The Dallas Running Club is an outstanding organization, especially for those who live in the White Rock area … and who are totally masochistic. I say that with no fear of objection because I’ve experienced the pain first hand. I signed up for the club so I could get in on the marathon-training program. When I did so, I questioned my sanity. Signing up for marathon training in the middle of Texas’ August? Brutal. I couldn’t believe it when I showed up for the first meeting in mid-July and the Winfrey Point building was packed wall-to-wall with other crazies just like me. What is wrong with us? I asked myself then … and again around mile seven Saturday morning.
Despite its location in a city that sees a good three months of 100-degree temperatures, Dallas Running Club just hit the 3,000-member mark making it the third largest running club in the U.S., behind New York Road Runners and Atlanta Track Club.
In my short time training for December’s White Rock Marathon I’ve seen several familiar faces and even run into some folks I’d never met face to face but had had plenty of contact with through the magazine, etc. Since so many of our readers are involved with the club, I’d love to hear your take on why, in hotter-than-heck Texas, we love running so much. Let me know via e-mail or comment here.
By the way, notice on the White Rock Marathon web site that the iPOD ban, which got a bit of media play last year, has been lifted. Personally, Tom Petty’s Runnin’ Down a Dream can practically carry me up a tough hill — so rock on, runners!
