Things that I like to do for enjoyment in my spare time include attending sporting events, watching movies, traveling to new places, and hanging out with family and friends. These are all fairly popular and standard activities that the majority of people would have on their “leisure list”. But a couple of years ago I added something else to my list of fun — running.
Devoting many hours to pounding the pavement might not sound like a “stress reliever” to the common person. But there are thousands of dedicated running enthusiasts in the Cedar Valley that like to spend their free time strapping on the shoes and hitting the trails.
The Cedar River Runners Club is an organization of running enthusiasts from Cedar Falls, Waterloo and surrounding areas. This 30-year-old club is committed to promoting the sport of recreational and/or competitive running and to supporting the goals and ambitions of members through activities, programs and resources. With over 100 miles of recreational trails that intertwine throughout our community, runners have many options when planning their routes.
“You have to wonder at times what you’re doing out there. Over the years, I’ve given myself a thousand reasons to keep running, but it always comes back to where it started. It comes down to self-satisfaction and a sense of achievement.” - Steve Prefontaine
There are a number of different benefits which an individual can gain from running on a regular basis. Some of the reasons why I like to run include weight loss, improved cardiovascular health, improved bone health and the feeling I get after going on a nice, long run around town.
Runners typically report being happier and feeling less stressed than their counterparts who do not run or exercise regularly. Running actually has the ability to alter an individual’s mood because hormones called endorphins are released while running. These hormones create a sense of euphoria often referred to as a “runner’s high” and can result in an improvement in the runner’s mood.
Running also is beneficial for slowing down the aging process. Those who run on a regular basis are continually taxing their muscles and bones so the bones are stimulated to remain stronger and not weaken as easily with age. Because of the great deal of energy runners must exert, they experience lower blood pressure, thus decreasing risk of a heart attack.
“I always loved running—it was something you could do by yourself, and under your own power. You could go in any direction, fast or slow as you wanted, fighting the wind if you felt like it, seeking out new sights just on the strength of your feet and the courage of your lungs.” - Jesse Owens
I have participated in races as short as a 5K to as long as a marathon. All these types of races can be found right here in the Cedar Valley. Some of my favorites include:
- Sturgis Falls 5K and ½ Marathon. These late-June races average more than 1,000 entrants. The ½ marathon is run on Cedar Falls’ expansive paved trail system, while the 5K enjoys the scenery of the city’s shaded residential streets.
- Park to Park ½ Marathon and 5K. This early September race is designed to be friendly to both runners and walkers. The race features some of the most beautiful off-road trails of northeastern Iowa’s Cedar Valley area, taking runners from the starting line at George Wyth State Park through four different parks along the trail, which feature a combination of paved and natural surfaces along an out-and-back trail.
- Hit the Turkey Trot Trail. This is held at Hartman Reserve in mid-November and features a course that changes yearly. The three-mile race covers dirt trails, steep climbs and treks through sandy riverbeds.
- Snow Shuffle 5K. Participants bundle up and trek through the snow driftsin mid-December at George Wyth in this fun holiday event. Some of the many perks of the race include coffee and hot chocolate before the race, outdoor/indoor fires to keep warm, and Santa with his helper elf giving away candy and prizes.
I encourage you to spend some time outdoors this summer taking advantage of the beautiful trails that the Cedar Valley has to offer. You might be surprised how good you feel after a long run through the park.
“Racing teaches us to challenge ourselves. It teaches us to push beyond where we thought we could go. It helps us to find out what we are made of. This is what we do. This is what it’s all about.” - PattiSue Plumer, U.S. Olympian
Eric Braley is host and producer of “Panther Sports Talk,” a weekly UNI Sports TV show airing Sunday nights on KWWL after the 10:00 news and throughout the week on CFU Hometown Channel 15.
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