Who knew the Akron Marathon Race Series could be for the man who just had a heart bypass in early March, the busy soccer mom who needs an activity of her own, the civil engineer who fears sitting behind a desk all day is taking its toll, the lady who just finished her first week on Weight Watchers?
Those were just some of the stories being shared at Firestone Metro Park on Saturday morning, when 93 racing hopefuls turned out for the first Blue Line Beginners training session.
Last week, we invited the community to join the Akron Beacon Journal and the staff of the Akron Marathon in a summerlong adventure with the goal of participating in the three-event race series where both walkers and runners are welcomed. The first race on June 24 will feature a 1-mile and an 8K distance.
In all, 138 people have signed up for the program, with some promising to report on their training efforts from the field. They ranged from folks who are already fitness enthusiasts to those for whom walking 1 mile is their personal marathon.
And while we promoted the program for those who have never participated in an organized race, we welcomed aboard several teammates who once raced years ago, lost their way, and needed inspiration to start again.
At Saturday’s inaugural meet-up, Akron Marathon Executive Director Anne Bitong introduced the Blue Line Beginners to a day-by-day 8K training program, as well as a schedule for those who hope to run a half-marathon later in the summer.
Tammy Polen, co-owner of Vertical Runner in Wooster, also was on hand to discuss the difference a shoe can make. She demonstrated with a normal shoe that can bend in half, and a more unyielding shoe used by runners with flat feet or other physical issues.
Then marathon staff led the group on a 1.5-mile brisk walk through the park, an easy start that allowed teammates to pair up and form some new friendships.
It’s not too late to join in time for this coming Saturday’s second training session, starting at 9 a.m. at Firestone Metro Park’s Warner Road parking lot.
Just send an email to akronrun@thebeaconjournal.com with your name, age, town and a paragraph or two about yourself. If work or other obligations keep you from Saturday training, we’ll stay in touch so you can report on your progress as the season progresses.
Beacon Journal photographer Karen Schiely and I — both nonrunners who will be training right along with everyone else — will report on our endeavors throughout the year in the Beacon Journal, on Ohio.com and on a daily blog at ohio.com/akronrun.
So, no more excuses. The Akron Children’s Hospital Akron Marathon Race Series is actually for someone just like you.
Paula Schleis can be reached at 330-996-3741 or pschleis@thebeaconjournal.com. Follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/paulaschleis.