Many thanks to George and Denise Tournas and the Billerica Masonic Lodge for a wonderful hosted run this morning! Everyone enjoyed the run and the breakfast, served with gracious hospitality by the Masons, was delicious!

Hello, all! George Tournas has been nice enough to get us a run at the Thomas Talbot Masonic Building in Billerica. I know our miles are climbing and we need some food to fuel us. They are willing to keep their breakfast open a little longer so we can have a bite to eat when we are through. Thanks, George!!!!!

Coach Brian Hamill praised KERRI MARTONE for her high energy and can-do attitude at last week's Awards Night as he announced that she is the recipient of the female Rookie of the Year Award! She is just coming off of a 24 minute marathon PR! Kerri was thrilled to receive the accolades and said: "Joining MVS last winter has helped my running more than I ever thought it would. I joined when I was almost done with nursing school and looking to get some more running time in.>>>>

MVS coaches bestowed the male Rookie of the Year Award upon Omar Youssef at last week's Awards Night. Omar's hard work and dedication resulted in his marking a 27 minute PR in his second marathon! Omar's comments begin here, and be sure to click on "Read More" to see the full text.

MVS Coach Kristina Pinto is published in this month's Runner's World. If you want to read about Kristina's thoughts on running and motherhood, look in the March issue in the Life and Times column (p. 48). Not only is Kristina an excellent coach but many of us read her blog and know that she is also an excellent and very entertaining writer. Congratulations Kristina!

Marcie Butler received the prestigious "Volunteer of the Year" award at Wednesday's Awards Night. Marcie steps front and center when a call for volunteers goes out, and invariably takes on a leadership role. The recipient of this annual award is chosen by past volunteers of the year, and is an honor second only to the "Strider of the Year" award. Congratulations, Marcie!

The last Hosted run of Jauary will be Sunday January 31st, hosted by Robyn and Roger Pringle at their home in North Chelmsford, commonly know as 'Pringle Park'.
A 12 mile route has been set out that goes along the Bay State Marathon course. http://www.mapmyfitness.com/view_route?r=323126472611147020
Water will be provided at every other mile on the course. The course is nice and flat and you can make it as long or as short as you would like, from 2 to 24 miles.
Come and enjoy the morning running with other MVS members then treat yourself to a dip in the hot tub.
See you on Sunday!!!!!