Sunday morning chat

Sunday, May 29, 2016 · Mike Davis

For many years this day would find me on the course of the “Runners Alley/Red Hook 5K”. Not running but instead managing a busy intersection and keeping the over 1500 participant’s safe. While my primary job as a volunteer was to provide safety, I also spent much of the time cheering on each passing runner and walker. What a blast it was to see so many friends on the course as well as those new runners that often choose this race to begin their running journey. This year I am over 850 miles to the south and it is certainly bitter/sweet on days like today. “Runners Alley/Red Hook” 5K is most certainly one of the most popular races on the seacoast and possibly all of New Hampshire. Annually this event sells out with all the proceeds going to the “Krempels Center”. Not just a race but, a wonderful event that has so much meaning to the seacoast. Jeanine Sylvester and her team at “Runners Alley” deserve a ton of credit for all they do for not only this event but many other running events on the seacoast. While I have relocated to North Carolina, “No Finish Line Running” is still as strong as ever around the seacoast. Our running Center in Dover New Hampshire continues to be a hub of running activities as we offer individual training, local and corporate training groups, gait analysis and of course Pilates. I am active in going between our NFLR-NH and now establishing NFLR-NC. We have a great team of certified coaches in New Hampshire that continue to build the go to place for runners of all levels. Currently we have our “NFLR Spring/Summer” training group going on Wednesday’s and Saturday’s. This group began nearly a month ago but we welcome additions anytime and will prorate the fee. In June we will be starting up our popular “Advanced 10K” training group that will include a weekly track workout. This popular group sounds a bit intimidating because of the word “advanced” however, the only requirement is that the runners needs to be able to run 4 miles. The pace of the 4 miles does not matter as our training accommodates all paces as long as the runner can continuously run for 4 miles. Email us at info@nofinishlinerunning.com if you have any questions about our current or future running groups. This past week I thought I turned the corner with my calf only to have a setback on Thursday. I am confident that all continues to progress but I also know that it is important to do the little things that make a difference. Thursday I hydrated very little throughout the day and when the temperature is above 70 degrees, that makes a difference. As I have chatted about many times, when it warms up our bodies are now battling for fuel (glycogen) as well as hydration. If we are low on either we increase our risk for injury or in my case continued problems with an injury. I started new employment last week and I have to get into the hydration rhythm throughout the day. On Thursday I actually did not drink any water that day and even after guzzling a G2, I was not properly prepared. Definitely a lesson learned. The good news from last week was that I got in a couple strength training days along with my 2 run days. I am trying to settle in to a routine that will have me run 4 days a week, strength train 2 days and do Pilates once a week. With a new job, I will have to figure out how to make it all work but with some planning and discipline I can do it. My current race calendar has only “Reach the Beach” and the “White Mountain Milers Half Marathon” on it. While I have time to get healthy and strong, time will pass quickly. I would like to be up to 70 minutes of running by the end of June, so I have some work ahead of me. Time to get along. Hope you have a great long weekend and do not forget to take a moment to give thanks for those that sacrificed their lives for our freedom. God Bless! Mike