Calendar

Get Ready for Spring Running!

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.19.14″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.19.14″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.19.14″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.19.14″]

By Dan Gardner, TOCA Special Running Correspondent

For those of us who live in melting snow-weather states, running regularly in the spring is sometimes as much a challenge as running in winter. There are numerous running publications that can help you “survive” the wet surfaces. To save you some research time, here are some quick tips from running ace and personal trainer Ashley Crossman:

  1. If your running regimen was light for the winter, ramp up your miles very slowly – 10 percent, at most, each week.
  2. Be sure your shoes are ready for the spring and if not, buy yourself a new pair. You should replace your shoes every 300-500 miles. (Seriously, who runs that much a year. Just kidding!)
  3. Work toward a goal. If you are new to this running thing, try running for 20 minutes without stopping.
  4. Make sure you have proper gear, including a water-resistant jacket. Springs can result in very wet running surfaces.
  5. If you have seasonal allergies, consider running indoors until the allergy season dissipates.

For those new at the running game and needing a pair of running shoes, don’t try to do this solo. Go to a running specialty store and have an expert salesperson fit you. This is a must because that person will determine what type of foot you have and then get you into the proper type of shoe.

For those of you into running half marathons, here are some spring runs in the United States: Pride Run Phoenix Half Marathon, 10K & 5K, Phoenix, March 23; Salt Lake City Half Marathon, Salt Lake City, April 13; Flying Pirate Half Marathon, Kitty Hawk, N.C., April 14; New Prague Half Marathon, New Prague, Minn., May 4 (I’ll be running in this again – well, maybe NOT); Maine Coast Half Marathon, Biddeford, Maine, May 11; and Grandma’s Half Marathon, Duluth, Minn., June 22.

Finally, as always, be thinking while you run/walk about all the ways to make TOCA the best membership association it can be and planning your trip to Charlotte, N.C., for the annual meeting. And don’t forget to sign up for the 5K fun run/walk in Charlotte. That’s one of many ways YOU play a part in making TOCA the best it can be! Get or stay involved. Until next time, be well, be smart, be healthy and be TOCA! (Katie Beth Groover of Nufarm – I owe you one in Charlotte!)

 

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]