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 establish a baseline 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! 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. 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 sponsored by Dave’s Running Shop. For more information, including any applicable fees, please visit davesrunning.com.
Dave’s Dine-n-Dash
Saturday, February 3, 2024, 9:00 a.m. at the American Legion, 5580 Centennial Rd., Sylvania, Ohio. Join the local running community for a non-scored training run with multiple distances for the upcoming spring marathons and half marathons. Dave’s MIT coaches will be on hand to lead multiple long run paces, so you can choose which pace you want to run for the event. What is different about this run? The Mason family of Dave’s Running Shops will be providing a breakfast to rival that of any king’s feast!
If breakfast isn’t your style after a run, you can still show up and run with others at no charge. Come on out and get your long run in with company as runners prepare for the Glass City Marathon. Just register for the free event, and you will be set to go.
Hot Cocoa 10K/5K Run, 1-Mile Run or Walk, Kids Fun Run
Saturday, February 24-Sunday, February 25, 2024 at Olander Park, 6930 W. Sylvania Ave., Sylvania, Ohio. A great family event that will help chase away the winter blues! Our Hot Cocoa 10K/5K/1-Mile Race is being held in partnership with Olander Park. The race starts at 9:00 a.m., and there will be multiple corrals for a safe start. We are adding a Kids Fun Run, open to all kids up to age 5. The fun run will be about 100 yards. We’re also adding a 1-mile race for our younger elementary-age runners.
The 1-Mile Race or Walk will be the 1-mile loop around Olander Lake.
The 5K Race will start at the Nederhouser Community Building, run south on the trail, exit out of Olander Park, cross Sylvania Ave. into the Farmbrook neighborhood, run onto the University Parks Trail to McCord Rd., head north on McCord to Sylvania Ave. to Olander, and then circle the lake to finish in Olander Park at the Neiderhouser.
The 10K will follow the same course, but continue onto the University Parks Trail, before coming back to the 5K course to finish. The courses are open to traffic and not a closed course. (Maps will be provided online and at packet pick-up.)
Proceeds will go toward our youth programs for promoting positive, healthy lifestyle choices and the prevention of drug and alcohol use and other at-risk behaviors in our community. Sylvania Prevention Alliance provides programs that offer guidance and education and sponsors positive events that develop leadership and team-building skills.
Hot Cocoa and grab and go snacks will be available after the race finish. Age group awards will be awarded after the conclusion of the races.
