are I say, dear running team, that this has been one hot summer to run! Although I enjoy the heat when at the beach, brunching on the sidewalk, or picnicking in Central Park, running in almost constant 90 degrees has taken its toll on all of us. Rumored to be “Hot Chicago” conditions, the Queens Half was a scorcher.

I traveled to San Francisco a few weeks back and experienced cool, dry weather and got some amazing runs in. What a difference 30 degrees makes. It was my own little preview for fall. I also ran over the Golden Gate Bridge for the first time, and was reminded of how running in new places gives you a unique perspective on places you travel.

As Brian reflected last month, the Executive board is on the other side of our half way point. I have enjoyed communicating with more members, especially through the New Flyer Run and responding to your emails. I also have enjoyed introducing you to new members via the Blog. Eric continued to be an extraordinary blog master while relocating to Canada. Check out all the cool work over there.

Before we discuss what we have coming up, I wanted to reflect on everything the team has accomplished this August.

On August 1st, the team completed the first Long Training Run of the season. Flyers pace led again with gusto. I saw quite a few out there, under mid-morning heat, keeping time like champs.

The following weekend, the Flyers competed in the Club Team Championships followed by the wonderful team picnic. It’s always great to see the photo of all of us afterward and reconnect with old friends.

Sunday, August 8th, brought both a New Flyer Run and the Marathon Training Program "Westside Run". Speaking for all the New Flyer Run leaders, interest in the club this summer has been great and we welcome all the new members who have joined. I hear the Marathon Training program is going well.

August 15th brought the Bronx Half, which brought a few PR’s to our group.

August 22nd was another double header with the New Flyer run and the Marathon Training Program run at Croton Reservoir. Croton is one of my favorite runs and I hear the view this year was great.

August 28th brought us another NYRR Long Training Run, where we provide the pace leaders, under warm weather (big surprise)! We’ve been busy this year!

Looking ahead, September brings the Palisades Run (Sept. 19th), the New York City Marathon Tune-Up (also Sept. 19th), the Arches & Bridges Run (Sep. 25th), and the Fifth Avenue Mile (Sept. 26th). In addition, there’s a networking event on September 28th, which should be a great help to many of us.

Let’s cross our fingers for cool mornings and a nice start to wonderful fall running weather.

For anyone out there training for a fall marathon or half marathon, are you feeling the pinch of time? Seems like training just started and we’re already to September! Good luck out there!