Meeting called to order 6:02pm
Attendance: Annie Hadow, Roger Boak, Randy Carlson, Roy Lira, Brian Smyth, Barbara Shepard, Steve Shepard, Noah Mathews, Tom McBrayer, Paul Cooley, Audrey Christiansen, Doug Spence, Jo Ann Luco, Geoff Guenther, Rachel Guenther.
1. Membership Update—Barb
There was a heavy sign-up prior to both the Cross Country Relay and Marathon
Signup Party. Membership stands as of the meeting at 1,170, well ahead of
last year at this time. Steve said there was a positive response to his email
to club presidents listing individual members and outstanding non-members
in order to encourage HARRA sign-up.
2. Metro Houston Fit Visits on 9/25—Steve
Organizing to visit Fit sites. Steve asked for Saturday volunteers.
Appears we will have enough volunteers for Memorial Fit, Katy Fit and Fort
Bend Fit.
3. Houston Harriers Spring Cross Country Race—Randy and Brian Smyth
Brian reviewed Houston Harrier plans for a Spring Cross Country Race
(6k or 8k) to be held on a 2k loop on hills below AIG building. The race would
use the same course as the National Cross Country Championships held in February
2003. No frills race with low entry fees, perhaps $11 for non-HARRA members,
$10 for members. Low budget, no police protection required. Brian estimated
300 people. Barb suggested preparing for 500. Steve asked if the course conditions
could handle 100 people per heat. Roger advised the Tour de Bayou has used
the course successfully with 150 participants. Proposed date is February 5th;
Brian will confirm no conflict with the Austin Marathon and Conoco Rodeo Run.
Discussion around logistics issues such as the famous bridge that needed to
be built for the National Championships and required approval by the Coast
Guard. Brian is not anticipating similar problems arising. Steve proposed
adding the race to the HARRA Spring Series in principle, and inviting Brian
to come back in November for a detailed race review. Seconded. Approved unanimously
by acclamation.
4. Oshman’s 25k, 8.4k Loop Race Review—Randy and Paul Cooley
Paul reviewed HARRA Race Requirements for the Oshman’s 25k. Insurance
certificate received. The races will be very similar to last year except that
the 8.4k doesn't coincide with World Day this year. Each mile will have timers
this year, an improvement over last year’s every second mile. Steve said HARRA
will help with website visibility, and coverage in Inside Texas Running.
5. Memorial Park Master Plan Update—Randy
Roger recapped Trail Committee meeting. A professional group of volunteers
are going to clear trail space at entrance to Arboretum, and between Woodway
and Memorial. Park to remove fallen trees. Details still forthcoming on how
grant money will be spent. City labor can be counted towards the grant, thus
the HARRA fund can be postponed towards the next grant.
6. Practice for the Tour Status and Plans—Roger
On target. Four Wednesdays in October. Ho Chi Minh, White Oak Bayou
and Shepherd/Memorial. Steve asked Roger for content for the Web site, pictures
etc. Roger will follow up.
7. Cross-Country Relay Post-Mortem—Steve/All
Recap of the race. Overall a fine success despite the hot weather,
with 88 teams, an increase of 32 over 2003. Fall Series results plan - Audrey
will get mail memberships to Barb by Thursday/Friday, Barb will ensure the
membership rolls are up to date, Steve will get team rosters from Ramona Zamudio
of the Tornados. All will be forwarded to Roger who will compile over the
weekend, and Geoff will post on the web site as soon as he receives them.
8. Activity Updates
Club dues—Audrey
14 of 17 have paid. Steve and Roger will follow-up with reminders.
Website—Geoff
HARRA Website Improvement Project is officially complete. Geoff thanked
everyone who had provided text and data. Outstanding updates include liability
insurance figures and 2003 Spring Series race results. The current host site
is seeking compensation (has previously been free). In the near future HARRA
will need to consider moving to another host site with a larger capacity.
A test model of the race evaluation form is on a test website and will be
implemented soon.
October Footprints—Roy
Roy distributed a proof of October - looks great, but Roy will ask
that non-HARRA ads be replaced with more photos. The same clubs are submitting
articles. Steve asked if plans are in place for a Cross Country Relay write-up
for November. Roy will follow up.
Member Discount Program—Doug
Businesses will be added/deleted to the website. The website will
therefore be the most current source for Membership Discount Program information.
Power in Motion—Lisa
Steve filled in for Lisa. PIM is going strong in its third week with
over 200 participants a typical number for a Fall session.
1000, 1000, 1000—Steve
The thousandth member to Jerry Smith's email list, to sign-up online,
and for the 2004/5 season have all recently been recorded. Steve proposed
extending their memberships one year and publicizing on the web site and through
Jerry. Accepted by acclamation.
New Club –The Clare Society—Steve
Thomas Steets started a running club to encourage people to stop
smoking and run instead. Steve had asked Tom to send information to Geoff
for the website. Geoff said it was still forthcoming.
9. Open Discussion
Audrey mentioned a precision eyewear company offer for member discount.
Doug will follow-up. Steve advised the Sugar Land Duathlon has been discontinued
due to dwindling attendance and increasing costs, and Andy Stewart's spring
triathlons will be held in March and April in 2005 due to pending renovation
of the Sugar Land Aquatic Center. Tom reported on a dramatic near miss at
Try Andy's Tri when a drunken driver penetrated the bike course and nearly
hit three racers. Be aware out there and be safe!
Meeting ended 7:20pm.