New and full of questions

[klm]

Hi Everyone!

I am new to Corvallis - and to running. I just moved here from eastern Canada (Ottawa, Ontario) and am hoping to meet people who are friendly, active, enthusiastic and supportive. This group looks like a sure fit, but I have a million questions that I am hoping some of you won't mind taking a little time to answer.

1. I am curious to where people are at fitness-wise? Are most people elite athletes? I have always been athletic, but am wondering (okay, fearing) that I might need to train before coming out to joining you on the social run?
2. Does anyone do trail-running? I have not learned the technique of running on hard surfaces, like pavement, and (right now) prefer rough terrain. I want to explore the trails leading up into the hills! They look amazing, but I won't go alone.
3. Have there been any safety concerns with running alone in Corvallis?
4. What about people's ages? I am 31. Where do I fit in age-wise?
5. I am interested in volunteer opportunities, where can I find out more about that as a way to get involved?

I really appreciate in advance anyone who can lend some advise and I want to tell you how excited I am to have discovered this group.

Kiersti

[daveb]

Kiersti,

Welcome to Corvallis.

1. People's fitness levels run the range from just starting to very experienced, from slow to fast. The social runs are a good place to start, as is one of the track work outs.

2. Trail running is very popular in Corvallis. The McDonald Forest provides miles of trails and logging roads. There are usually numerous runs on the weekends and a few during the week. The primary communicaton method for the trail running is the Corvallis Trailrunners Yahoo group. Email me at hotvrunners@gmail.com and I will send you information on how to join.

3. I haven't heard of any issues, but Corvallis is probably no different than any other similar sized city. Run smart.

4. I'll hazard a guess, but I don't have any data to back this up. Most of the runners that I interact with range from late twenty's to late fifty's. A couple of weeks ago we had about 10 people show up for a trail run, the youngest was 19 and the oldest was 54, but the mean age was probably close to 42. If you are associated with OSU, the Tri club does regular run work outs and their mean age is probably low 20's.

5. Volunteer oppurtunities. Join the HOTV runners and oppurtunities will appear. Off the top of my head there will be a need for volunteers at the Mac 50K (May 8th) Run for the Hills (May 30th). There should be some trail work oppurtunities coming up soon. Drop a note to hotvrunners@gmail.com and we will add ou to the distribution list.

Dave

[klm]

That's awesome help, Dave! Thank you so much!
I will definitely follow up on the things you mentioned and appreciate your help!
Runners sure seem to be a very welcoming group and super encouraging, too! What a positive group of people... I knew this would be a good idea!
Kiersti