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 sponsored by Dave’s Running Shop. For more information, including any applicable fees, please visit davesrunning.com.
Dave’s Dine-n-Dash
Saturday, February 5, 2022, 9:00 a.m. at Timberstone Junior High School, 9000 West Sylvania Ave., 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
Saturday, February 19-Monday, February 28, 2022 at Olander Park, 6930 W. Sylvania Ave. in Sylvania, Ohio. A great family event that will help chase away the winter blues! Our Hot Cocoa 10K/5K/1Mile 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 a10K for this year.
The 1 Mile Race will be around Olander Park. The 10K and 5K Race will start at the Nederhouser Community Building, run north on the trail, exit out north to the neighborhood, and then circle back and finish in Olander Park. (Course direction is subject to change.)
Proceeds will go to 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 at the race finish.
Going forward, we plan to give awards in person this year after the conclusion of the races. However, if anything changes in accordance with the Lucas County Health Department and we cannot have an awards ceremony, we will be giving out those prizes as door prizes, which will be listed at packet pick up. Everyone is eligible to win one of the prizes.
Race Director Summit
Monday, February 21, 2022, at 6904 Salisbury Rd., Maumee, Ohio. Being a Race Director can be complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. You could be implementing the same system of proven processes and methods as Run Toledo’s Certified Race Directors and Timers. The Team at Run Toledo is presenting the Northwest Ohio Race Director Summit, and if you’re a Race Director, this Summit is for you.
Learn from industry experts. We will provide you with our Race Director Manual, including sample budgets, safety plans, and more to help you produce a safe and successful event. Appetizers and beverages will be served throughout the night as well.
We have brought together many of our key partners to show how they help make events better. Our team of race directors has over two decades of experience managing large and small events. With certifications from the Road Runners Club of America and USA Triathlon, they practice the latest processes and safety procedures that help us grow our events.
2022 Henry County Special
Olympics Polar 5K/Fun Walk
Saturday, February 26, 2022, 9:00 a.m. at Glenwood Park, 521 Glenwood Ave., Napoleon, Ohio. Come join us in a race to raise funds for Henry County Special Olympics. We will be starting our race at Glenwood Park. There will be music, food, crafts, and even artists setting up to share their work. All proceeds will be used to continue to provide Henry County Special Olympics athletes with amazing opportunities.
Dave’s Spring 5K Training
Program
Monday, February 28-Saturday, April 23, 2022, at 5700 Monroe St., Sylvania, Ohio.
Spring means the road-racing season is ramping back up, and Training the Dave’s Way will have you putting your best foot forward when heading out the door to your local 5K. The Dave’s Spring 5K Program is an 8-week training program that provides expert coaching alongside a fun and motivating community of runners who are working toward a common goal. Training is always more enjoyable with others, and Dave’s Running Shop will get you on the right track to a healthy lifestyle. A remote (online) training option is also available.
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