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Starting Spring Off On The Right Foot

Spring has officially sprung! Even though it still is a little chilly here in Baltimore, the warm weather will be here before we know it! So, whether you are a seasoned marathoner or are just beginning your fitness journey, now is the perfect time to get outdoors and take advantage of sunny skies, before the hottest days of summer. Running is a great way to get your exercise in, get involved in the local community, and learn healthy habits for life. How you prepare can be just as important as the race itself, so keep reading for some tips on finding inspiration!

Get Motivated

Sometimes, making the first step towards your goal can be the hardest part. But, there are hundreds of ways to find motivation before you take the plunge and sign up for the big race. There are lots of ways to smart small, like taking the stairs to your apartment, or taking a stroll to the Harris Teeter instead of driving. Even something as simple as buying a new pair of shoes or trendy athletic wear can give you a boost of confidence! Try tagging along with your friend to the gym, or going for a sunset jog with your dog along the waterfront.

Fuel Up

What you put in to your body affects what you get out of it, so make sure to fuel up with good food for lots of energy. Anthem’s A2 location will be the home of the second Pure Raw Juice location in South Baltimore, opening very soon! It will be conveniently located right on the first floor of A2, making it easy for you to stop by for a fruit and/or veggie fix. Their 100% plant-based menu has tons of options, from acai bowls, to cold-pressed juices, to lemonade and coffee! Grab a smoothie for breakfast on your way out, or stop by for a post-run reward as a healthy and delicious way to treat your body (and your taste buds!)

Training Gains

Once you are ready to commit to a running schedule, another great way to motivate yourself is to join a training group. This is an excellent opportunity meet other runners, hold yourself accountable to a routine, and be encouraged by others working towards similar goals! There are lots of local groups that you can join to become part of the lively Charm City running community.

Federal Hill Runners Club is open and free to runners of all paces. They meet at Federal Hill Fitness on Mondays at 6:30pm for a 4.7 mile run. With over 500 members, the club is a great way to meet new people and ease into a workout routine!

Motivated by your sweet tooth? Charm City Run hosts the Shake Shack run once every month. Attendees can meet at either Charm City Run Fells Point or Locust Point for a 3 to 5 mile run, then meet back up at Shake Shack for a round of beers! The event is free and you can register on their website. For a more structured training program, Charm City Run also offers coaching sessions, educational talks about fitness, and physical therapists on-site. There are many groups with different distance options, so head over to their website for more information on how you can sign up.

If you’re a girl looking to venture outside of the neighborhood, join the Falls Road Running Store coaching staff for Ladies Night Track! They meet on Wednesday nights at the Loyola/JHU track on 33rd Street from April 17 to June 26, just in time for race season! Many long-lasting friendships have been formed on this track, so be prepared to have fun with a great group of girls! Get more details and register here.

Planning to participate in the Baltimore Women’s 5K Classic race? They have their own training group to help you prepare! They offer four different groups: Beginning & Intermediate Walkers, Walker to Run, Beginning Runners, and Intermediate Runners. Training begins May 13th and meets once a week, up until the race on June 23rd.

Off to the Races

Now, reap the benefits of your hard work by signing up for a race! Baltimore is home to many running events each year in a range of distances and formats, so that no matter what level you are ready for, there is something for you! Many support charity, so you can feel great about not only doing good for your own body, but giving back to the community!

On April 7th, Ronald McDonald House Charities is hosting the Red Shoe Shuffle, a 5K run and walk. Take a lap downtown around Lexington Street and help raise money for families of children battling illness.

Hosted by Charm City Run, the Sole of the City Race will be held on April 13th. The race commences and ends at McHenry row, and you’ll see the best of Baltimore with views of Federal Hill, downtown, Harbor East, Harbor Point, and the promenade.

The Fiesta 5K is another great downtown race for a cause! It will be held this year on May 4th on a beautiful course through Harbor East. This race has raised over $3.4 million for ALS research since it began in 2007.

The 24th Annual MCVET 5K and 10K will be held on June 9th, raising support and awareness for veterans in need.The races start downtown at the War Memorial Building, and continue with scenic views of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor skyline.

Starting the season off right by taking care of your body, mind, and spirit is a wonderful way to #LiveYourAnthem well. We would love for you to share your fitness journey with us on our social media pages. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.