If you’ve been around this club for very long, you’ve probably realized that some of the most memorable moments aren’t when we’re actually running. Chatting in the drizzle on a wintry Sunday morning, joking in the carpool as you head off to a XC race, sipping a cold one on a warm Thursday evening, cooling down after a track workout, catching up over coffee at Aromas on a leisurely Saturday, these are the times when we get to know each other in a lasting way.

A few weeks ago about 120 of our members and families enjoyed a perfect Sonoma Saturday at Morton’s Hot Springs resort. The brainchild of long-time running aficionado Peter Kirk, the idea was to get together and eat some food, play some games and celebrate our supportive community. The inimitable Tag’s deli provided tasty snacks, salads and burgers; several people noted that they appreciated the rare occasion when they could just show up and not have to bring a potluck item.

Tori Meredith, fresh back from her weeklong stint at PE teachers’ camp, coaxed volunteers to perform various odd games of skill  (or games of various odd skills?). All sorts of objects were hurled through the air as we exhibited our rusty talents at softball, Frisbee, volleyball and bocce. Families with kids were free to come and go to the warm spring-fed pools, and several newbie members were introduced around the picnic tables.

I got talking to a nice woman and her kids from Petaluma who’d joined the club at the Resolution Run but didn’t get much chance to run in Santa Rosa, and was wondering if there anyone there who could show her the Annadel Loop course. I moseyed us on over to a chatting group that included Shirley Fee, and soon a running date was arranged for early the next morning.

Your club funded the expenses, volunteers made it happen, and members new and old had a day to remember. That’s how we run. Supportive and competitive. Hard-working and fun. In it together. This is our tribe.