Scott Swanson
It’s not news to loyal readers or those who are merely observant that I am an avid runner.
I’ve been pounding the pavement, on and off, since I was a young teen growing up in a household where there weren’t a lot of opportunities to be involved in other sports. So my sister and I ran.
Most Americans regard any form of ambulatory effort beyond a leisurely walk as painful or punishment, probably because they were oppressed with mile runs that they weren’t ready for in junior high P.E.
Before we go any further, I’m going to say this with all sincerity: Running isn’t for everybody. But it would be a good thing for a lot of people, including kids, who don’t think so. Keep reading.
So why would I bring this up, two weeks after Thanksgiving, right when we all are bombarded with multiple opportunities to expand our waistlines? It’s 40 degrees outside and raining, for Pete’s sake. Shouldn’t this be the column for Jan. 7, when we’re all feeling guilty after partaking in goodies for the last three weeks?
Well, no – and I’m going to tell you why. Keep reading.
You’d have to be blind not to notice that running is making inroads in Sweet Home. When I arrived in town, almost 10 years ago, I remember a few dedicated joggers who would appear after sun-up. I say that because there has always been a small cadre of folks who get their miles in at 4 in the morning, (which, frankly, is not my favorite time to run, being kind of a late-night guy).
But it’s obvious that physical fitness has gotten a foothold in Sweet Home in recent years, particularly among women. It seems like the number of runners on the streets has mushroomed in recent years. And a lot of them have progressed from the “Hey, I ran 2½ miles today” stage to running 12 miles, half of it over steep inclines, which is something the Sweet Home community is very blessed with.
I’ve noticed more and more guys out there as well – not during the day, usually, but before or after work hours.
It’s encouraging because it’s a very good thing. The research is endless in confirming the value of physical fitness. Being in shape may not solve all of life’s problems, but it goes quite a way toward making one feel better and just be a more even=tempered, cooler person. That’s not my motivation, but it is a nice side effect.
Yeah, if you want to train hard like I do sometimes, running hurts. If you’re racing a 5K or 10K, that last third of the race is when you’re hating life. But 10 minutes after you cross the finish line and catch your breath, you start feeling really good. You’ve accomplished something positive, you’ve overcome the odds. It’s a great sensation – the runner’s high.
I think a lot of these folks who’ve gotten into it have figured that out.
They’ve also figured out that anyone can get into better shape. It helps to have companionship, but that isn’t absolutely necessary. We’ve got a quality gym in town and we’ve got roads. What else do we need?
Goals – and now we’re getting to the point of my harangue.
I’ve been running for 40 years and I still need something to aim for, because getting out the door when it’s 35 degrees and raining is not something I really look forward to. It helps to have a reason to do it – friends waiting to go with you or a race to prepare for.
There is one: Sweet Home’s Sweetheart Run. Yep, it’s on Feb. 14 – Valentine’s Day for those of you who, like me, are calendar challenged.
It’s new and it’s being planned well. It’s going to be a quality event. For adults there will be 5K (3.1 mile) and 10K (6.2) distances, centered around Weddle Bridge in Sankey Park. For kids under 10, there will be a mile run.
Yes, this topic would normally seem more appropriate for, say, our New Year’s edition. But that might be a little late for some of our readers to prepare for this.
One more plus in all this is that any proceeds from this event will return to the city parks department, which is putting it on. They’re the ones who are putting on the sunset outdoor movies at Sankey Park, who are working to make life more enjoyable for all of us.
Speaking of enjoyable, getting in shape is a lot more fun if you take your time and that’s why I’m bringing this up now. Now’s the time to start. That doesn’t mean you can’t have the holiday munchies, but it does mean that you need to get out there and start walking or jogging – whatever your fitness level allows you to do.
Running is also getting big in Lebanon. Those people are putting on all sorts of events and if you walk into Starbucks early in the morning down there, you see a lot of people who look like they’ve just stopped in for some calories after putting in some miles. The fluorescent-colored tights are kind of a giveaway.
Want to feel better? Live longer? Want to feel what a real natural high feels like (a pleasant side benefit to running)?
Start now. Feb. 14 is two months away, which gives you 60 days to get ready for this community event, being planned for people like you and me.
I’m not a coach but I spend quite a bit of time with our junior high and high school cross-country runners in covering their races or just running with them because I like to run.
One thing I always tell youngsters who are considering cross-country (in which the race distances are generally about two or three miles) is give it several weeks. Do not quit because your body is screaming. If you’re sore and you’re encountering resistance from your physical side, it’s time to set goals and meet them.
If you can only walk a mile, then walk a mile. Then keep doing it, and try to add 15 percent distance per week – to your weekly total mileage. Try a little jogging after a while. If you find that jogging isn’t too bad, keep going.
Above all, keep going. If you spend the next two months going after that goal, my guess is we’ll see you at the finish line at the Sweetheart Run.
For more on the run, visit http://shsweetheartrun.weebly.com.