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!
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 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.
Dexter-Ann Arbor Run
Saturday, June 1-Sunday, June 2, 2024 at 2615 Baker Rd., Dexter, Michigan.
Run the River
Runners will start the half marathon at 8:30 a.m. in the picturesque town of Dexter, Michigan and head east for a scenic, rolling 13.1-mile course along beautiful Huron River Dr. to the finish in historic Downtown Ann Arbor.
10K
Kicking off the morning races at 7:15 a.m., this out-and-back 10K (6.2-mile) course starts and finishes in downtown Ann Arbor, featuring a beautiful stretch along scenic Huron River Drive in both directions.
5K
The Athletico 5K (3.1-mile) run/walk, starting at 8:30 a.m., is a great way for the whole family to take part in the Dexter-Ann Arbor Runs on a point-to-point route that features a unique start line and scenic views of the Huron River and Downtown Ann Arbor.
Run, Walk, & Roll 5K with WCBDD Levy Committee
Saturday, June 1, 2024, 10:00 a.m. at the Wood County Fairgrounds, 13800 W. Poe Rd., Bowling Green, Ohio. This run is a fundraiser and all funds will go to the WCBDD Levy Committee.
Cherry Fest 10K/5K/1K Walk/Run, Kids 1K Run & Wild Walk
Friday, June 7, 2024 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. This eighth annual event will benefit Nature’s Nursery. The course will wind through the Blue Creek Conservation Area/Nona France Park, past some of Whitehouse’s farm country, then finish through the center of downtown Whitehouse.
15th Annual Napoleon Rotary Triathlon Presented by The Henry County Hospital
Saturday, June 8, 2024, 8:00 a.m. (Kids Fun Tri, ages 7-12, at 7:30 a.m.) at 521 Glenwood Ave., in 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 3.1-mile Run is an out-and-back path on the scenic towpath trail along the Maumee River. There is a water station just after the half-mile mark, then you will continue into the park area to find the turn around. You will pass the water station again on the way back to the finish.
Bedford Veterans Center 5K/
1-Mile
Friday, June 14, 2024 at the Bedford High School Stadium. 5K at 6:00 p.m. 1-Mile Fun Walk at 6:05 p.m. 1-Mile Run at 7:00 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. The 5k course will finish on the Bedford High School track, and the mile run and walk are exclusively on the track for seasoned runners testing their limits, newbies building toward a 5k, or individuals increasing their walk/running independence. The 5k course will include parts of Indian Creek Park.
Flag City 5K Presented by
Marathon
Saturday, June 15, 2024, 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.
Juneteenth 5K
Saturday, June 15, 2024, 9:00 a.m. at 152 Madison Street (parking lot), Tiffin, Ohio. This race will be a 5k run/walk using the Rock Creek Trail/Hedges Boyer Course in Tiffin. This is a great way to kick off the Tiffin Seneca County Juneteenth celebration, which will also include a community meal on Wednesday, June 19, 2024.
NapNaz 5K Run for the City
Saturday, June 15, 2024, 9:00 a.m. at 521 Glenwood Ave., Napoleon, Ohio. All proceeds will go towards new playground equipment and other upgrades in a park in our neighborhood.
Poppy’s Purpose 5K
Saturday, June 15, 2024, 8:00 a.m. at 7035 Providence St., Whitehouse, Ohio. Poppy’s Purpose is an organization that partners with ProMedica Russell J. Ebeid Children’s Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). It was started by two parents whose daughter, Poppy, had a NICU stay. While there, they were loved on by many friends and family, but what they realized was not all parents have the same support system. They designed Poppy’s Purpose to love on all parents while their child is staying in the NICU.
Whitehouse Multi-sport Festival
Saturday, June 22, 2024 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. Swim, bike, and run in this beautiful setting. The biking will take place on the roads to/from the park, and the run will take advantage of the trails through the natural setting inside the park area.
Fly Me to the Moon
Saturday, June 29, 2024, 9:15 p.m. at 7776 OH-219, New Knoxville, Ohio. Get your running shoes on and fly along the taxiway and run on the airstrip with the runway lights lit up at night. Enjoy this unique view of the airport from the runway. Join family, friends, and aviation enthusiasts as you run at KXAV on the flattest course in the region.
4th Annual Operation:
Stronger Together & Gaven A. Smith Veteran Resource Fair
Sunday, June 30, 2024, 8:00 a.m. at 6751 Providence St., Whitehouse, Ohio.
