GBRC gives back more with the help of our community's local businesses.

It is GBRC’s goal to make running accessible and inviting to everyone. As a 100% volunteer-driven non-profit organization this club is truly maintained and sustained by not only it’s members but by partnerships with local business’s. As a community of people who understand the value of connecting people through running there are a wide variety of ways that GBRC has extra support to encourage the sport. Our partnership with Haggen Grocery Stores for the Annual Haggen to Haggen 5K run is just one more way we are able to give more back to the local community.

GBRC has received gracious donations from many local businesses enabling the club to fund several running related programs in different ways throughout the years. One of these partnerships has evolved over time into a consistent symbiotic relationship where everyone benefits. Times are changing and life continues to get more expensive so the club has been working to adapt to the changing circumstances as best as possible. 

Currently we are working on streamlining the process for the programs made possible by the partnership with Haggen. Every year after the Haggen to Haggen 5k GBRC receives a generous donation that is specifically put towards two key programs: Scholarships for College-bound High School students who love to run and shoe vouchers for low-income students who need assistance with purchasing proper running shoes. 

As a club we are hoping to spread the word that these programs are available and our goal is to make the information more easily accessible. Please stay tuned for updates to the website which will have more information about these two wonderful programs and will include a downloadable version of the Scholarship application for 2019.

Thanks to the ongoing generosity of Haggen & our partnership with them, this has also allowed us to give more personal financial support direct from the club to other programs like Girls on the Run and the YMCA Trailblazers. Overall we are able to give back more in more ways to this awesome community, creating more opportunities for people from all walks of life to discover and enjoy the myriad benefits of running.

Running with Whatcom Land Trust

You've probably run through many parks and trails created or touched by the important work of Whatcom Land Trust without even knowing it. Since 1984, the Land Trust has been working with land owners, businesses and local government to LOVE THIS LAND, working to preserve and protect wildlife habitat, scenic, agricultural and open space lands in Whatcom County for future generations by securing interests in land and promoting land stewardship. They strive to protect natural assets that promote the well-being of all the county’s inhabitants.

• Learn More—Check their website, sign up for their newsletter and follow them on Facebook and Instagram. 
• Volunteer—Work parties are held regularly and dates and locations are posted on the Stewardship pageand on Facebook. Bring the whole family.
• Become a Business Partner in Conservation—Businesses can support the work of WLT through a corporate grant, a range of business sponsorship levels, in-kind services or materials, ‘Adopt-a-Property’ or employee matching gift programs.
• Make a Donation—donate here—Tax deductible donation options include one-time, monthlyand annual donationsas well as memorial or honorary gifts. Contact Jill at 360-746-3423 with your donation questions.

3 Marathon/Half Marathon
Success Secrets

Running Tips from the Fit School

Training for a marathon or half marathon is an exciting adventure. Having trained hundreds of runners to injury free, successful races, I have found 3 key strategies to racing success.

1. Increase your weekly mileage by only 10% or less. Most people get excited about their goal to run a marathon or half marathon and go all out. If you stick with the 10% mileage increase or less, you are more likely to avoid injury and enjoy the training process.

2. Eat foods, gels, and/or sports drinks that you have used during training. Keep your eating consistent with what you always eat before and during your regular training runs. If you always eat a peanut butter and banana sandwich one-hour before your long training run and drink a certain brand and flavor of sports drink during your run, do the exact same thing on race day.  (I've learned this from experience!)   

3.  TAPER! I am a big fan of tapering. Having fresh legs and replenished body fuel is a key component to having a great race. When training for a marathon or half marathon, your longest run should be three or four weeks out from race day. Two weeks before your race, your long run distance should be half of your longest run. One week before your race, your long run should be one quarter the distance or less of your longest run. This allows your body to replace all glycogen stores and your legs to feel fresh on race day.

Lastly, remember to enjoy your marathon or half marathon. You may make some mistakes, but being part of an event, pushing yourself to your goal, and enjoying the experience is what it is all about. 

GBRC's Newest Trail Race!

We are excited to announce we are adding a NEW trail race October 20th! The Blanchard Beast 10 Mile Trail Race will be FREE for GBRC members and $30 for non-GBRC members who pre-register. Registration is now open and will close on October 18th.

The race offers an exciting, wooded run with over 2,000 feet of elevation gain. This race offers something in-between a 10K and a half marathon for those who are interested in pushing their max distances or as a training run for something bigger. There will be two aid stations throughout the course.

Click Here to Register

Are you a Fred Meyer Customer?

You are now able to link your rewards card to your favorite nonprofit (GBRC) by following the link below. Whenever you use your rewards card when shopping at Freddy’s, you will be helping GBRC earn a donation from Fred Myers. If you do not have a Rewards Card,you can sign up for one at the Customer Service Desk at any Fred Meyer store.

Frequently asked questions >

Re-enroll or link your Rewards Card now >

Newsletter Submissions

Do you have a running-related story or information to share?

If so please email Joy so she doesn’t have to come up with something else to write for the next gazette!

Joy would love to have someone else write the Feature Story for the upcoming editions.

Articles limited to 555-ish words and one photo.

Questions and Submissions can be emailed to ElevenNorthwest@gmail.com THANK YOU!!!