Disrupt Fitness: Spring Into Running

Editor’s Note: The following biweekly column is sponsored and written by Disrupt Fitness.

It’s finally spring! Late winter storms aside, it’s a time to be renewed, refreshed, and revitalized — to break out of the cocoon and get back out in the sun.

For many, that means shaking the dust off their running shoes and making a daily jog part of their lives once more. Here are a few of our favorite ways to hit reset on the routine and get running far and fast.

1. Sign up for a race.

A race is a great way to seek out camaraderie or tap into your inner competitor. Finding a fun, unique event can add variety to your training, introduce you to new people, and inspire you to run faster than ever before.

It need not be a marathon to be a challenge! There are plenty of local options between 5K and 26.2 miles. Add one of these events to your calendar, invite a few friends, and get ready to race!

• Crystal Run 5K Fridays, every Friday in April: this series of Friday night 5Ks in Crystal City will get your weekends off to a great start.
• The GW Parkway Classic, April 13: it’s the 30^th anniversary of this beautiful 10-mile and 5K race.
• Marine Corps Historic Half, May 18: if you missed the full Marine Corps Marathon, travel down to Fredericksburg and cruise through 13.1 miles of history.
• Potomac River Run Marathon, May 4: a relatively new race on the C&O towpath; this is flat, fast, and fun.

2. Become a spectator.

Watching a road race is a weekend morning well spent. It’s a great way to be part of your local fitness community and cheer on your fellow runners as they challenge themselves.

Here are a few of the major, mostly sold-out events you won’t want to miss this spring:

• Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Run, April 6 (Note: this annual event is also the National 10-mile Championship race).
• The Color Run, April 19 in Baltimore and May 18 in Washington, DC.
• Nike Women’s Half Marathon, April 27.

3. Get a change of scenery.

Now is the perfect time to take a daring leap off the treadmill or abandon your most well-worn neighborhood routes and workouts. Be sure to try out one of the many trails or parks our area has to offer–such as Burke Lake Park, the trails at Rock Creek Park, or the paths on Roosevelt Island.

And don’t miss the opportunity to run under the blooming cherry blossoms this spring. Watch carefully for their emergence; when they’re at their peak, a sunrise run through the tidal basin is an unparalleled experience; they are scheduled to peak between April 8-12!

4. Refresh your running shoes.

If you’ve been working out over the winter, odds are good that you’ve done a number on your training shoes. Or maybe you’ve got a battered pair of Nikes from last summer in the back of your closet. Either way, use some freshly cut gear as another motivator. There’s nothing like a pair of new shoes to put some extra spring in your step. (Not to mention, it can spare you from shin splints and help support your local running store.)

5. Ask the Trainer.

Lastly, we invite you to “Ask The Trainer” any fitness questions you may have! You, the reader, have the opportunity to ask our trainers and specialist your questions related to health and fitness. Send all questions to [email protected].

The views and opinions expressed in the column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ARLnow.com.