Running Mon Mar 09 2009

Neither Rain Nor Sleet...

...nor some combination of the two was able to keep hearty runners from showing up ad a cold and wet North Avenue Beach house Saturday morning to take part in the "Official Opening Day of Running" sponsored by Nike. OK, sure there isn't an "official" opening day when it comes to running but if baseball and other sports can have one, well...

Even if the title of the event was a bit tongue-in-cheek, the event proved to be a seasonal start of sorts for some of the participants who, unlike the TRULY dedicated runners - the ones who don special gear and hit the trails in 10-below temperatures - have been waiting for just the right day to leave the indoor treadmill and hit the pavement. Not only were they coaxed out of their holes like groundhogs by food, music and giveaways, but Olympian Alan Webb and runner Sanya Richards were on hand to lend inspiration as well.

Nike kicks off their regular Monday and Thursday evening training sessions tonight when a 6:30 p.m. run beginning at Fleet Feet in Piper's Ally. Thursday runs originate at Niketown on Michigan Ave., also at 6:30 p.m.Tonight our training runs begin ... 6:30 p.m. at Fleet Feet Piper's Alley.

Below are photo highlights of "opening day".

— Ken Green / Comments (0)