Join the Gang

As you saw in my 12 of 12 (well, assuming you actually saw it or read it), I went to a business meeting for the Old Man's Running Group. 

I'm interested in doing more with the group that isn't just running, hence me going to the meeting, which is open to all 300 members. 

300. 

Kind of. 

I'd say there are a core of 50 (and I'm being generous), the others pay their dues, get their t-shirts and that's about it. And the tees are mailed to them, so they don't even bother to come in person. Anyhoo....I think there were 10 at the meeting, including moi. 

The group puts on three runs per year, which isn't little, though it sounds it. These are decent sized races, and you figure 5-10 other run clubs are also doing the same amount. There are a LOT of races in Cleveburgh. And as we are non-profit, we donate some of those funds to various organizations or charities. 

And yes, the group has a very social element to it, unlike a training group, which might not. BUT, to me, business is business and a business meeting should be run as such. Roberts Rules of Order should apply. 

Yes, I'm a stickler. 

Starting on time is a must. But no......it didn't happen. The few I've zoomed into have not either. I'm not talking by a minute or two. I mean by 20. This in person one was a little better.  10. 

It was held at a brewery, which is fine. We have our yearly banquet there. But now they do their own catering and part of the meeting was to try their food. And they have menu food and catering food, but the menus do not synch up. The club president really wanted us to try the tacos, so that was a lot of what was served........but it's not on the catering menu. 

BLERG!

We wasted time and money sampling food we couldn't order at a group event. Oh, and the president knew it. And what I saw of the catering menu will have me eating before or after the banquet.  Pierogi and sauerkraut? Kielbasa? Pretzels?  What the fuck is this - Oktoberfest ?

The food was barely passable, not that it mattered. The food service was horrid. The bartender forgot my order - twice! - from taking it to turning around to the taps. 

I got shot down when I said we should go with another vendor. "Let's give them the chance - they're new to this".  Exactly the reason NOT to do give it to them. Let them work out their deficiencies with other folks. At least I spoke up. 

But the business meeting. UGGGGGGH. 

I get it is good to really plan about the 2025 races. But people started bringing up every case scenario, almost to the: "what about the left handers who have A- blood and are in blended families?" cases. 

Ok, that might be a little extreme, but not by much. 

How about figuring out how to not serve unripened frozen bananas at the race in November, because last year it it was awful. I wasn't a part of this group yet, but ran their race. I didn't eat their chili last year, but my understanding that it was frozen too. 

Officer elections are next month. I have zero desire to be president - though I'd get to work with Jay in the above picture. A true runner and planner, but one who wears shorts even when it is in the 30s. Blondes aren't even my thing, but he was cute.  ..and married with like 3 kids. 

But I would be on board with handling the social media. It lacks - and I'm being kind. We are always talking about getting more people involved - younger ones too, as even in this group I skew young-ish - and part is clearly how things are out there, or not. 

I'm happy to help where I can otherwise, but if I take a true role, I'd rather it be with their social media and email group. I'll know in a month. 

Song by: David Bowie