Midland running opportunities plentiful for all levels, distances – Midland Daily News

When asked about what she likes best about running in Midland, 17-year-old Danbi Johnson said, “I really love it because of the community of great people we run with. We’ve made lots of friends in the running community.”

That captures one of the advantages of getting involved in running activities in the mid-Michigan area. In Midland alone, several running clubs welcome all levels and ages of participants.

Danbi’s mom, Jaewon Lim, a triathlete and owner of the Lim’s Tae Kwon Do Academy, said she started to run with her children.

“When friends invited us to join them we met a great community and realized it was a perfect complement to our lifestyle. The groups are fun and are made up of terrific people who welcome runners regardless of experience or speed.”

Jerry Canze, current president of the Mid-Michigan Multisport Racing Club (M3RC), agreed.

“The running community in our area is second to none. People genuinely care about you and want to not only better themselves but want to help you improve as well.”

Canze talked about the diverse running environs in the area.

“The area we live in is awesome. If you want to run flat and fast? Hit the rail trail. Want to run hills? Go to Sanford and run Pine Haven. Want to run with a group, there is one most every night.”

Some specific local groups include the Tuesday Night Beatdown that caters to long distance runners including marathoners. If that’s your groove visit www.strava.com/clubs/227812 for more information. Canze leads the triathlon-oriented M3RC and a more laid-back group for all levels of running experience called the Thirsty Thursday Run Squad. They meet throughout the year at a local establishment and offer a plethora of running choices.

They also spice things up by gathering at Bay City locales for four-week periods. Check out their Facebook page for more information.

Canze added, “The Thirsty Thursday squad is a great group of people attracting up to 30 runners when the weather is nice.”

Running is one of the best aerobic exercises. According to a 2018 study published in Popular Mechanics running-related exercises scored twice in the Top 5 for greatest excess post-exercise oxygen consumption or post-workout calorie burn (up to 800 calories/hour).

To boost metabolism, incorporate running up hills or stairs or short sprints into the run. Another fat-burning technique is to use a 2:1 work-to-rest ratio involving intervals of 60-second runs followed by 30 second walks.

Canze is proof that running can shed pounds. He dropped 50 pounds in one year after adopting a lifestyle of running, portion control and finding others to run with.

Besides weight loss, running offers added benefits including increased bone density, muscle tone and respiratory health.

But not all mid-Michigan trekkers find group running to be their thing. They choose to run with a partner or stride it solo.

Maria Camargo is an example. She’s an endurance runner who often runs more than 50 miles in a single workout. When asked why she loves running long distances she said, “Even though it can be uncomfortable I run for the solitude that longer distances provide. The fact that it impacts my health in a positive manner and provides me with more energy to carry on my daily life are also favorable consequences of my love for running.”

Probably the most common reason people provide for not getting involved in running is the potential for joint discomfort, especially the knees. There’s no doubt that every stride a runner takes places impact on their body. But injuries can be avoided with proper running technique and the right shoes.

“Getting the best running shoes is critical to comfortable long-distance running and avoiding joint-pain or injury,” Camargo said. “I always go to a specialty store to get the proper shoe for stride and mechanics of the foot.”

Whether you prefer to run with a group of supportive friends, or would rather tackle the trails alone, opportunities abound in Mid-Michigan. And if you’re looking for upcoming running events – many of which are for all levels and have a charitable emphasis — visit www.runmichigan.com.