Well, we have all survived the Summer of COVID and managed to keep on running.

Don Keren found some In Real Life (IRL) races and a few people went up to New Hampshire for in IRL half marathon.

And of course, Jose has been all over the country running marathons!

The Tuesday night club runs had light attendance, but everyone who was there appreciated Regina Curran and crew for making it happen.

The Fall racing season typically peaks in November, but with COVID-19 many races have been cancelled. This year it looks like the season peaked in October, perhaps September.

I’ve spoken with a few race directors who have gone virtual rather than cancel and their numbers are way down.

Like all parts of our economy and society, the racing industry is under a lot of stress right now.

Signing up for a virtual race isn’t just good for you and the charities the races sponsors, it helps keep race directors from hanging up their shoes and moving on.

It only counts if it’s timed

If a tree falls in the forest and no one is there, did it really make any noise?

While a virtual race may be virtual, it still counts if you time it and report your results!

We are rounding out October with The Melrose Y Spooky Sprint on October 31st. This is always a fun race with all the kids and costumes and everyone you know is there!

And don’t forget the donuts! Next best thing to a cold beer after a race.

November begins with the DAV 5K which you can run between November 6th and 8th. Get your results in no later than the 8th. They do not specify a time.

Registration is $45 and is open through November 8th.

Next up is the Trillium Fall 5K which you can run between November 19th and 23rd.

Registration is $45 and they do have teams. I have not created a team, so feel free.

Both 5Ks provide a shirt and a medal and support good causes.

The LIVESTRONG AT THE Y HALF MARATHON runs November 21st through 29th.

Registration is $35 and if you get in by November 1st they will provide a race shirt for you.

In December we have The Cambridge Winter Classic 5K running December 5th through the 20th.

Registration is $39 and is open through December 20th.

Runners can choose either a long sleeve gender-specific tech shirt or a cozy winter running hat.

There is a Melrose Running Club Team, so please join.

So far, no news on the Bill Rodgers Jingle Bell Run 5K. Many of us had a great time last year hanging out with Bill Rodgers and some of his buddies. That guy can tell a story!

I’m working on two multi-distance virtual races in Hawaii. I wasn’t going to do anymore marathons, but they give any of you the chance to catch up to Thuy Dang.

Marathons are worth 10 points each and I want to keep this competitive.

We ran in Juneau, so why not The Big Island and Honolulu!

Run well my Friends,

Andy