RUNNING SHORTS SUMMER 2023

by Rick Hart

Running on Empty?

I’ve been running for over 30 years now. In my 30 years of running, I’ve learned a lot. Every run will make you a better person both inside and out. It will boost your mood, burn lots of calories and increase your metabolism for up to 12 hours. Running will also make positive changes to your cardiovascular system, nervous system, and muscular system. It also strengthens your muscles that support your joints, boosts immune function, and boosts your energy. Eventually I entered a race and did better than I thought I would but nowhere near what I believed I could do with more training. Then I learned that consistency is the key! I started running whether it was hot, cold, wet, or dry. Then I started winning age group awards and it was fulfilling, as well as inspiring! I grew to love running for all the above reasons.

The last few years, it has been more challenging to keep the consistency and inspiration. I’ve found myself finishing races behind some runners that had never beat me before. It is especially a little depressing when I see them running and wonder how they are ahead of me. I often run in front of a nearby grocery store and the front windows are like a mirror, I used to look at myself and be impressed – now I refuse to even look. More and more often my psyche feels like it’s running on empty. Yes, sometimes I don’t like running!

Then I remember what I love about running and carry on. Whether I’m running an old familiar route where the hills have names or feeling the adventure of exploring a new route, where I’m not sure what is around the next corner, it does my mind and body good! The running life is not about a particular run or race but rather those of thousands of runs and hundreds of races!

RUN SCHEDULE JULY, AUGUST & SEPTEMBER

  • WEDNESDAYS – Evening Runs

    6PM @ Second Sole of Boardman, to hike/bike and back. Mileage varies, average of 4.

  • JULY 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th

    8:30AM @ Newport Wetlands in Mill Creek Metroparks. 2.8, 4.3 & 6.5 mile runs.

  • AUGUST 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th

    8:30AM @ Lanterman’s Mill in Mill Creek Metroparks. 2.3, 4.3 & 6.5 mile runs.

  • SEPTEMBER 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th

    8:30AM @ Wick Recreation Area in Mill Creek Metroparks. 2, 4 & 6.2 mile runs.

RACE SCHEDULE JULY, AUGUST & SEPTEMBER

I don’t run because I love the feeling of running. I run because it makes me love the feeling of living.

Bonnie Pfiester