Pineland Striders Frequently Asked Questions
How can I join the Pineland Striders?
I can't run fast, can I still join the Striders?
I just started running, can I still join the Striders?
Can I run with you whenever I want, or do I have to join?
What sort of people are members?
How can I find out about local races?
Why do some of your routes have people's names attached to them?
How can I join the Pineland Striders?
Just download the application, fill it out, and mail it and your dues in. Or, you can come to a meeting and sign up. For more information about the advantages of membership and the types of memberships, go to the Membership page of this website.
Do you have meetings?
Yes we do. We meet several times a year at the Medford VFW on Church Road. The time and date of the next meeting is usually posted on the home page, and the events pageof this website.
I can't run fast, can I still join the Striders?
Sure you can! Our runners span the entire spectrum of running. Our members range from teens to some in their 70s. We have runners that place in their age categories, mid-pack runners, and Gallo-walkers. No pace is too slow, no distance is too short.
I just started running, can I still join the Striders?
Sure you can! We all started sometime, some of us more than once. Some have been running since they were kids, some started running when they were adults. The Pineland Striders are commited to helping new runners realize their potential.
Do you have group runs?
We sure do. We have group runs from Freedom Park in Medford, evening runs in Voorhees, and weekend runs from Shawnee High School in Medford. In addition to that, we frequently take "road trips" for trail runs or runs to more exotic places. For more details on locations and routes, please go to the Training Opportunities page.
Can I run with you whenever I want, or do I have to join?
Come to any of our runs and see if you would be interested in becoming a member. You can then decide if you want to join.
How far do you run?
Most of the time our group runs are in the five to six mile range, but some of our members run longer, or shorter. During the summer, if members are training for a marathon, they will run much farther, but almost always run on routes that can be shortened for those who want to run with a group, but don't want to cover longer distances. You can usually find someone running your pace and distance.
What sort of people are members? Are you all fanatics?
The Pineland Striders has a very diverse membership, with people from all walks of life. We have no professional athletes, most of us have "day jobs" and run for fun and to achieve fitness goals. We all share a common love of running and being fit.
Why do some of your routes have people's names attached to them?
We don't know. We think it's because Keith has trouble remembering distances.
Who is this Butterbean guy I keep reading about on the Yahoo site?
Butterbean is a rather overweight (5' 11", 370 lbs) boxer. Oh, wait! You mean who is OUR Butterbean! Butterbean is one of our former Presidents, also known as Frank Messenger.
How can I find out about local races?
Nick's race calendar, runPHILLYrun is one of the most popular sources. There is a link for his site on our home page. Other internet sources are located on our links page. Once you start registering for local races, you will get race flyers in the mail.
Join our club. The club newsletter InStride carries a section on upcoming races. Join our Yahoo group. Upcoming races are frequently discussed, and a group of us sometimes get together for a race.
Commercial venues carry race flyers also. Try Haddonfield Running Co or Fleet Feet of Marlton as examples.
Newspapers and magazines are useful such as Runner's World which has more of a national flavor, but also has races listed according to sections of the country. Active.Com has a lot of race listings as well.
Last, but not least. Come out to the Independence Races (5K & 10K) and Holiday 4 (mile) put on by the Pineland Striders. These are very popular races with a long tradition.