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!