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 wasn’t stated 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!
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 full details on events (including information on registration and any applicable fees), please visit davesrunning. com.
16th Annual Napoleon Rotary Triathlon Presented by The Henry County Hospital Saturday, June 7, 2025, 8:00 a.m. (Kids Fun Tri, ages 7-12, at 7:30 a.m.) at 521 Glenwood Ave., Napoleon, Ohio. The 13.5-mile Bike is an out-and-back path with only three turns. It is a scenic ride along 424. There are a few small hills and a significant hill at the half (turn-around) point. The 3.1mile Run is an out-and-back path on the scenic towpath trail along the Maumee River.
Haskins Hustle 5K
Saturday, June 7, 2025, 8:00 a.m. at 405 N. Findlay Road, Haskins, Ohio. Brought to you by the 323 Military Police Company Family Readiness Group and the Haskins Police Department. Event Sponsors are Titan Mechanical, Newing- Hall Inc, and Amplex Internet. Proceeds will go to the redesign of the Village Hall Baseball Field.
Old West End Stampede 2025 Saturday, June 7, 2025, 8:45 a.m. at 1950 Parkwood Ave., Toledo, Ohio. Come join in on the excitement of the Old West End Festival by running the Old West End Parade Route right before the parade!
Bark in the Park
Sunday, June 8, 2025, 9:00 a.m. at Hensville Park, Washington and St. Clair St., Toledo, Ohio. The Toledo Humane Society’s 40th Annual Bark in the Park is back and bigger than ever! Join us for a tail-wagging good time filled with food, games, adoptable Sunday, June 8, 2025, 9:00 a.m. at 4659 Airport Hwy., Toledo, Ohio. A timed 5K race through the scenic trails of Swan Creek Metropark. All proceeds go to 419 Cares, supporting the collection and distribution of groceries, shoes, food, clothing, and hygiene products for those in need throughout the Toledo area.
Sunday, June 8, 2025, 3:00 p.m. at 8514 OH-108, Wauseon, Ohio. Get ready for an amazing walk/ run event brought to you by the Fulton County Youth Advisory Council (YAC). YAC is a group of high schoolers from all over Fulton County who are passionate about making our community better.
Bedford Veterans Center 5K Run/Walk & 1-Mile Walk
Friday, June 13, 2025 at the Bedford Community Stadium, 8285 Jackman Rd., Temperance, Michigan. 5K at 6:00 p.m. 1-Mile Fun Walk at 6:05 p.m. Our mission for this race is to create awareness of our veteran services and increase our reach to support more local veterans and their families.
Cherry Fest 5K & Kids 1K Wild Run
Friday, June 13, 2025 at Whitehouse Village Hall, 6925 Providence St., Whitehouse, Ohio. 5K at 7:00 p.m. Kids 1K Wild Run at 6:30 p.m. This ninth annual event will benefit Nature’s Nursery. A new race route is coming.
Flag City 5K Hosted by Marathon
Saturday, June 14, 2025, 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.
NapNaz 5K Run for the City
Saturday, June 14, 2025, 9:00 a.m. at 521 Glenwood Ave., Napoleon, Ohio. All proceeds will go towards new playground equipment and other upgrades at Oakwood Park in Napoleon.
Happy Trails
Sunday, June 15, 2025, 8:30 a.m. at 5100 Central Ave., Toledo, Ohio. This event offers a scenic run or walk through Wildwood Metropark. All funds raised will go directly to support Metroparks Toledo, ensuring the continued commitment to clean, safe, and natural parks.
Run Drugs Out of Town
Saturday, June 21, 2025, at Macomb Community College, Center Campus, 44575 Garfield Rd., Clinton Township, Michigan. This event is a powerful show of support for individuals and families impacted by substance use disorder.
Whitehouse Multi-sport Festival
Saturday, June 21, 2025 at the Nona France Quarry at Blue Creek Metropark, 7035 Providence St., Whitehouse, Ohio. Duathlon and Triathlon at 7:30 a.m. Super Sprint Relay Triathlon at 9:45 a.m. Choose from a sprint distance triathlon, duathlon, or the exciting triathlon Super Sprint Relay.
Monument City Classic 10K
Saturday, June 28, 2025, 8:00 a.m. at Selman Timberframe, Angola, Indiana. Scenic 10k with rolling hills starting from Angola’s premier park.
Rudy’s Runners 5K Run or Walk
Saturday, June 28, 2025, 9:00 a.m. (Kids 1-Mile Fun Run at 8:30 a.m.) at 801 Joe E. Brown Stadium, Holgate, Ohio. The race will run through the streets of Holgate. Funds raised will go to the Rudy’s Runner Memorial Scholarship, which is for Holgate High School seniors who ran cross country or track.
Springfield Township Firecracker 5K
Saturday, June 28, 2025, 9:00 a.m. at Springfield Township’s Community Homecoming Park, 7807 Angola Rd., Holland, Ohio. We created this event to honor the memory of long-time Springfield Township resident Pvt. Sterling “Butch” Rahe, who left us too soon in January of 2024.
5th Annual Operation: Stronger Together
Sunday, June 29, 2025, 9:00 a.m. at 6751 Providence St., Whitehouse, Ohio. ✲
