland welcome! We'll train you for your race-day duties. If you're interested in volunteering, contact Liza Recto at lizalasagna@hotmail.com or by phone at (301) 863-8431. We'll put you on the volunteer list and keep you updated.

I wouldn't expect you to make the trip down just to cheer and/or volunteer at the race, but if you by chance had a more worthwhile motive for journeying home that weekend, the marathon would still be there. I actually sent all that volunteer information out in a group e-mail to my department. I've had no response.

I'm afraid I'll be rather hesitant to go out celebrating for anything the night before the marathon --- especially since I'll have to get up at the equivalent of 4 a.m. (the marathon starts at 7:15 a.m. on the day we lose an hour due to Daylight Savings, and thus it will feel very much like a 6:15 a.m. start).

Marathonguide.com has a runner's review comment thread for every marathon, and here are a couple glowing posts received by last year's Lower Potomac River Marathon (which I hope will motivate everyone to become a part of this event): Special place for a special race! (about: 2007) Course: 5 Organization: 5 Fans: 5 Patrick Lynam from Arnold,PA (3/17/07) 6-10 previous marathons | 2 Lower Potomac River Marathons This race will always have a SPECIAL place in my heart among the marathons I have done. What a great time was had by all whom I spoke with at the post-race feast! Liza is a fantastic race director (every e-mail was answered within 24 hours). The volunteers on the course were outstanding, and those behind the scenes did a wonderful job also. Though the spectators were few, each was enthusiastic and encouraging. The course is very scenic and some light hill training would be advised. This has to be one of this best-kept secrets in marathoning. Post-race meal is SECOND TO NONE!! It is a FEAST. Believe me when I tell ya, if you register for this one and expect a great time, you will not be disappointed. This race has sold out the last two years, so don't wait till the last minute to register. Thanks again, Liza and the CBRC. I hope to stay injury-free and return to LPR next year!! --- Perfect 10 Marathon (about: 2007) Course: 5 Organization: 5 Fans: 5 D. L. from Durham, NC (3/12/07) 11-50 previous marathons | 2 Lower Potomac River Marathons Thank you, Liz Recto, for organizing this marathon! This marathon just has everything a small marathon should have: A beautiful course (especially the first 10 miles around St. George's Island and around the Piney Point Lighthouse), amazing organization (it just doesn't get any better organized, really!), and the friendliest collection of volunteers and runners. If you are looking to make 200+ new friends while running 26.2 miles, this race is for you. And, the post-race buffet lunch is, by far, the best you'll ever see. Other nice things: Getting to sit inside on a couch before the start, being able to have your friends or family cheer for you around the course, and just feeling special for being there. I've run it twice (2007 and 2006); by far, this one gets a perfect 10. Consider yourself lucky to run this one.

A minor correction --- the marathon is on Sunday, March 9th. Also, don't forget the Walden Sierra 5k on Saturday, June 14th. Here's an updated list with "*" next to ones I intend to run and "?" next to ones I might run: 3/9 - LPRM * 3/16 - Kelly St. Patrick's Day Shamrock 5K (Baltimore, MD) 3/29 (Sat) Keep Your Colon Rollin' 5K Huntingtown, MD ? 4/12 (Sat) - Invisible Children 5K - St. Mary's City, MD ? 4/18 - Run for Hospice 5K/10K (Leonardtown, MD) * 5/18 - 28th Annual Capitol Hill Classic 10K (Washington, DC) ? 6/? - National Trails Day 5K - St. Mary's City, MD 6/7 – Saturday Kiwanis 10K Crofton, MD * 6/14 - Walden/Sierra XC 5k (Greenwell State Park) *