Running Man

“This is it. This is the summer I’m going to get back in shape.”

How many times have you heard someone, or even yourself, say that?

After two years of not following through, I decided to get serious this year. A recent routine check-up with my doctor confirmed the need to add some exercise to my daily routine, and so I’ve been hitting the path hard since this past Father’s Day weekend.

In the opening story of my running series, which appeared in most of our newspapers (and on the Sports page of our Web site), I reviewed two aspects important for beginning runners and those returning to the trail after a while away — finding the right training program and the perfect pair of shoes.

After evaluating several running regiments, I combined and customized one tailored to my goal of running in at least one 5K by the end of the summer.

Then I brushed off the dust from my running shoes — still in decent shape thanks to those empty promises from the past — and also picked up a pedometer, a helpful tool to track the exact distance you walk and run throughout the day.

I began by gradually easing my body back into the flow, jogging a mile each outing. Of course, the usual aches and pains popped up — something I'll address in the next edition of the series and in an upcoming blog entry.

Once my endurance, legs and ankles felt in sync, I kicked it up to two miles — a distance I’ll probably continue at — increasing my pace week by week until I feel ready to take it up to the next level, three miles, nearly a 5K.

Until then, I’ve listed some upcoming local races to keep you busy. For more information about each, and a list of other races, check out www.runmichigan.com.

July 4 — Firecracker Mile, Clawson

July 6 — Michigan Senior Olympics Fundraiser 5K, Rochester

July 12 — Grandma Kay’s Orchard 5K, Washington Township

July 18 — Run Drugs Out of Town 5K, Fraser

July 18 — Founders Festival 4 Mile Run, Farmington