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"Red's Shoe Barn Race For a Better Community" A True Running Tradition

Good morning.

This weekend one of my favorite races takes place, “Red’s Shoe Barn Race For a Better Community”. This 5-mile race is the marks the unofficial start to the racing season for the Seacoast. The 5-mile distance is unique yet is kind of a reward for those that logged the mile in through a good part of the winter. No doubt, any of you that ran north of the Mason-Dixon Line, deserve a reward for running through the past few months! This local Dover New Hampshire race also offers a tradition that dates back 1981, which is a handful of years before running gained its current popularity and the explosion of races and race series.

For a few years No Finish Line Running used “Reds” to cap off our winter running training groups and it was the perfect local event to say goodbye to winter. Pretty much we spent our Wednesday nights running some or all the “Red’s” course as it is a great loop that offers challenging hills and a great downhill finish. I can remember a couple of the races where I was “tanked” from the steady climb of mile 4, followed by heartbreak hill climb just into mile 5, but once I saw the farm, I knew I had a downhill that gravity would save me! With spectators cheering runners on at the bottom of the hill and the finish line in sight, it is and awesome finish line that few other races can offer.

Great memories of a wonderful race that is a tradition on the Seacoast. With the increased number of races, Red’s has lost some of its number of runners, but for me, it continues to maintain its success. Offering locals, a race tradition that dates back 37 years, as well as a great traditional New England village feel, Red’s is still a must do for locals and those that are looking for early race season fun!

I wish I could be lacing up my shoes this Sunday and be at that start line on Central Ave, but a stubborn calf muscle and here in North Carolina I am in struggling to the end of the semester in my two college classes. I am sure many of my running friends will be out on the course, and one will be Amanda Lapierre who NFLR is coaching for a spring half marathon. Have fun Amanda!

Have a great Friday!

God Bless!

Mike

Coach Mike’s running tip:

How we spend our day (sit, stand, hydrate and nutrition), will have in impact on our running