EDITORIAL

2009 TO DATE DEFINED - "MOST EXCELLENT!"

Have we not had a great year, so far! There was a tremendous showing for our club in the 2009 Vancouver Island Race Series; a couple of very successful Learn to Run Programs; and some amazing destination runs. The club held a well attended 5 km race and barbecue windup in September, hopefully next year will bring out more particants. November brought the hugely successful Celebration Mile Run and Children's Relay. Not to mention, our very own club member, Shirley Wong, participating in the Olympic Torch Relay as it made its' way through Oceanside. This can only bring much anticipation for the events of 2010.

Our AGM was held November 19th and I'd like to take this opportunity to "Welcome Aboard" the new members of our 2010 Executive! Gerry Thompson, Treasurer; Sarah Rycroft, Secretary; and Michael Malony, Communications. There remains a vacancy for Media, so any interested parties should contact Rod Bailey. Truly an amazing and dedicated team of people!

Many thanks to the outgoing executive members for their dedication and ideas for the past several years, Jackie Allen, Mairi Speed, and Don Petrie. And I can only speak for myself, but I am certain they would agree; it has been a wonderful experience being on the executive and wish the new crew every success.

Good Luck this weekend to the groups going down for the Gunner Shaw. Sounds like it will be ideal conditions for you trailblazers (wet, muddy and fun)!

Don't forget to check out the website for the various weekly runs; it looks as though there are some fun and challenging activities coming up!


Until next time.....See you out there! Yours Truly, Ann


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2010 CLUB MEMBERS

It is coming up that time again. Membership forms are available online from our website Oceanside Running Club Association (www.orcarunning.ca)


Please inform Donna de Bellefeuille if your email address changes. You can contact Donna by email or call 757-9436.

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UPCOMING RACES

November 28, 2009 at 1:00 p.m., 25th Annual Harriers Gunner Shaw Cross Country
Thetis Lake Park
Register online at Events Online(http://www.eventsonline.ca/events/pih_gs/)


November 29, 2009 at 9:30 a.m, 5th Annual Cinnamon Bun Fun Run
Frank Jameson Community Centre, Ladysmith, BC
Register online at Milltown Media(http://www.milltownmedia.com/funrun/register.html/)



December 5, 2009 at 10:00 a.m, Santa Shuffle 2009
5km Fun Run or 1km Elf Walk
Running Room, Nanaimo, BC
Register online at Running Room Online(http://www.events.runningroom.com/site/?raceId=4767)



For a full list of Upcoming Races, check out the calendar at: Prairie Inn Harriers Running Club (pih.bc.ca)

NOVEMBER ARTICLE

2010 Frontrunners Island Race Series

January 10 - Central Saanich Pioneer 8K
January 24 - Cobble Hill 10K
February 7 - Cedar 12K
February 21 - Hatley Castle 8K
March 7 - Bazan Bay 5K
March 21 - Comox Valley Half Marathon
April 4 - Merville 15K
April 18 - Sooke River 10K


Registration is online at http://www.eventsonline.ca/events/virs/


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WHAT'S NEW?

Welcome New Members

No New Members

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ORCA EVENTS 2009

UPCOMING ORCA EVENTS:

2009 KEN OWEN AWARD
Over the past number of years this individual has contributed a lot to the running community in Oceanside. The choice for this year’s most inspirational Orca and the recipient of the Ken Owen Award is Rhys Harrison.

What differentiates this particular Orca member is his leadership. He has been a role model for others and has persevered through lots of challenges and encourages others to do the same.

Many have benefited from his knowledge probably without having known that Rhys was correcting form or efficiency or motivating them toward a goal. He provides gentle cueing and reminders of form in a considerate and complimentary way.

His dedication and love of the sport is inspiring. Who doesn’t want to be like Rhys training for marathon after marathon but what is really inspiring is how he is always so willing to share his vast knowledge of running with anyone.

Rhys was instrumental in providing training and assistance for the 2009 RVM and Nike races. In addition to providing personal assistance, Rhys took it one step further in creating a question and answer format on the Orca website that was in turn helpful to all members.

He also assisted the newly formed race committee by sharing his expertise in race organization with them. Many of you may not know that Rhys was a race director for the Oceanside 10K for many years.

Running with Rhys isn’t just about form and speed. He has a huge appreciation for nature and has introduced many Orca members to the bobbing American Dippers in the Qualicum River and the Wood Ducks in the trails of Fairwinds.

Congratulations Rhys!


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Be sure to use our website to view weekly run schedules, photos, and special events. Ken is continually updating so if you have any photos, articles or events, please email to Ken Peters.
ORCA Webmaster
The site is still at http://www.orcarunning.ca/


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2009 ORCA XMAS Party
Stay Posted! Details are coming soon!


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Special Discount to ORCA Members

Be sure to visit the following Team ORCA Sponsors:

Outsider - The Outdoors Store, Qualicum Beach 752-6610
-10% off running related products, excluding sale items

Frontrunners, Nanaimo 729-8200 or Victoria
-10% off anything except food, heart rate monitors or sale items

Extreme Runners, Courtenay (250)703-9544
-10% off most products

Body Works Fitness & Tanning, Parksville 248-3346
-20% off gym memberships

Body Sculptors Fitness, Qualicum Beach 752-5553
-$40 for a month membership or a ten punch card

Fitness Connection, Parksville 248-3144
-15% off membership fees

Heaven on Earth Natural Foods, Qualicum Beach 752-3132
-10% off sports nutrition items and vitamins, including items on sale

Arrowsmith Bikes, Nanaimo (behind Earl's) (250) 758-6675
- See Kebble Sheaf or Robin Dutton for 10% off all merchandise.

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2010 ORCA EXECUTIVE

President: Rod Bailey

Past-President: Randy Longmuir

Membership Director: Donna deBellefeuille

Secretary: Sarah Rycroft

Treasurer: Gerry Thompson

Events Directors: Deb Poland, Tonia Leronowich

Communications: Michael Malony

Media Contact: Vacant

Webmaster: Ken Peters

Next ORCA Meeting: Thursday, November 26, 2009
Time and Location: 7:15 pm at Pacific Brimm in Parksville. Please Email Rod Bailey
or phone 240-2331 for more details.

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Questions or comments regarding the newsletter or if you would like to submit an article, please email Michael Malony.
ORCA Newsletter Editor