Letter from the President - June 2020

It’s been a long three months since our last quarterly newsletter. Unprecedented, social distancing, cancelled, closed, virtual, new normal…are all words that have become part of almost every conversation. While running is a great solo activity and as runners we have a distinct advantage mentally and physically over a lot of the population, it still has been tough on us. Cancelled races, no group runs, and our favorite running stores being severely impacted are just some of the changes we’ve had to deal with. I can’t remember a time going out to Good Earth State Park and seeing the parking lot even half full, and the couple times I’ve been out there recently, it’s pretty much full! The bike trail is almost impossible to ‘social distance’ on too, as it’s packed on any nice day. While it’s great to see so many people getting out and exercising, it takes a bit of getting used to for sure.  

Most of you can probably relate to me, in that your running has given you a mental break from being cooped up in your home. It’s also given me time to get a needed break from my family, and them a break from me! Like many of you, I also had three races turned virtual. I commend the race directors for still putting the races on virtually and not straight up cancelling. We as a club have some decisions to make soon on the fate of the 4th annual Trail Race Series. While things are opening back up and it seems like we should be able to hold the events, large gatherings will be the last activities to return and we don’t know if a second wave will come back and put restrictions back in place.

The Sioux Falls Area Running Club will be here to help support the running community regardless of what the future may bring. Look for some virtual activities to participate in coming up soon, along with the return of group runs, and news on the changes to the Trail Race Series. Stay safe, healthy, and keep on running!

-Nathan Schwab