Columbine Definitions

Ever wonder what we mean when we throw terms around? Too often, we assume everyone knows. So here's a list of definitions for those things you've heard but maybe weren't quite sure about. Let us know if you have other candidates for the list.

FUN RUN: A low-key run designed to let members and potential members get to know each other better in a social, non-competitive environment. Occurs once a month and is hosted by a Columbine at either her home or another location of her choice. Attendees bring a healthy snack to share at the socializing that takes place after a short run.

TRAIL FUN RUN: Same as a Fun Run except everyone meets at a designated trailhead instead of the hostess’s home. Occurs only in the warmer months.

SHOW ‘n’ GO: A run organized by any Columbine who wants others to join her. The person setting up the run lets everyone know where and when to meet. Called a “show ‘n’ go” because the organizer “goes” promptly at the scheduled start time with whoever “shows” up to run. This ensures that if a runner is late or just decides not to run that day, that there are no hard feelings – either by the runner or the assembled group.

POC (Point of Contact): A Columbine who has entered a race and offers to let other Columbines know where and when they can meet her at the start so members can find each other. The POC is under no obligation to run with those she’s meeting unless she wants to.

JVs: Short for the “Junior Varsity.” A Columbines sub-group designed for those who typically run a pace of 10, 11, or 12 minutes per mile.

VARSITY: Columbines who typically run a pace faster than 10 minutes per mile.

LTRs: “The Love to Run/Learning to Race” sub-group of the Columbines. A great place for new runners/members to start or resume running.

MOMS ON THE RUN: A Columbines sub-group. Designed for moms to enable them to get together mid-week for runs using their baby-joggers, to connect with other moms for running support, or to create daycare swaps for moms looking to get back into running. This group has only recently been “born.” It’s in its “infancy” and looking for participants to help it grow up big and strong.

RELAY RACE: A round-the-clock, multi-mile race most often comprised of teams of 10-12 runners. Each team member runs a “leg” of several miles then hands off to the next team member. Once everyone on the team has run one leg, the process repeats again till, typically, each team member has run a total of three legs.

COBs: The Colorado Outward Bound Relay, which occurs in September. A 170 mile, 10 person relay race from Idaho Spring to Glenwood Springs over three mountain passes. Run primarily on trails, roads, and bike paths.

WWR: The Wild West Relay, which occurs in August. A 193 mile, 12 person relay race from Ft. Collins to Steamboat Springs, via part of Wyoming. Run primarily on country roads, forest service roads, and highways.

LA FETE DES FEET: The Columbines’ Annual Year-End Banquet, typically held in November. Recognizes the contributions and achievements of fellow members, including the presentation of the prestigious Moving Comfort Award to the member who has displayed leadership and exemplifies the goals of the club.