Better Training Through Clinics

We're now up to 5 miles and counting! We're using a gradual mileage buildup both during the week (running and cross-training) and at the weekend long runs. In addition to our mileage, we've also had some great opportunities to learn about other aspects of our training. If you missed this past weekend's Running Clinic with Weekend Captain Alita and Coach Al, talk to your Lead Volunteer to find out details of what we covered. And don't miss this coming weekend's Nutrition Clinic with Dr. Patty Siri-Tarino. You can check out our Nutrition Basics page and then bring your questions on Saturday. Special thanks to Katie W. for coordinating our clinic schedule this year.

Volunteers, please remember to sign up for the weekend runs through the Calendar sign-up form. Also, make a note of our next Volunteer Meeting, Monday, December 7 at 6:30pm at the offices of the Alameda County Health Dept, 1000 Broadway Suite 500.

Looking like runners!

Check out the new photos from the first few weeks of our 2009-2010 10th Anniversary season -- we're definitely starting to look like some serious runners!

This weekend we head to Lake Chabot for some rolling hills. Before the workout, Weekend Captain Alita and Coach Al will be giving a clinic on running form and technique.

SRO: Planning for the Future

As some of you may be aware, Students Run Oakland (SRO) is taking our 10th Anniversary season as an opportunity for a closer look at where we have come from, where we are, and where we would like to go as an organization.

A Strategic Planning Initiative led by Board Chair Bridget Harper and Executive Director Spencer Hooper and comprised of staff, volunteers, and students is chartered with examining and positioning SRO to provide increased opportunities to a greater number of students in a more sustainable way. The objective is to develop the organization's road map for the next three years to meet these goals.

To date, with the help of outside experts, we have completed several significant phases of work:

• Planning and goal setting
• Evolving the mission, vision, and values statements
• Completing a comprehensive stakeholder assessment and SWOT analysis
• Summarizing internal and external data to develop core future strategies

During December and January, the team will move into the final initiative stages: writing and socializing the plan. To ensure that the strategic plan is a dynamic and living document, the final phase will be to develop the implementation plan.

We will continue to update you about our progress as the Strategic Planning Committee and our outside consultants wrap up their work this winter. As the implementation plan takes shape, we may be drawing on many of you to assist with its execution.

Together, we will build a stronger organization that continues to train Oakland youth for life, one step at a time.