5:1 Group Leader Update for 8/2/2008

It’s been great to have a new influx of runners in the group – especially the younger runners bringing a whole lot of energy each Saturday morning. Getting together with a group of all ages that enjoy running is one of the best things about Saturday. I love the variety in points of view and insights and everyone’s contribution to the fun.

However, last night I was reminded how age can be a good thing – this time in the form of the amazing fusion-rock-jazz-you-name-it reunion of Return to Forever – the seminal band from the 70s feature fusion greats Chick Corea on keys, Al Di Meola on guitar, Stanley Clark on bass and Lenny White on percussion.

I first saw these guys in around 1978, traveling (I don’t remember how – I had no wheels) from Penn State to Carnegie Melon University in Pittsburgh to see them play. A couple years later they disbanded and had not played as a unit in 25 years.

To the delight of most jazz fans, they reunited this year and began touring. Last night was their performance at Ruth Eckerd hall in St. Pete – a home game for Chick Corea – he makes his home here in the bay area.

To say the band has not skipped a beat would be to say the Sears Tower is “pretty high up”. An astounding electric set was followed up after the intermission with a blazing acoustic set and a great encore. To top it off, the whole evening was being captured on 4 cameras for an upcoming DVD. Check out their web site if you are curious.

All which leads to:

1) The reason why my email is a little late, and

2) A reminder that we’re all getting better as we go along!

So here’s the running deal – most folks are meeting at the normal 5:50AM. Please come around to the 10 mile mark as we have Luis, Lindsay and myself starting at 5:00AM and I believe we will be meeting you there – if that changes I will let Naty know.

A few other notes:

· We heard from Venkat, in India for about 4 weeks. He declared he is “Busy doing nothing” and enjoying a visit with family and friends.

· We had a cooler theft at mile 2 last week – Darla came out early to put it out but it was swiped. Keep your eyes open.

· The magic mile returns in a couple weeks on 8/16 so start wrapping your head around that.

Remember that the heat is up there and Saturday morning will be in the high 70’s. I saw the heat taking its toll last week on some folks in several groups that went out a bit too fast. Let’s be careful and keep an eye on each other for any signs of distress.

Have a great Friday and see you tomorrow!

jlo