I remember running winter track in high school. I don’t remember algebra, or chemistry, or even the girl I took to the Junior Prom, but I remember running winter track. What I recall most clearly are the many frozen February mornings before class, doing laps around the school parking lot, dodging the snow and ice and buses belching toxic exhaust into the icy air. Did I complain? No. Did I whine to the coach? Not a chance. Did I cry like a little girl when my jock strap was frozen to my tuckus? You bet your sweet mittens I did! But I held fast, knowing that spring was just around the last lap. The ground would thaw, the track would be dry, and my favorite body parts would rejoice and shout hallelujah!
Well, dear readers, I am no longer the running man I was back then. But I do get out there as much as possible and when I can, run a race or two. Most of the time they are charity runs, raising money and awareness for a cause. Sometimes we run for the pride of our communities, and sometimes, people actually just run for fun!
This month as the days get warmer and longer, we have a wealth of events to get us back into the swing of things. We may not be in top form yet, but who is? You think A-Rod is gonna bat .300 when he gets back? (Memo to Alex – Please stay away!)
But we take to the roads with all ambition and dedication. We set our sights on that finish line and let it all go, leaving it all out there on the track. The runners’ high awaits us and we will not be disappointed.
So for those of you who are ready to put on the Nike’s, here are more than a few place to lace them up this month
2 Cupid’s Chase 5K Princeton
2 Edgar’s Irish March to Save the Beach Manasquan
2 Fight for Air Climb-Harborside Financial Center Jersey City
2 Mt. Holy Patrick’s Parade 5K Mount Holly
3 E. Murray Todd Half Marathon Lincroft
9 Half Way to Brielle Day Brielle
9 Hayden’s Heart 5K North Arlington
9 KDM 3 Mile Fun Run Sea Bright
9 Morristown St. Patty’s Day 5K Morristown
10 Miles for Music 20K, 5K and 1 Mile Highland Park
10 Police Unity Tour Kilt Run West Deptford
16 Haddonfield Adrenaline 5K Haddonfield
16 Morris Catholic Crusaders Challenge 5K Denville
16 Shamrock and Run Rutherford
16 St. Pats 10 Miler and 5K Margate
17 KEA Pot o’ Gold 5K Kinnelon
17 Leprechaun 5K Freehold
Get out the Tiger Balm and don’t forget to stretch!