ORB will be sponsoring (I’m using this term lightly) it’s first runners at the Women Run the Cities 10K. As a part of that, I will be printing up the first batch of ORB RMFR shirts. I need to order a minimum number of shirts so I will have extra to officially to sell in the coming weeks. If you’re interested, just let me know. I will set up a new page on the website for ordering soon.

The shirts will be gray Sport-Tek running tees with 2-color printing on both sides. I plan on doing other colors (orange, white, black) as well as long sleeves in the future. The cost of the shirts will be $25 and that will include any shipping costs. I’m not doing this to make any money. I just want to keep the Runner’s Gang Sign movement going strong.

RMFR

You’d think that because I’ve spent nearly half of my life in the world of advertising that coming up with a logo for ORB would have been easy. It couldn’t be further from the truth. While it’s easy for me to craft artwork for clients, when it comes to my own projects, I hit the wall.

So, after many months of drawing, reviewing, throwing, drawing, debating and finalizing, the new ORB logo is finally complete.

Since the Runner’s Gang Sign has become I mission of mine, I decided to make it the icon. Giving life in art form to the gang sign to make it recognizable by the masses. Please let me know what you think and if you’d be open to the idea of shirts. I want to gauge interest before investing the money.

RMFR

Readers of this blog might notice that I end each post with RMFR. Do you know what it means? You’ll have to dig deep within the archives to find the “true” meaning but it has become my “Runner’s Gang Sign” and I’m looking to add other runners to the club.

In your next race or photo opportunity, flash us your Runner’s Gang Sign and we’ll post it our RMFR Gallery with other esteemed members of our fraternity.

RMFR

The Fall/Winter marathon race season is rapidly approaching. Don’t forget to seek out those race photographers and flash the Runner’s Gang Sign. Send us the photos and we’ll add them to our Runner’s Gang Sign page. Keep up the good work and good luck in your upcoming races and let us know how you did!!!

re•count•er [ri'kountǝr]

noun
Meeting a fellow Urban Warrior on a long run and then seeing that same individual at another point on your route signifying that they are on a long run too.

This has to be one of my favorite things to happen when I’m running. I’ve now grown accustomed to flashing the “Runner’s Gang Sign” to every runner I meet – even if it means running backward to catch their attention. It’s a movement people!!! “Just Do It!”

As I was saying…I’m trying to be more social when running. We’re a community and we need to stick together. What makes this a special moment is when you get to see that same runner again. They remember you. Whether it’s because of the “Runner’s Gang Sign” or my Lasse Viren appearance (no, I’m not going to post a photo of me), they remember you.

They are not just another once a week runner, they’re on a long scheduled run like you. The fact you met them at mile two and again at eight puts it all into perspective. There’s a camaraderie there as if to say “RMFR you’re doing great!!!” It’s this kind of unexpected support that makes us runners. We understand each others dedication and psychotic AM runs. We know how it feels like pushing up 25% grades and screaming down the same decline. So next time your pounding the pavement or trails, hail your kinsmen because you never know when you’ll meet them next.

Runner’s Unite!!! I’ve added a new page above called “Runner’s Gang Sign” and this is my official call for entries. In my previous posts on this topic – My Campaign for a Runner’s Gang Sign and My Campaign for a Runner’s Gang Sign: Part Deux I called for a rejuvenation in the social aspect of running by trying to create a universal gang sign for runner’s. One that conveys a kinship and motivation to fellow “Urban Warriors”.

This is a call for entries. Flash the gang sign to the course photographers or family in your races. Send me the links or the photos and I’ll post them to the Gang Sign page. Fads have to start somewhere right!!! Check out our first photo in the Runner’s Gang Sign Hall of Fame.

After reading Kate’s comment on this previous subject, I got to thinking…why do we need a universal gang sign? We’re all different and run for different reasons. Some competitively and some for recreation. Some socially and some to get away.

No matter what the reason, you’re probably going to have your own view of acknowledging other runners. I understand if you’re on a tempo run, you don’t want to lose your rhythm – a simple nod would suffice. If you’re running with a group, I could see a chorus of hello’s delivered in perfect 4 part harmony (if that’s the case, you probably need to pick up the pace). I’m cool with either.

This brought me to my own runner’s gang sign. I wanted something with a little meaning. Not necessarily for the other runner’s but more so for me. No matter what I picked to flash at my fellow runner’s as we passed  they’d get the idea - “yes my fellow warrior – haul your ass up that hill – you can do it.” Yes, my gang sign needed to have meaning – something to affirm that “yes indeed, I am a runner.”

So here it is. It’s my personal mantra – but I can’t tell you what it means (my kids read this blog). That’s between me, myself and I. I hope I get a chance to flash it to you sometime!!!

RMFR

I usually believe the crazy thoughts that enslave my brain are mine and mine alone. But recently I read an article in Runner’s World by Robert Sullivan that hit the nail in my head.

I started running to get healthy and achieve a goal of running a marathon. It wasn’t a fad. It wasn’t a New Year’s resolution. It was a lifestyle choice. I’m proud of what I’ve become. I know what it took to get my fat ass out of bed and hit the pavement. It’s a commitment and it’s not easy. Now that I’ve running has become my new obsession, I want to spread the word. I want to encourage others to get the same joy and fulfillment that running has given me.

This brings us to my point. When I run and happen to pass a walker, runner or biker (I’ll get to them in another post) I like to give a slight acknowledgment to let them know we’re in it together. We’re out there and we’re doing what we enjoy to do – we’re family. It’s that little nod that says “yes my fellow warrior – haul your ass up that hill – you can do it.” 

Turns out, not everybody feels the same way!!! Not that anybody has every been rude about it. Come to think of it, we’re passing each other and it’s not like we’re standing in line at Albertson’s. If somebody’s across the street, I’ll watch to see if they look my way and give them a wave. If they don’t, it’s no big deal we just go on our way. Although more people are running every year, we’re still small in number. I guess I just want to let the other person they’re not alone in their quest.

I now start my campaign to come up with a universal “sign” that only us runner’s share. One that says “you da man – you go girl – and keep up the good work” all in one. I want to be able to roll down my window and flash it to the guy that runs around Spanish Trail everyday. RUNNERS UNITE!!!

RMFR