Even though I’ve been blessed enough to be involved in the running/walking community for close to 20 years, I’m constantly amazed at the generosity within the sport.  Runners and walkers alike, love to share what they know with others.  They never hesitate to provide advice, encouragement and support to those new to the track or the road.  It is this spirit of generosity that has allowed events like the Fifth Third River Bank Run to flourish in this community.

Gazelle Sports-Holland recently hosted a Fifth Third River Bank Run “For Women Only” Training Clinic featuring a number of incredible women involved in the running/walking industry.  The event was attended by a number of incredible women, all setting their sites on the Fifth Third River Bank Run finish line on Saturday, May 8.  From questions on nutrition for optimum performance to how best to stretch before and after exercise to just how does one even get going with a training program, information was shared back and forth with understanding and humor.  After the clinic, presenters and participants hung around, talking and laughing together about shared experiences (yes, a good sports bra makes all the difference in a training run) and lifestyles (why do cookies always taste better than veggies?).

And the generosity extends far beyond the setting of an organized training clinic.  It is present at the first Saturday of the month community training runs at the David D. Hunting YMCA as those new to the sport pepper seasoned runners and walkers with questions about pace and hydration.  I see it on Kent Trails where I run/walk my dog; one obviously stronger runner verbally encouraging their partner that they can go just a little further.  Generosity lives eternal in people like Fifth Third River Bank Run Road Warrior Coach, Sheila Bosworth, who seeks out those who are looking to make a positive change in their fitness habits to provide just the right words of motivation.   Those involved in the sport can’t wait to share what they have learned and how much better they feel than they did prior to getting involved.

Everyone — even the guy in tights who looks like he was born running — had to start sometime.   The running/walking community stands ready to come alongside you as soon as you are ready.  Take that first step.  Sign up for the free Fifth Third River Bank Run 10,000 Steps Program at www.53riverbankrun.com and start walking more with a pedometer.  Or attend the community training run on Saturday, March 6 at 8a at the downtown YMCA.  Or stop into Gazelle Sports and ask to talk with someone about how to get started.  Take advantage of the generosity of others.   Then, when you’ve found solid footing in your sport of choice, be prepared to be generous yourself.  We can be so much stronger together than apart.