From the President (November 2024)

Written By Becka Lyons

This fall season, without the commitment of coaching, I have found myself out and about as a spectator at various events. The Healthy Kids Running Series, Homecoming Races, Senior Sport Games, Cross Country State Championship Races, and the list goes on. Besides the high I get from watching kids work together as teammates, push their limits, and enjoy moving their bodies, the one thing that really stands out to me is the COMMUNITY aspect of each of these events. Not a single one of these would run as smoothly as they do, draw the crowds they do, and promote the positive energy that they give off if it weren’t for the many volunteers present. 

When Smith and I volunteered to take over leadership of the Milers’ Running Club, we knew it was a big commitment. But, it was very apparent in the Membership Meeting that the MRMs have members who see the value in the COMMUNITY that the club provides beyond all the running, book clubs, education nights, and Chillers. 

Although we are seeing our membership grow and attendance at events increasing, I am not seeing the volunteering that I hoped we would have when it comes to making “stuff happen.” The Chiller’s got a LOT of support and for that I am and was super grateful, they ran like a well oiled machine thanks to all of our volunteers. So, as I am reflecting on where our member support is, I am thinking that maybe the “ask” just isn’t being heard/seen, because I know the COMMUNITY is here! 

Moving forwards, and you will see this in today’s newsletter, we will be highlighting specific areas that would benefit from extra member attention. The MRMs is a COMMUNITY CLUB and each of its members holds a very real VALUE! 

I love this club, it’s been a part of my life since I was sixteen years old. For me, it truly is about the community. I am honored to be able to have a leadership role with the MRMs and hope to continue to promote the community aspect of this club into the future! 

Happy Miles! 
Becka


Becka Lyons

The other co president Becka Lyons has been running since the 5th grade, joining the high school cross country team in the 7th grade to be coached by Mike Smith when the middle school team didn’t have enough participation. Under Smith, Becka learned not only the ins and outs of running and won the 2006 Division 3 XC Championship Team title, but also all of the life skills that go with it; perseverance, goal setting, determination, and grit just to name a few. It would be those life skills that carried her from Mascenic Regional High School onto Quinnipiac University to earn her Doctorate of Physical Therapy and eventually open her own PT clinic with her husband, Elevation Physical Therapy & Sports Rehab in Peterborough, NH. Combining her passions for running and therapy, Becka held the Assistant Coach position for all things running at Mascenic for the last 4 years, bringing home both a boy’s and girl’s Division 3 team titles (only other Girl’s title since 2006!). When not at Elevation PT, Becka is usually found on the trails with her husband and black lab, gardening, or curled up with a book and a cup of tea. 

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From the President (December 2024)
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Last Call for Chiller Venues!