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Brandon Running Association

The following is the workout schedule for the week of 06/02/08.

*** Note ***- All start times are 6:30 pm unless otherwise stated.

*** Note ***- Be aware that some run starting times may change. Watch for
additional e-mail notices concerning any starting time changes. If unsure, please
contact one of the run coordinators for confirmation.

Monday – Hill workout at the Indian Hills subdivision.

Tuesday – A group run starting from the YMCA around the loop at Nature's Way.

Wednesday – group run starting from the 7-11 at the corner of Fishhawk and Bell
Shoals.

Thursday – Track workout at the Riverview High School track.

Saturday – A group trail run at Balm-Boyette Scrub Preserve in Lithia. The start
time is 7:00 am. Additional messages concerning this workout will appear later in
the week.

Sunday – group run starting from the Tennis Courts at Natures Way beginning at
5:00 pm.

General Membership Meeting:

6:30 PM every 3rd Tuesday of the month at Giordano's across from Sports Authority on Causeway in Brandon. Complimentary
beverages and appetizers are provided by Brandon Running Association.

Next Social to be announced.

Membership dues are as follows:

Individual - $10 Annually

Student - $5 Annually

Family - $15 Annually

You can download the Brandon Running Association application HERE.

The General membership meetings are an opportunity for our members to get together, socialize. and discuss club
business and plans. Beer, Wine, and Appetizers are provided free of charge as a club amenity. The atmosphere is very
informal, relaxed and fun. Great place to come to meet with a group of folks with a common interest in running.

Membership is not required to run with us! We just love to run, and the more the merrier.

P O Box 1564
Brandon, FL 33509
ph: 813-988-6654
alt: 813-690-6153
doza077@aol.com

Group Runs:

Brandon Running Association

P O Box 1564
Brandon, FL 33509
ph: 813-988-6654
alt: 813-690-6153
doza077@aol.com

Group Runs:

Brandon Running Association

P O Box 1564
Brandon, FL 33509
ph: 813-988-6654
alt: 813-690-6153
doza077@aol.com

Group Runs:

Brandon Running Association

Testimonials:

We love to run and we know that you do too! Here are some testimonials from local
runners. If you would like to add one, please email it to the Webmaster. BRA had 8
members qualify for the 2008 Boston Marathon, and 12 members qualify for the
both 2009 and 2010 Boston Marathons. BRA also has 4 certified run coaches,
one Olympic caliber swim coach, and a number of triathletes to learn from.

I just really wanted to thank those who came out yesterday (Gasparilla Races 2009) and
supported everyone. And also those who ran yesterday AND still supported everyone! Dorcas is a
phenomenal "team mom" and John Milsaps is a true trooper for sticking it out all day, and helping get
some food from the Columbia. Kalani, Patricia, Tom, both Steves and Elton were also phenomenal.
Rebecca really helped me out in the changing clothes department (thanks for preventing a "free
show"). I really could go on and on....

I really, really can't thank the BRA enough for letting me be a part of such a great group of people and
AMAZING runners. Officially, I think I am addicted but more to the camaraderie and group spirit than the
actual running part.

THANKS AGAIN AND GREAT JOB BRA!
Beth S. (Gasparilla 2009)

I just joined the club a few months ago (before Gasparilla Races 2009) and have been in clubs in NY
and southeast Florida. I don't recall being in a club as supportive as this one in my 26 years of running.
Steve Swift was in the tent in gale force winds and brought the beer and sandwiches while frequently
trying to keep our tent together. Holly, another newer female member, brought chocolate chip cookies.
Elton and Patricia were on the course to cheer me on and I think Kathy met me at the finish. (Please
identify yourself if I'm wrong). Dorcas also saved me a parking spot. She's done other favors in the past
like lending me her headlights. My time was a personal worst in Florida, 2:07:35 (my worst was the
Bronx half a few summers ago.)   I look forward to the next workout.
Bob H. (Gasparilla 2009)

I know exactly how you feel (moving a bit slowly) after the Disney Marathon. Great time and
congratulations!! I would also like to thank everyone for their support during this training time.

Thank you to Dorcas for running with me at 5am when you could have been sleeping. Also thank you
for telling me you just "needed to get the miles in, time wasn't important" when running with my slow
butt. Thank you to Elton for making me a plan and meeting me at mile 18. My toe was hurting so much
at that point, I honestly don't know if I would have finished. Having you there kept me race walking and
the goal in sight.

I have decided to do another marathon, but not any time soon. I'm off today and tomorrow so I'm taking
it easy. Thank you again to everyone.
Tina C. (Disney 2009)

I just got home from Orlando and though I am moving EXTREMELY slow, I am still basking in the
after-marathon- glow. What an amazing and agonizing experience.

I want to say thank you to all of you who helped me succeed at this goal. When I first decided to commit
to a marathon the only thing I wanted to achieve was a finish but after Elton put together my training
plan I saw what he felt I had the potential to do and I started working toward that goal. This likely wasn't
the smartest time in my life for me to take on training for a marathon.

As a single parent with a career, house, dog and attempts at a social life, I really struggled with finding
the time to train. But the support and encouragement from everyone in BRA kept me going.

I want to give a special thanks to John Evans. He didn't have to put in the mileage I did those last few
weeks, but he graciously kept me company on my long runs and pushed me through them every step
of them. And I was thrilled when he offered to come over to Orlando and run with me the last 8 or so
miles of the marathon. And I have to say I don't know that I could have made my goal without him.

P O Box 1564
Brandon, FL 33509
ph: 813-988-6654 alt: 813690-6153

I started fading fast at about mile 24 and there were many times the words "I can't do it" came out of
my mouth. But John never once believed me, and he refused to let me stop and fail.

My goal going in was 4:23:00 (my daughter's birthday of 4/23/00). Coming in at 4:20:34 was a dream
come true!

Thanks again to all of you. I'm looking forward to a quiet week but I'll be back out there soon. And yes ...
I likely will subject myself to this again. Maybe not anytime real soon but I'm not done by a long shot!
Rebecca B. (Disney 2009)

My thanks to everyone also! It was definitely a memorable experience. To those of you that suffered
through that weather on Sunday during the marathon - you deserve an extra medal! That weather was
brutal (contrary to what the German chick said in the newspaper; YES, it was all that bad!)

Thanks Tom for the workouts and advice; Steve for lugging the coolers and doing all the legwork for us
and for clearing the tent of interlopers; Kathy for being so kind to give me a ride; Elton and Patricia for
cheering for me on the route and to all for your kindness and making me feel welcome.
Holly L. (Gasparilla 2009)

(What an experience).......that wouldn't have been possible without all of you. You managed to make one of the groups
slowest runners feel like she just won the Olympic Marathon gold medal. It was one of the toughest days ever but may
have been the most satisfying (not counting my intimate experiences with Tom of course). I can never give adequate
thanks to everyone for their support but will try below in no particular order.

- My pacing corps... Marjorie (who is now running for two but still got out there to pace me), Patricia (She's my hero!
After PR'ing the 15K the day before she tacked on TWELVE miles to support me on Sunday. I have more to say about
her later), Stacy (who sprinted the day after her race to make sure she paced me a couple of miles), Kalani (running
the ugliest 1/4 mile with me after standing in wind and rain), Tom (my favorite pacing face in the world), Elton (who
must have already run 20 pacing miles before I came in), and Dorcas (willing to hold me while it appeared I was going
to be sick. If that isn't love of a mother what is?). You guys made the impossible (me getting to the finish line)...
happen.

- Julie out in the wind and rain with that beautiful sign.

- Kathy for putting together my training schedule and giving on line encouragement for the past several months.

- Kalani and Beth for doing the loooong training runs with me.

- Steve, Josh, Kris & John Steel Buns for organizing the post race BRA celebration. It was a great idea and perfectly
executed.

- Nora, Beth, Kalani and Rebecca for our on line support sessions prior to the race.

- Tam and Dave for the thoughtful "you can do it" present.

- Steve and Kris for hanging around until the last possible moment to watch me come in. (Seeing as your plane never
left, so sorry you couldn't stay for the champagne toast.)

- Leslie, Patrick and Elton for making it a point to have champagne on hand to celebrate!!!! (None of whom even drink.)
It was soooooo good.

- Beth for her great card and gift.

- Matt for insisting I get the "better" medal.

- Last but certainly not least, thanks to those who showed up or stayed the long hours after your own race to watch me
finish! The weather was miserable and I was astounded at how many people were still there. (Hopefully, John Evans
doesn't come down with pneumonia.) Crossing the finish line with all of you cheering me on... it was surreal. I'm not a
crying sort but I sobbed. I felt like the "Rudy" of Notre Dame fame. The theme from Rocky would not have been
inappropriate. There aren't words to express how special you made me feel.

I love you all. You are our extended family.
Veronica H. (Gasparilla 2009)

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