Hump Day Chat

Wednesday, May 21, 2014 · Mike Davis

Good morning Runners! With Memorial Days bearing down on us, that means it is time for the Redhook 5K! This race is always a sellout and has a great deal of significance in the Seacoast running scene. Back in late March, early April many none runners or those with little experience sign up with Runners Alley Portsmouth to train for their first 5K. There are two Runners Alley training groups, one in Portsmouth and a second in Dover, but there are additional training groups all over the Seacoast now as well. Of the 1500 runners that will toe the starting line on Sunday, well over a third of the field will be first time 5K runners and that's really cool! Those additions to the running world help to develop a dynamic community of runners that is growing at a rapid rate. Typically these new runners enjoy their experience training with the groups and I end up seeing them the next year in my beginner 10K group. After that initial experience of training, most these new runners are hooked on their new empowered life style and now want that jacket that comes with participation in the Seacoast Series. From there the lure of running just grows and the challenges keep getting greater and eventually those new 5K runners are in my beginner half marathon training group! Because I work with the 10K beginner groups, I don't get to enjoy those initial introductions to the running world, but nevertheless I love being a part of development of new runners. Also at NFLR we are fortunate to be a part of the early development of new runners and that can be as gratifying as helping someone qualify for Boston. Remember if you are running Redhook, give me a shout out as I will be on the course keeping y'all safe. Time to get a moving, be sure to check back on Friday for our weekly intervals. I will have some information on the next running group that you might want to join. Hope you enjoy your day! Mike