Too Many Races? Not!

With Fall comes the busiest time of the racing season. This past weekend, we saw several running events push the 1,000 participant level. The Maine Coast 1/2 Marathon featured 600+ runners. The popular Portland Trails 10K, had over 1,000 entrys and almost 800 participants. We also had the MDI 1/2 marathon and Komen Race For The Cure in Bangor. In coming weeks we have several multiple race event weekends coming up! The question is are we over "evented"?

Fall Marathon season is always full of opportunities. We have Maine Marathon & 1/2 Marathon on October 5, ING Hartford Marathon and 1/2 Marathon on October 11, Hampton, NH 1/2 Marathon on October 26 & The Manchester Marathon & 1/2 Marathon on Nov 1. This is not to mention, New York, Chicago, Philly, Marine Corp, etc..... How many events do we need? Talking to Mark Grandonico, we both agree that we need to let the Market dictate what events survive. The simple fact is that if runner's have a great experience and tell other's, event's will continue to grow. Those that are unorganized or don't create a great experience, will fall by the wayside.

In this economy, sponsorship money is getting tighter as well. Are sponsors getting a ROI on their investment? Events for our business are utilized for two things, brand building within a market served and to create sales. The event should drive consumers to your brand or location and then your product should be showcased or serviced. The good news is that running participation continues to grow at roughly 3-5% a year and the running consumer is a very desirable demographic for companies to pursue.

In a nutshell, events will continue to be an intregal part of the running industry and we will continue to see events and sponsors come and go. The events that provide a unique experience for the runner and a unigue value for the sponsors will continue to thrive.

Have a good fall and remember.....Run Happy!

More is not always better……

With Marathon season right on top of us, some runners tend to naturally over train due to the "more is better" syndrome. Are you overtraining? Signs and symptoms associated with overtraining Include decrease in running performance, chronic fatigue, muscle soreness, sleep loss, weight loss, increase in resting heart rate and blood pressure, frequent illness, change in eating habits and mood swings. Not all these symptoms will occur, but a decrease in physical performance is always associated with it. Additionally, running is usually associated with positive psychological changes. However, overtraining can and will produce fatigue, depression, anger, anxiety and a general reduction in well-being. Workout and racing performance can also be affected and that can lead to depression as well.

Overtraining can happen to anyone. Traditionally, it has been associated with elite runners. However, similar symptoms can occur in the average Joe or Jane Runner. In fact, average Joe and Jane may be more susceptible to such problems because their exercise regimens also include all the stresses of everyday living, such as work, parenthood, volunteering, etc…..

As long as individuals seek to improve their running goals, overtraining will be a problem. However, there are several things that can be done to avoid overtraining. Adequate rest is number one. Overtraining often results from physical stress overload and the body must be allowed enough time to recover from the stress of a workout or a race. Remember, more is not always better. Additionally, every runners base fitness levels are different and workout loads should be relative to these levels. Overtraining can often occur when runners train with others at higher fitness levels, trying to keep up. Remember to increase your workouts gradually according to your fitness level.

Training logs are a great resource in detecting overtraining. Recording your resting heart rate, body weight, workout performance, diet and sleep patterns on a daily basis and compared with previously recorded information is always helpful. Additionally, alternating heavy workloads with periods of low stress exercise and active rest will help the body recover. Finally, use good common sense. Don't allow blind ambition to override good judgment. More is not always better. Remember….Run Happy!

Running Brands...it's about trust! Human Race, Galloway and More!

I'm always amused by the running companies and the marketing communication strategy and tactics used to reach out to us and define their brand. Often, the successful ones truly stay on their brand position, create an emotional connection and earn a runner's trust. Additionally, the product must back up that position or that trust is lost.

I am amused by Pearl Izumi's ad "We Are Not Joggers." "At Pearl Izumi, we don't jog, we run. The thing is running is endangered. You might find this hard to believe. After all, the number of entrants in your local 10K is surely on the rise, and every Saturday the park is packed with people prancing around in brand-new trainers. Unfortunately, few if any of them are running. They're jogging. And with all this jogging going on out there, runners are losing the soul of their sport. Joggers are prey. Runners are hunters!" Boy….now I really understand who you are?? Hey, dude! The only difference between a runner and a jogger is the name on the entry form!

Then we had Reebok's "Run Easy" just the opposite of Pearl Izumi's ad. They even had NBA superstar, Allen Iverson in full hip hop clothing, running in one of their TV commercials?? Yup, we can relate to running easy with Allen….

ASICS, utilizes "A Sound Mind, In a Sound Body" derived from the Latin phrase, Anima Sana In Corpore Sano, which is also an acrynom for "ASICS." Pretty good! Do we trust them? Yup! Sound Mind, Sound Body, Sound Product!

Nike, "Just Do It!" In technical running, they did it for years! At one point Nike owned 50+% market share in the "Specialty Running" store channel. Over the past 6 years they have lost market share in Specialty Running, because they lost the "Trust" runner's had in their technical footwear product. Guess what? They are back and as a brand are "Just Doing it" again with great product such as the Structure Triax 11, the Air Vomero and their new Luna Series!

Mizuno, "Your Passion Is Our Obsession." Mizuno's Serious Performance positioning exemplifies their market communication headline and their product always backs this up with more Runner's World, Editor Choice Awards than any other brand in the past 10 years.

Saucony, "Loyal To The Sport" represents that they are committed to the running community and their product. I believe them and the proof is in rapid market share increases in the past 12 months. They truly get what a "Running Company" is all about with the most improved product line in the industry.

Trust, believability and consistency, all trademarks for why we choose products and bond emotionally with the running brands we love. However, just like a marriage, that lost trust and believability can be a reason for divorce.

Nike's Human Race on Sunday, August 31, with a goal of 1 million runner's on one day will feature a race organized by Tammy Heathco in Freeport, with a group run over the LL Bean 10K course @ 8am. The Group will meet at Starbuck's in Freeport. Caffine and water will be available prior to the run. There will be a water stop at 3 miles. This is a group run, not a race....Come and join us!!! Celebrate the Human Race!

Jeff Galloway will be conducting his Running School on Thursday, September 11 from 5:30 - 8:30pm at Maine Running Company. Their will be a meet & greet from 5:30 - 6:15, a short run and then a running school/clinic....This is Free of Charge.

Bill Rodger's will be at the store on Thursday, September 18, from 6-8pm. Bill will discuss Marathoning, training and answer any questions you might have regarding running! He will autograph posters and his book"The Idiots Complete Guide To Running." The book is co-written by South Portland's Scott Douglas. Bill's presentation is open free to the public.

Diabetes Dash For Kids is a fund raiser organized by, my good friend, Kirsten Rossner Buchanen, to raise awareness about diabetes. Kirsten's 7 year old son, has Type 1 Diabete's. The event will take place at Greely High School, Sunday, September 28, 8:30 a.m. Hope you can join us!


Plenty of Fall running and racing left!! See you on the roads and remember....Run Happy!