HMSA Fun Activities
We all came together because of our love of running. That sport can be a tough master if you're competitive. And many of our runners are but, as we said, with HMSA, it's participation that counts. Here are some of our major activities and they do draw a crowd. Have a look at the pull-down menu on the left.
|
The Bayou City Classic In
the spring of each year members look forward to this fun-filled event.
One of the best things about it is that it gives members the opportunity
to plan and work ahead to make award winning costumes for the centipede
competition. HMSA always has the most original and well executed
design. Runners must be joined and run the race together — the
centipede! Two of our best costumes designs appear. The St. Arnold's
six-pack was our first design. That and the LifeSavers are two of our
best. We'd love to have you join us.
| |
Celebrations!
HMSA
holds four major events during the year. Our Spring Awards
Banquet comes at the beginning of May, which is also pretty much the end of
running season in Houston and time to honor our active bunch of
members. This one is a checkered tablecloth affair, as opposed to the more
casual setting of our December Holiday Party which also serves as a
thank you for our 25K volunteer force. The menus are sumptuous and
plentiful at this sit-down dinner. Our
Holiday Party gives us the occasion to
contribute to the Seasons. There is an entry fee — a child's toy or a
warm clothing item. We
collect almost a hundred items and they are donated to one of
Houston's shelters for children. Pictured are David Holloway and Joe
DeBruyn who along with German Collozas are the official planners of our
events.
To celebrate the opening of the fall running season, members gather for
a Pool Party at the home of one of our members. It's a pot-luck affair and a gathering of
the clan after the summer hiatus.
Lest you
think we're all about parties, these events also serve as meeting time.
Business is conducted at each and elections are held at the spring
banquet.
We invite you to join us and join the fun.
| |
Pancakes in the Park and Ugly/Pretty Feet Contests
We
look forward to the month of July! Why, you ask — it's too hot to run in
Houston's muggy heat. In July, we have our annual breakfast in Memorial
Park. Pancakes, French toast, bagels, fruit, yogurt, breakfast tacos
absolutely loaded.
But first, we must run. It's a predict your time,
once around the Picnic Loop, so you can take your time if you like. Lots
of prizes and before the day's over, almost everyone walks away with a
prize.
After we're all stuffed, there is the Ugly/Pretty
Foot Contests, with lots of folks qualifying and anxious to show off
their ugly toes. And runners do display some ugly ones — purple toe
nails, crooked toes (as pictured), a real podiatrist's delight. In
recent years, we've added a Pretty Feet competition and there are a few
qualifiers. We always have a celebrity judge who doesn't seem to mind
examining feet. Ugh!
It happens on the second Sunday of July (give or take a week) and we'll look for you to join us for a great time.
|
Texas Metric Marathon
November
is the month! For over 20 years, HMSA has put on the 25K event of the
Marathon Warm-Up Series, a series of three races leading to the Chevron
Houston Marathon in January. Distances are gradually increased as the
runner trains for the big event. This year (2011), you'll see a
change. Instead of the 25 kilometer distance, we are switching to the
metric marathon distance of 26.2 kilometers, just a tad more than the 25
kilometers. The course will be pretty much the same, just a bit added
to the beginning of the loop course to make up the extra distance.
And
volunteers are needed — before, during and after the race. So there's
room for everyone to help. It's a great opportunity to meet fellow club
members. Contact us at hmsa@houstonmasters.org.
| |
|
