How to Fall Back in Love With Running? Try Something New. Here’s a List…

In 2015, you were running pretty regularly. Maybe you even did some races.

But then winter came, and it was cold, dark and icy, and you fell out of the routine. Now you’re contemplating getting started again, but it feels like so much work. They say variety is the spice of life – fall back in love with running by trying something new.

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Change Your Setting – Trail Running

Usually run on the road? Give trail running a try. Enjoy beautiful West Virginian scenery and the peace that comes with not having to dodge traffic.

Browse our list of trail maps and links to find your next destination at the West Virginia Physical Activity Network’s handy online directory.

Then go all in and commit yourself to one of these unique trail races:

April 16 – Gristmill Grinder Half Marathon or 5k, Babcock State Park. This popular race takes you past the Babcock gristmill, one of West Virginia’s most iconic landmarks. This event fills up fast, so register now!

August 12-13 – Appalachian Ragnar Trail Relay, Preston County. Form a team, run all night and all day, collapse, celebrate.

Can’t get enough trail running? Check out the WV Mountain Trail Runners’ lineup of 2016 events for some of the toughest challenges in the state.

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Change Your Setting – Road Running

If you usually run in the woods, give road racing a chance. Why? You can literally head out your office door and onto your running route. Sign up for one of West Virginia’s unique road races and join the fun, or commit to a race for a cause – many fundraising runs are road races.

June 11 – Hatfield McCoy Marathon, Half Marathons, & 5k. No feudin’, just runnin’! This is a one of a kind event with multiple race options, all of which will take you from WV to KY and back.

October 1 – Freedom’s Run Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k or 5k, Shepherdstown. Listed as a Bucket List Race by Runner’s World magazine, this race series will take you past some of the most important landmarks in American history.  

Looking for community fundraising run events? Head to the Calendar tabs at iplayoutside.com and tristateracer.com for listings of most WV (and surrounding area) races.  

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Make New Friends

Running with others is a great way to be guilted into not skipping a run… um, we mean, a great way to stay motivated!

Looking for company? Check out our list of area running shops and clubs, ranging from competitive to social, to find running friends: WVPAN/running. Many running clubs organize “fun run” events, and some professional groups do as well.

March 11 – OV Connect St. Paddy’s Pub Run, Wheeling; join this event for running, “breathers” (ahem, beers), and ending with food and networking.

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Try A New Distance

You’re ready to pick a new distance, or to work toward a speed personal record. Need a training plan to get you there? How about training plans for anything from a 5k to a marathon, developed by a world renowned coach and trainer – for free? Here you go: halhigdon.com

 

See you on the trail/road!