PPTC Monthly Meeting Recap: December 2020
What a month we’ve had between this and our last meeting. The virtual Turkey Trot raised more than $19,000, and just at the start of December, PPTC hosted its 50th anniversary 50-mile race—all in Prospect Park, of course. Congrats to everyone who raced. Show off that belt buckle with pride.
The captains then took a moment to remind everyone that part of the reason we must use the sign-up sheet for group runs is because the club needs to be aware of who is at group runs, in the event someone who attends one tests positive for COVID-19.
If you test positive or know someone who has, you can fill out the anonymous feedback form (new!) and captains can inform others who attended. Group runs are capped at 20 (they were capped at 50 at the time of this meeting but that has since changed), and you must wear a face covering when within 6 feet of others, even when running.
The feedback form is available on the website after you log in under FAQ, on the Facebook group, and on the Google forum.
New Members
We had five new members introduce themselves. Reasons for joining:
“I have been trying to incorporate more movement into my life”
“I used to live in Queens and wanted a more close-by club”
“I started running again during the pandemic because I didn’t feel safe going into the gym”
“I play a lot of soccer, or I used to, and I just had to start moving, so I started running early mornings.”
Announcements
Stephanie took the opportunity to introduce our newest board member, David, who was dressed up for the occasion with a button-down under his PPTC singlet. We’re so glad to have you on the board, David!
Morgan of the Welcome Wagon committee took charge at this point, laying out the plan for the rest of the meeting. They asked some club committee members to talk about opportunities for new members to meet others, and after that we all went into Zoom breakout rooms for some meet-and-greet time. Here are a few of the ways you can meet others in the club:
Group runs
Social runs (for example, we do an ice cream run in the summer and a run to the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights in December)
Virtual events (show your new friends your strength in a plank-off via Zoom!)
Things that have little to nothing to do with running, like the holiday gift exchange, plant swap, or bake off
Training groups, such as the Marathon Training Group, Ultramarathon Training Group, and/or Club Points Training Group (hopefully we can get these back into gear fairly soon)
Speed training with coaches Tony & Charlene
The PPTC Facebook group
Keep an eye on your email for the Speed Read and forum posts for new events. Even though we’re spending a lot of time apart, this club has shown a knack for maintaining a wonderful sense of togetherness.
After a few minutes chatting in smaller groups—in mine we discussed favorite face coverings for running, and we were a big Buff group—everyone returned to the big, virtual meeting room to bid farewell to each other and 2020.
“Next time we meet it will be a new year,” Tom said. “And we all need a new year.”
--
PPTC is a diverse and supportive team. We want to showcase and celebrate the diversity of our club and membership, and encourage everyone to share your stories with us.
Text: Christine DiGangi
Edited by: Linda Chan
Produced by: Alison Kotch