January 2010 Letter from Donna
Happy New Year Everyone!
And oh what a f-f-f-frigid New Year it has been so far. We have a number of runners coming from Alaska this year who will be interested to know that Juneau was warmer than Jacksonville Beach for much of last week! We barely made it out of the 30’s in the first half of the month, but this week we peaked back into the balmy 50’s!
I’ve heard from a number of you who have asked me to tell the weatherman we need at least a slight warm up for the race next month. The order is in. Just a reminder, we average lows in the 40’s and highs in the 60’s for February so hopefully we will all get a chance to defrost a bit.
This issue of the newsletter and the next will provide you with the all important information you need to know for race weekend so make sure you read them thoroughly.
Everything from shuttles, to hotels to confirmation numbers and beyond. We’ll update you on our continuing quest be one of the “greenest” races around.
I’m thrilled to report that our running royalty, Joanie Benoit Samuelson and Bill Rodgers will be back with us this year. We also have an impressive group of elites running and some fantastic speakers lined up for your enjoyment at the expo. Speaking of the expo, we have found what I think is a perfect home for it at Jacksonville’s Prime Osborn Convention Center. You’ll pick up your race packets there on the 19th and 20th. A confirmation email will be coming to you in the early part of February.
We’ve added a great deal of entertainment on the course. Forty bands will serenade you along your journey and we have a special surprise for you on the bridge this year. You’ll have plenty of company to get you over the hump at mile 25! There is also a special “survivor’s tent” for our most honored runners. If you are a breast cancer survivor you will definitely want to check it out.
If you are someone you love is a Parrothead, we have more great news. Jimmy Buffet is coming to Jacksonville race weekend. We’ve set up a link to buy tickets.
Ok, I’m going to take a breath and let you read on. Happy Running and keep those WHY I’M RUNNING letters coming. They are inspiration for sure! I’ll see you next month!
In the meantime, if you happen to be in the Phoenix area I’ll be at the 26.2 With Donna booth at the Phoenix Rock N’ Roll Marathon this weekend so stop by and say hello and I’ll be chatting with you on Facebook and Twitter. If you haven’t done so already, become a fan of 26.2 With Donna and get to know some of your fellow runners!
Let’s Finish It!
Donna
