Spring 2014
When Leslie Reames ran her first 5K race two years ago, she looked around her at the 10K racers at the YMCA Turkey Dash and wondered how she could ever double her distance. But joining the Cypress Running Club (CRC) gave her the support and know-how to do just that and more.
A year later, Leslie was hoofing it in the Rock ‘N Roll Series Marathon in San Antonio. She felt her strength flagging at the 21-mile mark, when she spotted a member in the club’s signature neon shirt, snapping photos and cheering her on. It pumped Leslie up and pushed her across the finish line. This is CRC in action.
“Joining CRC is one of the best decisions I have made not only for myself, but for my family as well,” Leslie says. “There is nothing better than positive energy radiating off of such an amazing group of people. Seeing the lime green CRC shirt is all I need to see to get me going!”
Growing Membership
CRC began in Coles Crossing four years ago, and membership has grown its enthusiastic runners to include over 450 adult members. The club organizes Saturday morning training runs of varying lengths on established routes that begin and end at the community center. Running together offers support and security with hydration stops manned by volunteers.
CRC President Bonnie Leach says, “Runner nerds head up the coaching and tailor 12-14 weeks of training to the Houston race schedule.” The club welcomes new runners and teaches them how to pace themselves and stay healthy with their “No More Excuses” to 5K. “We provide the framework and structure to find someone to run with,” shares Leach. Newbies and veterans alike also benefit from Saturday morning clinics held by sponsors who explain the mechanics of running form, injury prevention, or choosing the right shoes.
Staying Fit
Members communicate through CRC’s Facebook page. They can look for a running partner, offer advice, advertise a race date, or point people to a sale on gear. CRC heads out of town for big races, too—arranging carpools and sometimes chartering a bus.
Races are often family events with youngsters participating in kid dashes and cheering from the sidelines. Non-running events also keep the members’ spirits high. CRC organizes a holiday celebration, a pasta party before the Chevron Marathon, and more. “The end goal is to make it fun,” says Leach.
Family Fun
The Reames family motto is: A family that runs together stays together. Leslie’s husband, Randy, runs with her while pushing their 2-year-old twins in a stroller. Their 5-year-old son, Blair, has joined their team too. Blair has participated in a color run and a mud run. Randy shares, “My wife is a stay at home mom raising my 3 minions all day. CRC has given her the ‘me’ time she deserves.”
In addition to the personal benefits, the Reames family says running has brought them closer together. “Since we all race together, it’s improved our family time and our marriage,” Randy says. “Running for me is simple … I have a smokin’ hot wife and I need to keep up with her—more like chase her!” CFM
Learn more at cypressrunningclub.com
Gail G. Collins writes internationally for magazines, and as runner, enjoys the stress relief and stamina pounding the pavement provides.
Cypress Running Club Benefits
- $65 Membership runs July–June
- Bonus swag bag of running goodies
- Organized Saturday runs
- Running education clinics
- Training schedules & coaching
- Runner information exchange
- Support & family events