WITH DOZENS OF EVENTS BEING FEATURED IN NORTHWEST OHIO each year, we regularly hear one common phrase from participants in defense of their “slow” finish time: “I’m not a runner.” To which we always reply, “Yes, yes you are.” It’s all relative!
The act of setting out on the journey is the first step in the process of convincing yourself that you can do it. The hardest part of running is showing up. Once you make the commitment to yourself, it’s as simple as left, right, repeat.
If at any time during an activity one moves faster than a normal walking pace, they can consider themselves a runner. It’s all about what’s normal for you, and here in Northwest Ohio there will always be others just like you with whom you can build camaraderie. Unless you finish first at every single event you enter (this doesn’t happen), there will always be someone faster, more fit, or more athletic present. Do not compare yourself to them. Instead, compare yourself to what you were able to do the last time you made the same effort. With consistency, each attempt will become a little less difficult and exponentially more enjoyable.
In case it hasn’t been reiterated to you previously, everyone should consult their primary care physician to get a baseline set before taking on anything more advanced than normal for recent activity levels.
Get a well-fitted pair of running shoes from your local specialty shop and start moving—this is paramount for long-term success. Start by walking to build endurance, then slowly increase your pace for short intervals. The key here is to begin at an aerobic pace. That means at a pace that feels easy enough to keep your heart rate within an average zone and breathing at a level that allows for talking without feeling out of breath. Personal coaches, wearable tech, and mobile apps are very useful for monitoring this. In fact, there are several cost-effective training programs throughout the year that offer access to dedicated coaches, physical therapists, and experts in the technology that supports the process. There are even free weekly group runs led by these same people. You can find a season calendar of training programs and free group runs at www.davesrunning.com.
A great way to convince yourself that you can achieve whatever goals you set for yourself is to simply show up to one of the free group gatherings and look around. You’ll see others just like you. Introduce yourself to whoever is leading the gathering, and let them know that you are a beginner. Someone new joins all the time. Why can’t the next one be you? You’ll receive guidance on where to start and opportunities and resources readily available for facilitating your success. In Northwest Ohio, the running community is like a family, and everyone is welcome. Let’s go!
Run Toledo, Inc. is the premier events division of Dave’s Running Shop and offers many great opportunities for beginners to take the next steps to get faster, go farther, feel better. Dave’s Running Shop was the first running store in Ohio and is the only locally owned and operated footwear store in Northwest Ohio. Founded in 1973, four area locations serve the community from Sylvania, Perrysburg, Findlay, and Delta. Don’t let the name fool you. Dave’s also carries a great variety of lifestyle footwear, seasonal apparel, gear, and accessories, and provides many opportunities for runners and walkers of all ages and abilities to get off the couch via training programs, personal coaching, races, and events covering all twelve months.
DON'T MISS DAVE'S RACES
RUNNERS, GET READY TO “TAKE YOUR MARK” in these exciting community events coming in June and sponsored by Dave’s Running Shop. For full details on events (including information on registration and any applicable fees), please visit davesrunning.com.
Toledo Humane Society’s 2022 Bark in the Park Virtual 5K/10K
Bark in the Park, welcomes our animal-loving community and their furry friends to kick back and raise funds to save the lives of animals in our community that need our help. Our 37th Annual Bark in the Park kicks off with a 5k run and 1-mile leisure walk at The Shops at Fallen Timbers on Saturday, June 4th, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Toledo Police K9 Falko Memorial 5K
Saturday, June 4, 9:00 a.m. at Ottawa Park (by the Shelter house), 2145 N. Cove, Toledo, Ohio. On 8-12- 15, K9 Falko sacrificed his life in the line of duty while apprehending a criminal and protecting his canine handler, Samantha Snowberger. This event is to raise money for canine equipment and on-going training for the canines and their handlers. Participants are encouraged to race with their friendly four-legged friends who must be on leash at all times during the event.
Dave’s Youth Track Series
Wednesdays, June 8, 15, and 22, 2022, 6:00 p.m. at Perrysburg High School, Walt Churchill Track, 13385 Roachton Rd., Perrysburg, Ohio. This free summer track series will expose K-6 kids to the sport of track & field in a scaled-down version. It will give them a taste of the major events at a track meet and foster an appreciation of fitness.
Cherry Fest Run 10K/5K/1K Walk/Run
Friday, June 10, 2022 at 6751 Providence St. (Whitehouse Park Picnic Shelter), Whitehouse, Ohio. 10K and 5K at 7:00 p.m. Kids 1K and Wild Walk at 6:30 p.m.
Sip Run Give 5K
Friday, June 10, 2022, 6:00 p.m. at 3100 Main St., Maumee, Ohio. 5k supporting families right here in NW Ohio by donating proceeds to a different local charity each year. Kicking off our first year for this event, Driven Fitness Studio and Barr’s Public House will continue their charitable work by teaming up to give you a fun, unique way to donate, yet stay fit while doing it, plus the added bonus of receiving a free drink at Barr’s Public House post race! Participants will start and finish at Fallen Timbers for an out-and-back course on the Wabash-Cannonball Trail. Runners will head out at 6:00 p.m. with walkers to follow.
Flag City 5K Presented by Marathon
Saturday, June 11, 2022, 9:00 a.m. (Kids Run at 10:00 a.m.) at 539 S Main St., Findlay, Ohio. Take a 3.1-mile tour of Findlay on foot to celebrate our community in the one and only Flag City, USA. There’ll be something for everyone, including food and brew from local establishments, a fun course, activities for the kids, as well as a one-of-a-kind t-shirt, refreshments, free photos, finish line video and finisher certificate, plus much more. Bring the whole family to join us in the celebration.
Viking Education 5K hosted by Village Wealth Management
Saturday, June 11, 2022, 9:00 a.m. at 130 Viking Dr., Dundee, Michigan. The Viking 5K Fun Run and Walk will engage, encourage, and educate families and youth to cultivate healthy and safe lifestyles. Participants will have the opportunity to interact with youth organizations, local businesses, and services promoting activities and products that inspire healthy, safe choices and activities and highlight resources in our community. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to Dundee Community Schools.
The Fearless 5K Sunday, June 12, 2022, 8:00 a.m.
Sunday, June 12, 2022, 8:00 a.m. at Ottawa Hills High School, 2532 Evergreen Rd., Toledo, Ohio. All proceeds of this race will go towards improving awareness of the research, programs, and advocacy being conducted through the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in addition to funds to support their mission to cure blood cancers.
Dave’s Kids Running Group
Tuesday, June 14-Friday, July 22, 2022, 10:30 a.m., Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Dave’s Kids Perrysburg meets at Rotary Park (behind the Ft. Meigs YMCA). Dave’s Kids Sylvania meets behind Stranahan Elementary School. As kids wrap up the 2021-2022 school year, Dave’s wants to provide some healthy outdoor fun that involves running, games, and tons of smiles! The Dave’s Kids coaches are all teachers, soon-to-be teachers, or former teachers that have worked with local children over the last 40 years and have a passion to help kids in all facets of their life. If you have a child in grades K-6, this program will get those little bodies moving twice a week in a safe and enjoyable setting.
Toledo Mini Half Marathon, Quarter Marathon & 5K Presented by Mercy Health
Saturday, June 18, 2022. 5K at 7:30 a.m. Quarter and half marathons at 7:45 a.m. Toledo Mini is a scenic point-to-point half marathon starting in the uptown district of Maumee. Side Cut Metropark is your waypoint to U-turn and run back along River Rd., through residential Historic Maumee homes, past the Toledo Country Club and the Toledo Zoo, and into downtown Toledo. An exclusive finish awaits you in the outfield of the Toledo Mud Hens ballpark.
Monument City Classic 10K
Saturday, June 25, 2022, 8:00 a.m. at Selman Timberframe, Commons Park, Angola, Indiana. Scenic 10k with rolling hills starting from Angola’s premier park. Several shoe companies with shoes to try out. Whether you’re racing the clock or just challenging yourself, this is your event.
Pettisville Friendship 5K
Saturday, June 25, 2022, 9:00 a.m. (Kids 1-Mile Run at 8:30 a.m.) at Pettisville Community Park, 18405 County Rd. D-E, Pettisville, Ohio.
Rudy’s Runners 5K Run or Walk
Saturday, June 25, 2022, 9:00 a.m. (Kids 1-Mile Fun Run at 8:30 a.m.) at 801 Joe E. Brown Stadium, Holgate, Ohio. Virtual participation is also offered.
Whitehouse Multi-sport Festival
Saturday, June 25, 2022 at 7035 Providence St., Whitehouse, Ohio. Duathlon and Triathlon at 7:30 a.m. Super-Sprint Triathlon Relay at 9:30 a.m.
