ISBA runners hang up shoes until spring

Nov. 1 seemed like a sunny spring day, an opportunity for 14 of the ISBA Sunday Runners (who always meet at 8 a.m. on Saturdays) to extend their season.

After completing various distances at variable paces – run, jog, walk, bike – the aggregation adjourned from Chicago’s picturesque lakefront to the Lux Bar for breakfast and camaraderie.

The following Saturday, Nov. 8, greeted 11 of the Sunday Runners core group with grey skies and falling temperature. They bravely (and quickly) finished their exercise routines before bidding adieu at The Bagel on Broadway.

Started 24 years ago by ISBA past president Leonard F. Amari, the mixed athletic and social gathering has attracted participants from around the Chicago area and even a few downstaters who were in the Windy City on business.

Other ISBA presidents who showed up in casual attire include Donald C. Schiller, Robert K. Downs, Thomas A. Clancy, Todd A. Smith, Irene F. Bahr and David A. Decker, along with future presidents John G. O’Brien, Mark Hassakis and John G. Locallo.

They have been accompanied, depending on the weather, by other many ISBA members, friends, spouses and children, some in strollers and some with dogs.

While the exercise is as challenging as each person wants to make it, the Saturday events are looked forward to as well for the mentoring and networking opportunities they provide. First-time participants receive Sunday Runners T-shirts that were created by Amari and Downs.

The group meets at 8 a.m., near the totem pole where Addison Street meets Lake Shore Drive, and separates into groups for three-, four- and six-mile courses at paces that range from very fast to very slow.

The only rule the Sunday Runners observe is that there is no obligation to be there. “If you come, you come,” they say; “no guilt!”

After Old Man Winter blows his last gasp, all past participants of record will receive e-mails heralding the arrival of another season of Saturday morning sessions. Recording secretary Roberta Conwell also sends out weekly minutes and announcements of special events.

Among them are the annual Race Judicata of the Chicago Volunteer Legal Services Foundation, just one of the charitable endeavors for which teams of Sunday Runners have raised funds.

ISBA members who want to be included in the future may contact Conwell at rconwell1@comcast.net or (708) 349-0161. Remember that when you compile your New Year resolutions.