Here are the most frequently asked questions. If you can't find a good answer in the list below, email [email protected].
(a) I'm a new runner, (b) I'm shy, (c) I'm not very fast, (d) I'm coming back from an injury. Can I run with you guys? YES. OMGrs come in all shapes and sizes. We have quiet introverts trying to lose weight, to obnoxious extroverts who talk endlessly about marathon training plans. Members run at all speeds from very slow to very fast (6:00 – 14:00 minutes per mile. Walking FYI is 16:00.) There is almost always someone your speed at every run . And if not our many generous and welcoming members will slow down (or speed up) to help you feel welcome. It's what we're all about.
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The most difficult challenge you will face in running with OMG is overcoming your fear of showing up to your first run. "What if I'm too slow?! What if I feel awkward?! What if they're all dorks!? 1500 people before you have taken the leap. They now they have: new running buddies, new life friends, improved fitness, weight loss, speed gains, fewer cavities, and more money! There have also been four marriages. Here's the secret. #JustShowUp. Trust the force.
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When you arrive for your first run someone will notice that you're new and make an effort to help you feel welcome. We'll ask if you know your pace and distance so we can introduce you to runners of similar abilities. No worries if you don't know. We'll figure it out together. If you're really fast you'll find company with some of the top runners in Milwaukee. If you're really slow you'll meet runners who have finished last in 5Ks. Then we all go out for pizza and beer no one cares who's fast or slow. We also don't care if you're a CEO or unemployed. We're a melting pot of runners. It's why we like OMG.
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When do you meet? Where is your schedule? How do I find you? We run 7 days a week 364 days a year. Our schedule is updated daily on Meetup. For a general overview click here for our Daily Schedule, but our Meetup page is always most up-to-date. RSVP so we know you're coming, or if you're really shy just show up and hide in a corner until we spot you.
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Are you running outside today? It's (a) raining, (b) snowing, (c) very hot, (d) very cold, (e) very windy. We have only cancelled two runs in the past three years. Both times due to severe lightning accompanying severe thunderstorms overlapping our start time. Often if the weather is bad we'll meet up, wait a few minutes for the storm to pass, then go for a run! Snow and cold don't deter us. We have routes designed for icy / snowy winter weather. If we're cancelling we will post on our private Facebook Page.
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Where is Lake Park Pavilion? Google "Lake Park Bistro" and follow the map. When you arrive, park in the parking lot (it's free) and walk towards the restaurant, then down the steps along the south side of the building. The public pavilion is under the restaurant. If you are directionally challenged, just walk around the restaurant outside until you see us. If you still can't find us, look for runner types walking towards the building and follow them. Here's a Google Map link to the Pavilion. https://goo.gl/Zp3hoC
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Promoting Races: Can I plug my (pick one) race, event, book, workout, important cause on your Facebook Page? Not unless you're an active member AND the event appeals to our general membership. "Active" means "having attended at least 10 runs / events in the past three months." Promos posts by inactive members will be deleted.
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Non-running Topics on Facebook: I feel passionately about a cause / school / business / candidate / religion / etc. Can I post on the OMG Facebook Page? With rare exception, and only with prior permission granted by an OMG Facebook administrator, these posts will be deleted and you will receive a warning. Second offense and you will be deleted as a member. We're a large group and everyone has a favorite cause. These posts would snowball out of control quickly so we have strict limits.
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• Dues: Our annual dues are $5. Please use Paypal or Venmo or Google Wallet to pay by sending $5 to [email protected], or bring cash to any event. The money pays our meetup fees ($200 per year) and buys food, supplies, beverages, etc. for our social outings. If you're active, you'll get your money back 4x in yoga classes, beer and pizza alone!