Welcome to the new Maine Running Blog! We hope to make this fun and informative and about Maine Running happenings, training tips and the folks that make up our running community. As always, your comments are welcome!

So Beach To Beacon registration closed in 26 hours.....wow! A lot of folks I talked to didn't remember or didn't get in. My phone was ringing off the hook with runners looking for numbers. I'm sure the B2B folks will digest all this, evaluate and make it even better, because on-line registration is here to stay (Peachtree which has 50,000 participants still does it by snail mail and post marked??).

After the long winter folks are getting itchy to get out and are looking forward to Spring and Summer Running! The Irish Road Rover on March 9th, had approxiamately 750 entries and 670+ finishers. Mary's Kerryman Pub Run & Walk, on March 16, had 3,000 total participants. Both double digit increases vs. last year! Our "Reach The Beacon" group filled up quickly and keeps rising. People are anxious to get going!

Our store has seen a flurry of activity and all the footwear brands are making great product right now. Brooks continues to evolve their line and the new Glycerin 6 and a new "Blend" shoe called the Infiniti are rocking right now! The Glycerin 6 has a plusher ride and better fit than the Glycerin 5. It is capturing the fustrated "Saucony Triumph" customer who's shoe was drastically changed this year with a more responsive ride and changed fit (Why do they do that!). The Brooks Infiniti is a great "upgrade" to other blend shoes (mild stability attributes with great cushioning) such as the Asics 2130 and Saucony Guide. It has double stacked Mogo cushioning in the forefoot, a great fit and super ride! Like to hear your comments on what's happening with your favorite running shoes!

Remember, train smarter, not harder. Spring is usually the time when folks get going again. Of course the euphoria of warm weather gets us moving a little to fast. Remember, easy, means easy! Build your mileage gradually. I like to have our training groups run by time. This allows you to keep your heart rate up for a specific period vs. forcing your self to do unnecessary mileage that you might not be ready for. Add 5 minutes every week until you're at your ideal mileage or time (everyone is different!). Walk, Bike, Swim or rest everyother day. Remember....train, don't strain!

That is it for today! Cya on the roads and remember Shannon, get a new pair of the right shoes this year!

Run Happy! (yup, I ripped it off from Brooks!)

JR