Jim Lang, owner of Big White Trailer timing, has resurrected the Tuesday Night Race League, a casual and totally free weekly “race” or run series (depending on how you want to handle it) held in various places throughout Erie County.

Here’s the basic who, what, when, where and why about TNRL from Jim’s TNRL page on his website:

Who?

Me, you, and anyone else that wants to get out

What?

An opportunity to get out and run a “race” at various locations in Erie County. There will be at least one REAL race this summer, perhaps more. They will be announced well in advance.

When?

Tuesday Nights, 7:00 pm. Mid April to Mid September or Early October

Where?

Locations throughout Erie County.

Why?

Why not? This is an opportunity to get out, run a different race every week, and generally have a good time.

Afta-Afta

It’s what happens afta the race. If you don’t get the reference, check out “The Karate Kid“. Mr. Miyagi is a real hero here.

So, it basically works like this.

Jim picks various locations all over Erie County and plots an informal course for runners to “race.” (I put that in quotes because while it’s called the “race” league — some of us just show up to run with other people).  There is typically a shorter distance (3 to 4 miles) and longer distance (5 to 6) for you to choose from.

It’s very informal (Sometimes you will finish & write down your own time if Jim’s out running.) It’s basically to have fun and run in different places with friends.

There’s no cost to participate in the TNRL events and, so, there are no t-shirts, race refreshments, etc., though Jim typically brings water and the other racers bring beer or whatever (depending on the location, of course).  There are a few TNRLs that have a “real race” option in which you pay & get a shirt, etc. But, you don’t have to — you can just do the race TNRL-style for free (no shirt, no entry into the TNRL race series results).

Why participate?

1. It’s a fun way to get some mid-week speed work in.

2. It’s also a good way to get to know some other runners.

3. It’s refreshing to race somewhere other than Presque Isle.

First up: Harborcreek Community Park – May 28

The first TNRL is scheduled for next Tuesday, May 28 at Harborcreek Community Park , 5800 Firman Road. You have a choice of doing a 3.2 mile course or a 6.2 mile course.  More info & course descriptions here.

Next two TNRL events: June 4 in Liberty Park and June 11 in Corry Park in Corry.

Schedule of upcoming race locations will be updated here.

More info about TNRL here.

This week’s Tuesday Night Race League offering — likely the last TNRL of 2012 — is in Fairview. Meet in the High School parking lot by the pool entrance at 6:30 p.m.

Afta-afta party at Chico’s!

More info on the TNRL here.

ERC Membership Meeting

This week’s ERC Membership meeting will be held at Glenwood Park at 6 p.m.  Free hot dogs and soda/water. Bring something to share…if you want (not required).

They typically take the first shelter, next to the zoo, but it’s first-come-first-serve, so they could be at a different shelter. Look for lean people wearing race t-shirts/sweatshirts. 

TNRL at Evanoff’s

This week’s Tuesday Night Race League run will be held at Fred & Rana Evanoff’s place, 4550 South Hill Road, McKean.

Don’t let “McKean” scare you off, it’s not that far out.

And, besides, what should scare you is McKean, which is notoriously hilly, especially around the Evanoff’s place.

The company and the afta-afta chit-chat make it all worth it though.

Run starts at 6:30 p.m.

The Tuesday Night Race League is meeting at Penn State Behrend this week at 6:30 p.m. Meet near the tennis courts.

I believe the plan is to run the Eastside Connector trail which is paved and mostly flat (think the Karl Boyes trail at Presque Isle).

OK, OK…. it’s all downhill on the way out and all slightly uphill all the way back, but….you’ll hardly notice (until you can’t breathe) and this route avoids the BIG HILLS we usually drag you on around Behrend and …as if that weren’t all enough….you also get a sneak peek at the college’s new track-and-field facility that is nearly completed now.

If I come tomorrow night, I’ll be running at Behrend three times this week — Tuesday night (6:30 …all paces), Wednesday night (5 p.m. near Behrend Fields sign, 9 to 9:30 pace with lots of hills) and Thursday night (5:15 at Burke Parking Ramp — all paces, lots of beginners, mostly flat).  Feel free to join me any night.

This week’s Tuesday Night Race League will meet at 6:30 p.m. (note the earlier start time since it’s getting dark earlier) at the Pennbriar Athletic Club, 100 Pennbriar Drive (off Route 97, just off I-90…map here), on, well….Tuesday, of course (Aug. 21).

Learn more about TNRL here, but basically, it’s a group of people who get together to run/race on summer evenings. You can push yourself and race or you can do what I do and just go for the group run & the afta-afta party/chatter (BYOBeverages).

There are usually two course options —shorter (3-5 miles) and longer (6-8 miles).

TNRL’s are a great way to meet other runners in a small setting.

Here are a few photos from last nights’ steamy TNRL at Penn State Behrend’s Wintergreen Gorge trail.  Everyone seemed to run a different race because everyone got lost or took different turns on the trails, but eh…so what, right? We do it in the name of good, sweaty fun.

There was quite a crowd — probably more than a dozen runners (maybe more). I took photos after the run and many had left already.

Don’t forget tomorrows’ TNRL (Tuesday Night Race League) run is in my neck of the woods in the Wintergreen Gorge at Penn State Behrend. Race starts at the bottom of Cooper Hill — then you will run up & back down. There will be a 2 mile & 4-mile course. Starts at 7 p.m.

Word to the wise — wear your old running shoes.

More details here.

Jim Lang’s  Tuesday Night Race League is at Asbury Woods  tomorrow night at 7 p.m.  Learn more about TNRL here, but basically, it’s a group of people who get together to run/race on summer evenings. You can push yourself and race or you can do what I do & go for the group run & the afta-afta chatter.

Runs always start at 7 and there’s usually two course options —shorter (3-5 miles) and longer (6-8 miles).

Note that next week’s TNRL is in MY neck of the woods!  Come play in my backyard at Penn State Behrend when we take on the Wintergreen Gorge hill from hell.  I promise it’s fun.

TNRL’s are a great way to meet other runners in a small setting. They are also a good way to challenge yourself and your sense of direction as Jim’s course instructions can be…well, vague. LOL.

• June 12, 2012 – Get Buried at Asbury – Asbury Park, south of 38th on Asbury – Barn parking lot.
• June 19, 2012 – Behrend – the Run Up Hill – Cooper hill. (You might want to park at Behrend and walk/run down.) 2M & 4M courses
• June 26, 2012 – the Pleasant XC run in the park.

Two reminders for this week:

* The Tuesday Night Race League run this week is in Waterford. Starts at 7 p.m. Location details/map here.

* Harborcreek Township’s 7-week learn-to-run clinic led by Erie runner Sandy Sweet begins this Thursday, May 24, at 6:30 p.m. at the Harborcreek Community Park. It’s free! Details here.

Last week’s TNRL crew after racing at Liberty Park. From left, Pat Krott, Renee Uht, Meghan Linsted, Karen Groshek, DJ Smith. Photo blatantly ripped off Karen Groshek (who I’m sure won’t mind, right Karen?).

The Tuesday Night Race League is back. (Actually, it was back last week, but I missed that).

From Jim Lang, of the Big White Trailer, who puts on the TNRL each week:

Who -

Me, you, and anyone else that wants to get out

What -

An opportunity to get out and run a “race” at various locations in Erie County. There will be at least one REAL race this summer, perhaps more. They will be announced well in advance.

When -

Tuesday Nights, 7:00 pm. Mid April to Mid September or Early October

Where -

Locations throughout Erie County.

Why -

Why not? This is an opportunity to get out, run a different race every week, and generally have a good time.

Afta-Afta

It’s what happens afta the race. If you don’t get the reference, check out “The Karate Kid“. Mr. Miyagi is a real hero here.

So, it basically works like this.

Jim picks various locations all over Erie County and plots an informal course for runners to “race.” (I put that in quotes because while it’s called the “race” league — some of us just show up to run with other people).  There is typically a shorter distance (3 to 4 miles) and longer distance (5 to 6) for you to choose from.

It’s very informal (Sometimes you will finish & write down your own time if Jim’s out running.) It’s basically to have fun and run in different places with friends.

There’s no cost to participate in the TNRL events and, so, there are no t-shirts, race refreshments, etc., though Jim typically brings water and the other racers bring beer or whatever (depending on the location, of course).  There are a few TNRLs that have a “real race” option in which you pay & get a shirt, etc. But, you don’t have to — you can just do the race TNRL-style for free (no shirt, no entry into the TNRL race series results).

Why participate?

1. It’s a fun way to get some mid-week speed work in.

2. It’s also a good way to get to know some other runners.

3. It’s refreshing to race somewhere other than Presque Isle.

Here’s the schedule for May:

• May 8, 2012 – Pleasant Ridge Park – Fairview – Around the block.  This time, the courses will be well marked. 3.8 miles and 5.02 miles
• May 15, 2012 – North East Cherry Runs – Gibson Park, North East.
• May 22, 2012 – Waterford – NOT the 5k. West side of Waterford Square. Intersection of W North Park Row and Walnut Street. Short Course – Long Course
• May 29, 2012 – the Race in the Park – This is a real pay-to-play race, as well as the traditional TNRL “free” race.  Harborcreek Community Park – 5800 Firman Rd, Harborcreek, PA 5k Race, 3.2M and 6.2M