Frequently Asked Questions
Compiled by: John Moss (
)
Who are the Flyers?
The Flyers are a running club with regularly-scheduled workouts, weekend long-runs, races, and social events. We have runners of all abilities, from
beginners to Olympic Trials qualifiers. The club also contains a sizable number of triathletes. If you like running, there is a place for you in the Flyers!
Am I fast enough (or too fast) for the Flyers?
We have a wide range of running abilities represented in the club, and almost anyone can find others of similar ability to run with. Roughly, most Flyers run somewhere
between 10:00 and 6:00 per mile for a distance run of 30 minutes or so duration. Check out the results section of the web-page to see how our competitive members are doing.
Our scheduled runs generally break up into groups based on ability, so there is usually a range of skills represented. Due to the wide range of abilities, it is best to
come give the club a try and see how we fit with your running needs and goals. The Flyers at both the slower and faster ends of the running spectrum are always looking
for more company in the workouts! If you are worried about being a new or slow runner, contact Chuck O'Shea (see club info section of website) to find out more about the
Wednesday track group he leads which is less about time and competition and more about improving and enjoying the track.
Are you a competitive club?
Many of our members enter local road races, and also larger races across the country. Flyers regularly compete at all distances from track races to ultra marathons.
Two club members competed in the 2000 Olympic Trials Marathon, and our club regularly places among the best in the Jimmy Stewart relay marathon. While competition is
a goal for many club members, friendship and camaraderie are as important. The club is known for its friendly atmosphere, for its support of all levels of runners, and
for its non-running events.
What kind of runs do you have?
The club sponsors 1 offical run per week. Additionally, members meet to go to races together, run in smaller groups, and engage in a wide range of social activities outside the running club.
Here is a short description of the track workout:
Wednesday - Track workout at Caltech. The track workout consists of intervals (repeats) run on the track following a warmup and stretching/plyometrics session. The workout varies each week, and is typically made up of combinations of repeats of 400 to 1600 meters. There are two separate workout groups with different workouts, one consisting of traditional intervals with three basic pace groups and a second which is less structured, "Chuck's Group" (or as they have dubbed themselves, the TOGs) for those who prefer a workout less geared toward specific times and distances. (Coordinator - Don Lefkowitz, traditional intervals group; Coordinator - Chuck O'Shea, TOGs.
OK, I like the club...how do I join?
Joining is easy. Our club dues are $35/yr...see any board member. We have a simple form with contact info. If you want to attend the track workouts at Cal Tech, there is an additional $50/semiannual fee payable in January and July ($100/year) to cover our track rental costs. Partical half year dues are prorated at $10 per month You can join anytime. There is no qualification or tryout...everyone is welcome.
What do I get as a member?
Besides the camaraderie of the club and the benefits of running with a group of similarly dedicated runners, each Flyer receives a monthly calendar which
carries the month's activity schedule, and a racing singlet. We are members of the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) (http://www.rrca.org), and each Flyer
becomes a RRCA member through joining the club. We are also a USA Track and Field member club in the Southern California Association. Throughout the
year we have several races designated as club events where a large club turnout is especially encouraged, and we follow the race with a picnic or other
social event. We also have a yearly club banquet, traditionally in September, where we gather to look back on the year together, present club awards, and
gather for a more formal social event.
What about coaching and training plans?
We do not have a formal coaching program, but we have a weekly schedule of runs and workouts. Track workouts (Wednesdays) are planned on a quarterly basis, taking into account some of the major races in which club members will take part (LA Marathon, etc.). There is a wealth of running experience in the club, and many members are available and willing to assist others with planning a training program for a specific race. As a club we are focused on a common goal of enjoying running together and making specific events part of the whole running experience, rather than focusing on completing one event as the goal in itself.
Are there any competitive teams associated with the Flyers?
We do have several opportunities throughout the year to compete with a Flyer team.
Each fall, the Flyers enters a team or teams in several cross country (XC) meets in the Southern California region. We are always looking for more XC runners. The competition is tough, but anyone is welcome to come join us. If you've never run XC before, it is quite an experience...if you ran in high school or college, come relive the glory days of old!
I still need more information!
If you still have more questions about the Flyers, check out the rest of the website or email one of the board members listed at the bottom of the club
information section of the website.
Last updated October 01, 2008.