The picnic catered by Café Moxo will take place rain, shine or with extreme humidity. Please come by and enjoy your friends and a little fellowship with the other walkers/runners. It is time to celebrate the great accomplishments of the season.
The committee will have the picnic available beginning at 6:30 p.m. this evening at our regular Monday night gathering place at Lincoln Park Shelter.
If by chance you decide not to run this evening, please stop by and enjoy the picnic!
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27 comments:
This was my 1st summer in Abe's Army. I enjoyed meeting new people and running in a group did help. I am disappointed with the leadership of Abe's Army. What bothers me is the 20 minutes of unrelated information before runs. There is no reason we should have to listen to reprsenatives from other organizations speak. Also having a picnic when there is heavy rain is irresponsible. At the start of the program it was stated no runs during bad weather. I hope the leaders of this group step down next year and let others take charge that are more responsible.
I didn't mind the announcements, but what was bothersome is not being able to hear/understand most of what was being said (which I assume was important info). Any way to improve upon the terrible "megaphone" system for next year?
Thanks to the leaders of Abe's Army, btw. It was my first year and I have really enjoyed it!
Anonymous,
I am sure that the leaders would love for you to help next year.
I am also sure that the food was non-refundable and the leaders were hoping that runners could still come out and enjoy a nice dinner. It would be a shame to waste all of the food that was purchased.
The program states that the run would be cancelled for thunder but we should plan on running if it is only raining-as I look out my window, it is not raining so I see nothing irresponsible.
Please remember that this is a volunteer organization. Yes, you are paying for a service but all of the leaders are volunteers.
The fee probably barely covers all of the services provided.
Abe's Amble entry-$20
SRRC member-$15
Army tee-probably $10
Weekly ice
Probably 500 cups a week
Shelter rental
Printing cost
Log book
Who knows what else we are missing...
I have been associated with Abe's Army for 3 years now. I have never been more than a volunteer leader and usually due to health reasons have to drop out and be of assistance in any other capacity. Therefore, I have seen the WORK,DEDICATION,TIME CONSUMPTION, PUTTING UP WITH WHINING AND COMPLAINING just to get sedentary slugs like me off the couch. I would venture to guess YOU have NEVER been a Director of a race or gathering of this magnitude. Secondly, it seems to me YOU lack the ability to see how difficult this NON PAID position is. Try getting enough volunteers who actually show up and not just sign up so they can get a free entry to the race. Try arranging water stops, getting ice, making sure YOU have the correct size shirt, YOU are in the right group etc.etc.etc.!!! The announcements ARE important for your safety and others!! The Red Cross DEPENDS on community support and GOD forbid you ever need them in a disaster!!! I could go on ad nauseum but one thing I have learned is you CAN'T FIX STUPID. So how about next year YOU STEP UP or SHUT UP!! If you think you can improve on this next year I would love to help you do it. But as this year's Army comes to an end Let me say...
I AM PROUD PROUD PROUD of the women and men who came together and made this year's ARMY a success.
Yeah, maybe next year the 100+ leaders will step down and Anonymous can find 100+ leaders with magic powers to control the weather.
I agree with the 1st comment made. We are there to run not hear what the red cross has to say.
Thank you to all the leaders!!! It was a fun year.....However you don't risk people's safety because food is non-refundable. Again thank you to everyone for a wonderful year.
I would like to thank one of my group leaders Jessica English! She was there for me every Monday night. She has one of the most demanding work schedules of anyone I know and for her to take time out of her day for us is much appreciated. Thanks again Jessica!
Big Thanks to everyone involved, I love Abe's Army and what it can accomplish for anyone. Although this year had a few more bumps to overcome I still saw so many people doing what they thought they could never do. I am always inspired. My suggestion for next year is to go back to having the picnic after the Abe's race, I love hearing everyones story and it gives the trainees a chance to thank all of the volunteers.
This was my first year and I have come such a long way. I was in a group for the first 5 weeks that was awesome, just a little too fast for me. My leader worked with me and got me into the group I'm in now, and I love it. They are so supportive during the run and push me when I need it without being overbearing. I am very nervous about the actual race. I think the whole experience has been a positive one. I headed to the park last nite around 5:45, and there was lightening all around the area, so I turned around and went home. I would like to commend all the leaders and volunteers for making this a new tradition for me. Thanks again.
Abe's Army and the leaders are AWESOME!
this is my fourth year with abes second year being a leader and i have had a ball! it so much fun meeting new people and seeing them accomplish their goals. it is such a enormous undertake for the organizers...did anyone notice they never lost their sense of humor??? so for those of you who are unhappy with the training i hope you did meet some new friends and managed to have fun along the way . joy
Wow. Speaking as a volunteer leader, I will very happily "step down" next year. There are lots of other things I can do on my Monday nights.
Please do not take the remarks of one person seriously. Every event has it's ups and downs. This one certainly has tons of ups. Keep up the good work. I will definitly return next year, and the year after that.
Speaking as a leader for the last 4 years who trained with her group 2 times per week and the one who ordered your food last night and cleaned up after you and also directed a race this year, some of you who whine need to start volunteering and you'll have a total new appreciation for your leaders, race directors and hopefully can make the organization a better place. We all do the best we can.
I certainly hope that the leaders do not feel discouraged by the words of few. This was my first year and I have thoroughly enjoyed it. I will DEFINITELY be back next year! Thank you SO MUCH to those who put their time & energy into this...for taking time away from their families for all of us 'recruits'!
My advice to those with nothing but complaints - if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all and don't come back next year if it was so bad!
Thanks again to all of the leaders & volunteers for all of your hard work! It was very much appreciated by MANY!
Holy Buttercow! That was harsh, Anonymous. Clearly, I understand. I mean, why on earth would our Leaders not be able to be your obedient servant 24 hours a day? Especially since most are putting in volunteer hours in addition to their full time jobs...for FREE. And can you believe that they have representatives from other organizations come to talk to us about health and wellness in relation to *gasp* running! Oh, and please don’t get me started on the rain. I completely agree that it was irresponsible, because after all, a picnic in the rain is as reckless as people who don’t wait a full hour to go swimming after they eat. I must have missed the blog post that said it was mandatory to attend, huh? And what is with all the positive reinforcement, encouragement and support these Leaders keep dishing out? I mean, really, I would appreciate it if some of those Leaders could tone down the praise, I might actually reach my goal this year because of it. See you at the finish line, Anonymous. Love and hugs, Kaylee
Not sure where to even begin. I agree with the majority here...what a truly impressive job the leaders do week in and week out. Not only giving up their Mondays but many giving up another day or 2 during the week to help me, you and your other group members. Everytime I passed a leader of any group they always had a nice encouraging word. How incredible is that!
I can only imagine what it is like to try and organize something of this size...600 people?!?!? Finding them a place, a leader, some water...the list goes on. The simple truth is that no matter what you do with a group this size you will never make everyone happy. I encourage the leaders to keep doing what they are doing and dont let that minority influence what you all have done for so many of us. Like many of you have told me...let me pass it back..."keep it up", "you're doing great"...and how many times have I been told that sometimes you will just have a rough run...these few negative comments are your "rough runs"...don't let them discourage you. This was my first year and I am already looking forward to next year! Thanks! Ron
I would like to say a simple THANKS…THANKS to all for taking the time to organize Abe's and keep it running all summer, THANKS for getting the leaders lined up to take the groups out each week, THANKS to the leaders for showing up each week, THANKS for the support and kind words all summer long to keep me going, THANKS for all the tips to help me get through this training, THANKS for the water and cups that you put out for us each week so I don’t feel like I am going to die from the heat, THANKS for stuffing the training packets and the start of the summer orientation, THANKS for volunteering and just being part of this experience, THANKS for getting me motivated and excited about running again, THANKS for being part of my summer. After being out of the running scene for a while I appreciate that I am psyched to be back on the roads simply from being a part of this great training program. I hope my simple THANKS goes a long way. I know a harsh word does, and sometimes I think people need to remember that. Lori
As a 3rd year leader, I would like to send out a genuine thank you to all the recruits. Each year you inspire me and remind me why I continue to go out and run day after day. I get to live vicariously through all the "firsts" - first 4-mile run, first time running the whole course, first entry into a race. As a recruit 4 years ago, I was privileged to meet wonderful friends that I continue to run with today. Abe's truly was the driving force that hooked me into running. Of course, I want to thank all of the organizers and directors that make this organization possible and keep it going each year. And, maybe even a thanks to the person who initiated this blog with negative comments. This is the first time I have felt inspired to comment on Abe's site and I really enjoyed reading about so many people's positive experiences. Alyssa
My group leaders -- Brad and Ali --were awesome! They pushed me when I needed to be poshed. They let me know when I needed to take it easy due to injury. They were fun and helped to make running fun for me again. I am so thrilled that I am again enjoying running. I have really enjoyed the new friends I made -- Brad, Ali, Patty, Aaron, Spencer, and John! Thanks! -Sue
My mercy! As a leader and a 3rd year army member I have to say this year was the best ran, in my opinion! So many things to try and accomplish, so little time. I guarantee the majority of the recruits had a great time and for those who didn't take a look at yourself. From my experience the only reason for failure, at most anything, is injury or ATTITUDE!!!!!!! Good luck to all who trained, I will be more than happy to see you at the start........... and finish line. WOO HOO!!
Suzannah
As an Abe's Army graduate (summer of 2005 with Linda Jones as one of my run/walk leaders) and Abe's Army Leader and Committee Member for the last three summers, I can say that Abe's Army was a life changing experience for me. The friends I have made, the roads miles have taken me, and a certain strength that comes from running has taken me from an overweight couch potato to a healthy and strong woman. Yeah - Abe's started that.
I have a wall of finisher's medals that chronicle my story, but seeing one of my group members receive an age group award at the Parade Run for running less than 20 minutes at the age of 67 years old gives me goosebumps and is inspiring. Seeing one of my group show up week after week admitting she really doesn't like running - but is trying hard and sticking with it humbles me.
Not everyone is going to be successful. Not everyone will lose weight. Not everyone will even be able to complete the program. We didn't give anyone a guarantee. We gave you our experience, our time, and our heart and "soles" have been with you from the beginning. Is it irresponsible to have a picnic in the rain? HELL NO!
"Some people dance in the rain - others simply get wet." ah, one of my favorite quotes.
Congrats to the SRRC Board leadership, the volunteers on our committee (oh, you have no idea the number of hours spent), our weekly Leaders (many of whom met their groups other times during the week), and more importantly our recruits on a successful summer of Abe's Army. Thanks for all the positive comments made here and in person.
Most of us will do this again - despite one or two anonymous negative postings. We welcome your suggestions - be proactive, bring your ideas to the table, step up and lead - after all, we were all in your shoes - maybe it's time to run in ours as well.
Just RUN!
Mary Rogers, SRRC Membership Director, Abe's Army Registration Coordinator, 4 year Abe's Army member, 3 time Marathon finisher - yeah, Abe's inspired me to do that, too - from zero to 26.2!!
God is great - beer is good - and people are crazy !!!
You gotta love that song.
Dave Stewart
I hope anomymous doesn't live in Williamsville and need run red money, I feel guilty now not doing it.
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