Meet Sara!
Meet one of the newest members of Team Terra: Sara!
Q: Tell us about yourself!
I just graduated from Lee in May and am planning on attending grad school next fall.
Q: What is your favorite thing to do outside?
I love running, hiking, and playing tennis.
Q: What is your favorite movie, book, and TV show?
My favorite movie is The Hunt for the Wilderpeople. My favorite book is The Witch of Blackbird Pond. My favorite TV show is The Office.
Q: How long have you lived in Cleveland?
I have lived in Cleveland for 4 years!
Q: What is your advice for someone looking to be fit for shoes, never been to Terra?
Keep an open mind! Shoes fit differently for each person, so it’s important to try multiple shoes to see what fits best!
Why I chose the Cloudsurfer to train for a trail ultra
At Terra, we consider the On Cloudsurfer a lower stability shoe when compared to other On models. This is because it lacks the typical Speedboard found in every other model of On shoes. I needed a new road shoe since I have a goal of running a trail ultramarathon in September. I wanted a shoe that could train me for the trails even when I mostly run roads. Because it is very bouncy, the Cloudsurfer is less stable with its soft cushion and lack of Speedboard to provide any sort of rigidity. While that might sound like a bad thing, this is as close as I can get to simulating the uneven terrain of a trail while on the road. Training the ankles for rolling or wobbly motion is essential for a more secure and confident run on the trail. The Cloudsurfer utilizes a new cushioning technology created by On called CloudTec Phase; this technology gives the Cloudsurfer a very soft, plushy ride. The CloudTec Phase design works by collapsing the cushioning as you step down in the shoe and expanding the foam up in a forward rolling motion, propelling heel strikers forward. Midfoot and toe strikers benefit less from the rolling motion, feeling more of a spring than a forward roll. While neither of these functions quite mimics the trail, they do give a bouncy ride. I have now put around 70 miles of running on the shoes and strikingly my lower calf has become increasingly tight and irritated. While everyone’s foot reacts to shoes differently, I do attribute this tightness to the Cloudsurfers. Thinking critically about the design of the shoes, I am under the impression that due to the incredible softness under the heel, the shoe actually compresses more toward the heel side than desired. For me, this effect causes an over-extension of the Achilles and a prolonged tension on the lower calf. I have had to switch out to different shoes due to this strain. My hope is that this, too, simulates climbing up the mountains of a trail run. Overall, I really like the shoes, but only for runs less than 8 miles. For customers, I would recommend this shoe to a neutral runner who wants a fun bouncy shoe for 5k distances.
Try a tri
Since 2021, I have been dabbling in the sport of triathlon. I have been a runner since I was in high school and have completed over 40 half marathons and 5 marathons, but I found myself getting tired of running. After years in the sport, it's easy to get into the habit of comparing time and fitness levels to yourself from fitter or faster phases of life. I liked the idea of trying new sports and being active without running the same routes over and over again.
I had a road bike from a decade ago. I pumped up the tires, dusted off my helmet and took it on the roads of south Bradley County. I was hooked! Anyone who has gotten into cycling knows there are endless accessories and gadgets to make the sport more interesting and fun. I enjoyed trying new cycling shorts, figuring out which of my sunglasses I preferred riding in, and getting my clip pedals and shoes out of the closet. Cycling is more time consuming than running and requires a little more planning. I usually drive to a location along the route of rural roads I like to ride and have to bring all my bike bottles, nutrition, helmet, bike pump, etc. I do like that it doesn't pound your legs quite like running does. It is also easier to do in the heat of the summer because the speed provides some cooling winds.
Like cycling, I had experience swimming but hadn't been in a pool to swim laps in years. I joined the Y and started swimming as much as I felt like I could. At the beginning, I didnt have a great sense of how hard I was working so I would find myself stopping after a few lengths to "catch my breath." When I realized I was just getting used to breathing in a rhythm, I was able to push past the few lengths and swim for longer and longer without stopping. The YMCA indoor pool is a great local resource for anyone looking to get into swimming. You can lap swim at most times of day. If you want to try open water swimming, check out Parksville Beach or the day use area at the Chickamauga Dam in Chattanooga. Always swim with a buddy and use a booey strapped to your waist so boaters can see you. Getting over my fear of "things" touching me while open water swimming has been one of the most fun parts about discovering triathlon. I love being outside in the summer, so open water swimming has been a really fun new hobby of mine.
I have done the Waterfront Triathlon in Chattanooga three times. There are two distances in that race: an Olympic (1.5k swim, 40k bike, 6mi run) and a Sprint (400m swim, 20k bike, 5k run). This is a great beginner-friendly local race that I would highly recommend. After feeling confident after my first Olympic distance triathlon at the Chattanooga Waterfront Tri, I signed up for Ironman 70.3 in August, GA in 2021. I really pushed myself to bike and run more than I ever had in training. It was a big challenge and I really enjoyed the accomplishment! I am going back to do it again next month, September 2023.
As much as I have loved trying new sports and challenging myself in new ways, I have missed the grind of running more miles each week. I have had to cut back on my running miles to keep my legs fresh enough to cycle three times a week for triathlon training. After this half Ironman in September, I am looking forward to getting back to my first love: running.
Race with us this fall!
As the weather breaks, it's easier to imagine yourself training for a race. We have a great list of local races this fall that we'd love to see you at!
*denotes part of Five Points Race Series race: Join Cleveland for the FIVE POINT RACE SERIES again in 2023! These fall 5k’s celebrate the best of our local parks. Register for and complete at least 3 out of the 6 races and you will earn an exclusive BOCO hat or a $20 Terra Running gift card! Sponsored by the City of Cleveland Parks and Recreation.
*August 1 through November 24: Explore Cleveland Virtual 5k: Help us raise money for the Terra Kids Run Camp in the summer of 2024, all while exploring a new route in Cleveland. This virtual 5k is inexpensive and fun; run a 5k on your own and send us a selfie! We will post all finisher picture's on the window of Terra Running Company to celebrate your accomplishment! All money is donated to the Terra Kids Run Camp, which hosted 50 kids in a running day camp this summer for free! (This is also part of the Five Points Race Series, so if you need a 3rd race finish to earn the hat or gift card, it's easy to do this one on your own!) https://www.terrarunning.com/explore-cleveland-5k
*August 26: Junior Achievement Race to Achieve 5k at Tinsley Park: Did you know this was the very first race Terra Running Company ever timed back in 2017? We have been with JA from the beginning of Terra Running race timing and it always feels nostalgic when we're back at Tinsley Park at sunrise in August for yet another JA 5k! I have had the opportunity to volunteer with Junior Achievement this past year. I taught a really thorough and fun lesson about the economics of our region of the country to 4th graders at Charleston Elementary. I got to see firsthand the impact of these awesome lessons that JA provides for area schools. The 5k is one of their biggest fundraisers and we are proud to be involved. Run this fast course that starts at the dog parks at Tinsley and runs south. https://register.chronotrack.com/r/72420
*September 9: Cowpea 5k + 1 mile in Calhoun/Charleston: Yippeea! This the first EVER Cowpea 5k and we are so excited to be partnering with the International Cowpea Festival on this race. We will be raising money for the Hiwassee River Heritage Center in Charleston. The race starts in Calhoun, runs on historic Highway 11 south over the Hiwassee River to Charleston. We make a beautiful loop through historic Charleston and back north over the river to Calhoun. All participants get a free entry to that day's Cowpea Festival in Charleston. This is a great new local race, and the only race in our neighboring town of Charleston! https://www.terrarunning.com/cowpea-5k-1-mile
September 16: Recovery Alive 5k at Greenway Park: This is the first year for Terra Running to be teaming up with the South Cleveland Church of God Recovery Alive program for the RA5k at Greenway Park. Recovery Alive at South Cleveland is a safe place for you to come and DO recovery. No matter what you struggle with, you are welcome. Recovery Alive meets every Thursday night at South Cleveland Church of God and this is a fundraiser for the program. Join us in spreading hope! https://register.chronotrack.com/r/74537
September 23: Ronald McDonald House Charities Run4Kids at Chattanooga State: We love working with the Ronald McDonald House on this great Run4Kids race! This is one of the Ronald McDonald house's big fundraisers and they do it big! The race brings together runners, walkers, RMHC alumni families and supporters for this fun, kid friendly event. The course runs through Chattanooga State to the Riverwalk and has great views! https://register.chronotrack.com/r/74481
*October 14: Willowbend Farms Run for Their Freedom 5k at Greenway Park: Willowbend Farms sure knows how to put on the 5k! This event is an important fundraiser for Willowbend Farms, whose mission is to fight human trafficking in our area. There is live music at the Greenway Stage, vendors, and a powerful service after the race. Another unique aspect of this event is the evening time, with the race starting at 6pm. https://register.chronotrack.com/r/68288
October 20: Nightmare on Nashville Street in Ringgold, GA: This is the first year for this new 5k, but we have worked with the race organizers on previous events and can assure you, it will be a SCREAM! The 5k will start at the Ringgold Market in downtown Ringgold and will wind its way down a spooky nature trail. All runners will receive a commemorative race shirt. Performance awards will be given to male and female racers with the fastest time in their age brackets. The 1 mile trick or treat run will be held on the block surrounding Ringgold City Hall. 1 mile participants will receive a shirt with their entry fee and can swing by the tie dye station to give their race shirt some splashes of color. Participants can also visit trick or treat tables to load up on candy! https://www.evittfoundation.org/nightmareonnashville
*October 21: Cleveland Half Marathon & 5k in downtown Cleveland: We are so excited for the 6th running of the Cleveland Half Marathon & 5k! We have even more sponsors, community organizations, and volunteers involved and are proud to bring you the only half marathon in our area. You know we LOVE our big finishers medals, and this year we are honoring our own Terra Running Company building! The medal is a hand-drawn rendition of the building, complete with runners, coffee drinkers, and even our shop dog, Rocky! http://www.clevelandhalf.com/
*November 23: Thanksgiving Day 5k & 1 mile at Tinsley Park: There are more race finishers on Thanksgiving Day in the United States than any other day of the year. Be one of those finishers by joining us. This race has become one of the biggest 5k's in Cleveland! Join us at Tinsley Park for a fast, flat, family friendly 5k, then go indulge in turkey and pies the rest of the day! https://www.terrarunning.com/thanksgiving-day-5k
December 2: Lafayette, GA Reindeer Run: This is the 2nd year Terra Running has partnered with the Lafayette, GA Women's Club for their annual Reindeer Run and we are big fans of the work they do! The race runs through historic Lafayette, GA and is super fun and festive! Last year, the LaFayette Woman’s Club donated $10,000 to the LaFayette Shop With A Cop program and $9,000 to fund three LaFayette High School Female Scholarships. Get in the Christmas spirit with this awesome 5k! https://register.chronotrack.com/r/74468
December 9: Relay for Life Cleveland Reindeer Run 5k: Help support Cleveland's American Cancer Society Relay for Life with the running of this local Reindeer Run at Greenway Park. Race t-shirts and goodie bags are guaranteed for pre-registered participants. Don't worry about the cold: there will be coffee, hot chocolate and donuts during the morning of the event! https://runsignup.com/Race/TN/Cleveland/ReindeerRunClevelandTN
TRC nationally recognized for third time; second year in a row
Team Terra recieving A Best Running Store award in 2022
On Thursday, July 27, Terra Running Company, along with 60 other stores across the country, was again named “A Best Running Store.” While Terra Running Company has won this award more than once, this is the first time they have received the honor in back-to-back years (2019, 2022, and 2023).
Conferred by The Running Event since 2008, this national award recognizes the leaders in the run specialty industry. As explained by The Running Event, “Best Running Stores celebrates the stores leading by example in the run specialty industry—the retailers who continually show their commitment to their customers and community. Leaders among their peers, these stores are always striving to create a stronger industry.”
Beyond the in-store experience, retailers must show expertise and professionalism, as well as offer events and programs around the sport of running. Charitable community involvement is also evaluated. To be considered for a Best Running Store award, retailers are nominated by customers and the community before being examined on location.
“We are really honored to be recognized as one of the best running stores, not only in the Southeast but in the US.” said owner Brittany Katz, “Our community has supported Terra Running Company in our mission to make activity more accessible for eight years and we are incredibly thankful for the continued support.”
Once again, Terra Running Co. is one of only two stores in the state of Tennessee to receive the award. All winners will be honored in person at The Running Event in Austin, Texas on November 30, 2023.
To view the full list of winners and to learn more, visit: www.therunningevent.com/best-running-stores-2023/
Brennan's Three Summer Favorites
Brennan and Asher sport Goodr Wrap Gs
Summer is here and we have the gear!
We asked the staff what three things they are particularly loving on their adventures this summer. Read on for Brennan’s current top three summer favorites…
QALO Rings - Contrary to what your summer bible camp counselor may have told you, you do not have to be married or engaged to slip on a QALO ring during exercise. Whether holy matrimony or adventurous independence, a silicone band is the easiest way to signal your commitments to relationships or fashion. If you favor simplicity, or you want a plain ring that you can wear every day, QALO has their simple, classic band. But if you want a little more out of your rubber jewelry, they offer different features: polished, beveled edge, etched designs. There's even a compostable one! QALO is great year-round, but its rings are especially helpful in the summer. On any given day, you could lose your ring to sweat as your fingers turn into mini slip-n-slides, or you could be a little too close to your ring as your fingers swell with heat and blood flow. QALO gives you a little breathing room if your fingers swell, and it's grippier than a traditional metal band. My wife and I both have rings, and we've yet to have any issues. We run, hike, and even swim in them!
Good Wrap G - Ever been sweating and hustling on your summer run and thought, "Gee, I know running isn't in the X-Games, but this sure feels extreme"? Turns out Goodr knows the feeling, and they want pounding downhill pavement to feel like Shaun White shooting down the halfpipe. Already known for their outrageous nicknaming, Goodr also makes some outrageous shades: The Wrap G's. These are for your midday, 100% humidity, clear sky, angry sun runs. You won't find any greater coverage in a pair of sunglasses, and these are made to take a beating. Better yet, if you belong with me in the big head club, the Wrap G's have one of the most generous fits in Goodr's lineup. Of course, these will carry over to any other sport of your choice too. These are easily my favorite glasses from Goodr, and they're at Terra now! (p.s., If you do find yourself in a wintry extreme sport, you can always check out Goodr's Snow-G, their speciality snow goggles.)
Injinji Mini Crew - Toe socks are like vitamins. Everyone knows you should probably use them, but it doesn't always seem worth it. And there's a sneaking suspicion that the whole thing is a scam, health gurus laughing at us as they enjoy their Taco Bell and classic Hanes socks and our money. BUT. Some similes are bad, and thankfully this one sucks! Toe socks are in fact not like vitamins at all, and I heartily recommend them to all y'all. I don't think you need to throw out every pair in your sock drawer (though certainly use this as an opportunity for a summer cleanse), but toe socks really offer something a bit different. If you find yourself plagued with blisters, bent toes, or lost toenails, especially in the summer, check out Injinji. They're the most respected brand in the (relatively small) toe sock game. The benefit of toe socks is that each of your digits gets a little wrap of protection, saving the delicate skin between your toes from the extra friction produced while running. This can be a real lifesaver in the summer as sweaty feet can up the friction. Injinji's socks are just as quality as any other brand we carry, so you can rest easy that you're getting good materials and construction.
Brittany's Three Summer Favorites
Summer is here and we have the gear!
We asked the staff what three things they are particularly loving on their adventures this summer. Read on for Brittany’s current top three summer favorites…
Brooks Chaser 5 inch shorts: I wear these all day AND for every single run in the summer. The waistband is thick and comfortable and the length is perfect for wearing around or sweating in. This year's version of the short has a pocket in the small of your back big enough to hold a phone. It's so comfy, I literally "lose" my phone and it's in my pocket and I don't even notice! I am constantly doing laundry just so I can get these shorts to wear again!
Feetures Elite Compression Sock
Junk headbands: These are also great for wearing around and for running! Great for guys or girls, they are moisture wicking and lightweight. They stay put once you start sweating, which let's be honest, is the second you walk out the door these days! I love all the fun patterns and solids.
Feetures socks: If you are dealing with blisters, hot spots, or any kind of rubbing, don't just blame your shoes. These are more often evidence of sweaty cotton socks. Feetures socks are moisture wicking, meaning they will keep the skin drier than cotton or a cotton/poly blend sock. The Elite sock has great compression and a deep heel, so they won't move around inside your shoe. I wear them any time I have closed-toed shoes on in the summer because my feet get sweaty pretty quick, but I am especially sure to have them on when working out!
Honorable mentions: Goodr sunglasses, Skratch Labs hydration, Brooks Drive 3 Pocket bra, Body Glide
Tiff's Three Summer Favorites
Summer is here and we have the gear!
Skratch comes in bulk bags or single servings.
We asked the staff what three things they are particularly loving on their adventures this summer. Read on for Tiff’s current top three summer favorites
Skratch Hydration — I sweat a lot all of the time but once our HUMID Tennessee summer arrives I come back from my runs looking like I jumped in a pool (fun fact: once, after I had just finished a run, someone asked me if I had indeed gone swimming… so no, I’m not even being hyperbolic). All of that sweat means not only losing water but also losing electrolytes. I have found that I am someone who is particularly sensitive to losing electrolytes in sweat (another fun fact: people lose different amounts of electrolytes in their sweat, some people lose a little, some people lose a lot). If things really get off for me I can end up with a migraine. Because of this I am constantly trying to keep myself properly hydrated in the summer. I have been a fan of Nuun Hydration for a long time and I still drink it religiously — with only 1 gram of sugar and 15 calories, it is perfect for almost any occasion. Recently, however, I have also been loving Skratch Hydration. Skratch is a powder instead of a tablet and because of this it dissolves almost instantly (just give it a good shake). It is also made with real fruit and has more sugar in it than Nuun (about 17-19 grams depending on the flavor versus that 1 gram in Nuun) and clocks in at about 80 cals a serving. Beyond giving you some energy during a workout, the sugar speeds up the rehydration process in the gut and, with its real fruit, it tastes delicious. Skratch has been a daily summer go-to for me!
Terra Sweatshirt — Why is a sweatshirt on my summer go-to list? Because during the summer months people turn up the air conditioning inside to the point that I feel like I am in the artic tundra (especially if I’m wearing shorts). Unbearable. I try to always have some kind of light jacket or sweater nearby for these occasions and the Terra sweatshirt delivers. It is lightweight for a sweatshirt so you’re not sweating in it but staying just the right temp. It is also perfect for summer evenings sitting on the porch or by the campfire. Plus it looks good! So many reasons to love this Terra classic.
Lems Boulder Boot Summit tackling Great Sand Dunes National Park
Lems Boulder Boot Summit — Okay, it’s true, we don’t carry this model IN the store but we do carry it and will order it for you. This is my new hiking boot and I am obsessed. It has that generous foot bed like all of Lems (think Altra’s footshape shoes but not only in running shoes) so your toes can splay out happily even after hiking many miles, and it is a waterproof leather so it is both functional and sharp looking (they also have a waterproof vegan canvas version). The difference between this Boulder Boot and the original model is that the tread is much more aggressive making it a true hiking boot. This shoe took me all over Colorado this summer and found itself over a huge range of landscapes from slushy snow, to up and over sand dunes, to rocky trails and in creeks — it performed like a champ. This earns it a spot in my top 3 summer Terra items!
Honorable Mentions — Goodrs, Klean Freak wipes, Terra Summer Sizzler beach mat.
Where to run in and around Cleveland (and beyond)!
Whether you live here or are simply visiting, Cleveland, Tennessee is a treat for runners of all ability levels! From our town’s tried and true Greenway system, to our beautiful donwtown, to the spoil of gorgeous trails and greenway systems within a 30 minute drive, there are ample options for whatever kind of running experience you are looking to have. The following list is simply to help get you started — there are many more trails that could be added to this list! If you have any questions, feel free to stop by Terra Running Company in downtown Cleveland and our friendly staff will be happy to help.
Have a favorite path or trail that didn’t make our list? Let us know in the comments below!
Cleveland/Bradley County Greenway — arguably the best place to run in Cleveland is “the Greenway.” With over 5 miles of unbroken, lighted path along Mouse Creek, the Greenway runs through the heart of Cleveland and through Greenway and Tinsely Parks. Great for out and back runs both long and short, the Greenway has bathrooms and water fountains at various points along the way. For more information and directions to parking and access points, check out their website at http://www.cbcgreenway.com.
Tinsley Park — Tinsley Park is a great access point to the Greenway with bathrooms, water fountains, and the option to head north toward Mohawk Drive, south toward Greenway Park, or east to the Casteel Connector which goes under Keith Street and meets up with Ocoee Street which has a sidewalk until 25th Street. The complex also has dog parks, baseball fields, a swimming pool, pickle ball and tennis courts, etc.
The Lee University Forum at dawn
Greenway Park — Another excellent access point to the Greenway for which it is named, Greenway Park has more bathrooms and water fountains, and is located across from Cleveland High School. Ample parking is available.
Cleveland’s Historic Downtown — Stop by Terra Running Company located at 90 N. Ocoee Street to grab some nutrition before running around downtown and taking in all of the beautiful old brick buildings. Head south down Church Street and run around the Old Woolen Mill, cross back over Inman Street (wait for the stoplight!) and run by the newly renovated Sanda Mill Lofts, come back up First Street and pass First Street Square, and head down into Cleveland’s Historic Neighborhood. Wander down Harle Avenue, pass bustling Deer Park (which has more bathrooms and water), jaunt down Centenary Avenue and take in all of the beautiful homes, before ending your run back at Terra/Cleveland Coffee & Market for some water and a coffee. Not feeling coffee? Meet up with some friends at Mash & Hops or The Press for a post run pint.
Lee University Campus — Running on Lee’s beautiful campus pairs perfectly with a run around Cleveland’s Historic Downtown as they are the same area. Run the length of Parker Street/Paul Conn Parkway to take in most of campus. Run the 1/4 loop around Schimmels Park at the north end of campus before heading back south. Runners can access the Forum loop (the loop of sidewalk in front of Lee’s biggest clocktower) easily from Church Street or climb up the stairs next to the Nursing Building off of Paul Conn Parkway. The Forum loop is a great place to practice speed work or run/walk intervals.
Schimmels Park — Located on the north end of Lee University’s campus, Schimmels Park is a part of the Cleveland/Bradley County Greenway System. Though the park is small with approx. a 1/4 mile of sidewalk, it is serene with large trees, and Mouse Creek running through it. Parking is available though bathrooms are not. Runner’s can access a Greenway extension from Schimmels Park by crossing the crosswalk at 20th Street. The extension will take them on the backside of the Lee University Track (which sadly, is not open to the public) and then under 25th Street. Those wanting a longer run can loop up onto the sidewalk along 25th Street either east or west and head into some more neighborhoods where hills can be found.
Enterprise South Nature Park
Fletcher Park — a beautiful 70 acre park with a 1.5 mile path, Fletcher Park is a great option for those who want the serenity of nature but still want to stick to pavement instead of trails. It is worth noting that the path does get muddy at points so runners will still want to use caution! Restrooms and parking are available.
Johnston Woods — Located a 10 minute drive south of Cleveland off of Highway 11, Johnston Woods is a favorite for those who want to get in a trail run in (or mountain bike ride or hike) but don’t have time to head out to the mountains. A beautiful property owned by Broad Street United Methodist, the church has generously made their trails available to the public. There is also a retreat center and a forest school that operates on the property. Runners can choose the “White Loop” which is approximately 1 mile or the “Blue Loop” which is a little under 3 miles. For a longer run, add both together. There is a porta-potty off of the parking lot but no facilities otherwise. The park closes at dusk.
Enterprise South Nature Park — Located off of Interstate 75 at exit 9 Enterprise Nature Park is a beautiful Hamilton county park built on the grounds of an old dynamite factory (yes, you read that correctly). Stop into the vistors center on your way in for bathrooms and water and read up on the history of the park and the large bunkers that you will see throughout the property. Free park maps are also available to help you navigate which paths you would like to explore, though maps are also posted at various trailheads throughout the park; a number for a park ranger will also be posted. Runners can choose to run on a variety of well-maintained trails or explore the one-way road that goes around the park. This is a busy park so be prepared to share the scenery with bikers, walkers and wildlife.
Southern Adventist White Oak Mt. Trails — Located at the back of Southern Adventist University’s campus in Collegedale, an approximately 30 minute drive from Cleveland, runners will find a beautiful and extensive trail system maintained by the university but open to the public. The trails are well marked and have posted maps throughout, though they are extensive and directionally challenged runners should make sure they are heading down the trail that they intend. Parking (and overflow parking) is available at the trailhead as well as a bathroom and water fountain. Besides runners, these trails are heavily utilized by mountain bikers and hikers.
Tennessee Riverwalk — The Tennessee Riverpark or “Riverwalk” as it is more commonly referred to, is a gorgeous 16.1 mile path along the Tennessee River in beautiful Chattanooga, Tennessee. At it’s northern most point — about a 35 minute drive from Cleveland — the Riverwalk starts at the Chickamauga Dam off of highway 153 and continues south straight into the heart of the city and beyond, ending (or starting) at the Wheland Foundry Station near the base of Lookout Mountain. There are ample access points along the path with parking, bathrooms and water available. The Riverwalk is a favorite of all Chattanoogans so be ready to share the path and the various parks along the way with families, bikers, tourists, fishermen, boaters, and other runners. You won’t be disappointed by a run of any distance on the Riverwalk.
Runner on the Clemmer Trail in the Cherokee National Forest
South Chickamauga Creek Greenway — Connecting directly to the Riverwalk and heading east for 12 miles ending (or starting) at the Camp Jordan sporting complex in East Ridge, Tennessee, the South Chickamauga Creek Greenway is a beautiful path that runs along South Chickamauga Creek. Made up of primarily paved path and wooden boardwalk, this greenway combines natural beauty and functionality as many even use it to commute to work or school — over 30,000 people live within a 10 minute walk of the this greenway system. With a variety of access points that span a variety of Chattanooga neighborhoods and suburbs, this trail is worth a long run.
Clemmer Trail (Cherokee National Forest) — The Clemmer Trail in Cherokee National Forest is a short but beautiful 30 minute drive east of Cleveland. Located at the base of Chilhowee Mountain, there is a small gravel parking lot for runners, bikers and hikers. A trail map is posted but bathrooms and water are not available. Starting at the base of the mountain and heading straight up, this run is not for the faint of heart but if perfect for those who want to get some elevation training. Once at the top of the mountain runners can take a quick hike down to see beautiful Benton Falls or continue to run the variety of trails at the top of the mountain before descending. The trail system on Chilhowee is extensive and perfect for those who are wanting a longer trail running experience. There is also a day use area and campground at the Benton Falls trailhead which has bathrooms (alterantively, runners can drive up to the day use area and start their trail run there for an experience with less elevation gain). Be aware that this is a run in a National Forest where wildlife is abundant. Runners should take precautions in case of an encounter with a bear or poisonous snake (Copperheads or Timber Rattlesnakes) among other things.
Eureka Trail — Heading out of Cleveland in the opposite direction of Chattanooga, the Eureka Trail is located approximately 30 minutes north in Athens, Tennessee. This quiet, flat trail is 4.3 miles of hardpacked gravel that winds through beautiful hardwood forest. The trail is used by runners, hikers, bikers and horseback riders. Following an old rail line that connected Athens and Englewood, Tennessee, the path is named after Eureka Cotton Mill that once operated near the Englewood trailhead. This trail is the site of East Coast Adventures Gone Loco Ultramarathon.
New Runner Starter Packs - Coming Soon!
His doctor called him fat and told him he better start walking to lose weight or die...
Faced with the shame and stigma many people in larger bodies face, Martinus made the choice to stand up for himself. “Screw walking,” he said. “I’ll run a marathon.” He left the doctor’s office and bought running shoes that same day.
It's been ten years since that fateful doctor's visit and Martinus has not only run hundreds of races -- including over 8 marathons -- he has been on the cover of Runner's World, a spokesperson for Adidas, a Boston Marathon finisher and is the founder of the Slow AF Run Club which has over 25,000 members.
The Slow AF Run Club mission is to empower every person on this planet to become a runner in the body they have right now.
In line with that mission, Martinus has written his first book, Slow AF Run Club: the ultimate guide for anyone who wants to run.*
Packed with real (and hilarious) cautionary tales from his life, training plans, nutrition advice, clothing choices, shoes, cross-training, mental fortitude, and everything in-between, Martinus Evans brand new book is perfect for anyone who wantsactually helpful information on how to get up and get out there right now.
Terra Running Company is proud to be carrying Martinus's book -- which releases June 6th, 2023 --as a resource for our running and walking community!
To celebrate and support the mission of empowering every person to become a runner in the body they have right now, we are thrilled to announce our "New Runner Starter Pack" which we will be giving away free to new runners who come and buy their first pair of shoes with us!**
What is it?
Each starter pack will include some essential to help get you going on your running journey:
A brand new copy of Slow AF Run Club by Martinus Evans, "The Ultimate Guide for Anyone Who Wants to Run"
A Klean Freak body wipe
Nuun hydration sample
Body Glide (you'll need it, we promise!)
A pair of Balega running socks
A Terra Girls Podcast sticker (our podcast to keep you entertained during your workouts — check out our bonus episode where we interview Martinus, releasing June 5th!)
10% off an entry into our Cleveland Half-Marathon or 5k on October 21st, 2023.
Have more questions? Come by and talk to us! We would be happy to help.
*P.S. You might be wondering why Martinus' book is called "Slow AF?" It comes from an experience he had while running a marathon where he was being heckled by a spectator who was calling him... you guessed it... "Slow AF" (but not the clean version). That being said, the language in Martinus' book is not for everyone! While some people will feel seen and encouraged by his matter of fact writing style, do proceed with caution if you are sensitive to language or thinking about giving the book to a younger reader.
**While supplies last; customer must be fit for shoes by a member of the Terra staff.
Running the Ultramarathon before the Marathon
In what follows I will share my experience training for the Gone Loco 55k and subsequently the Erlanger Chattanooga Marathon…
For context I returned from my travels in Germany on January 12th. The Gone Loco was scheduled for February 12th and the Marathon was March 5th. After recovering from jet lag, I had less than four weeks to prepare for an ultramarathon. I ran some in Germany (see my previous blog), but nothing longer than an eleven mile run and my weekly distance was no more than twenty miles. So I ramped up my training with an increase in the amount of my runs. Running consistently everyday with two break days a week and a long run on the weekends helped to considerably improve my fitness even in a short amount of time. My long runs never went longer than eighteen miles, however, on the first weekend of February I ran back to back long runs, eighteen on Saturday and sixteen on Sunday. The Terra Trot was especially helpful to my training because it simulated a hint of the ultramarathon experience: breaks every few miles and a slow and steady pace. The week before the ultramarathon I only ran once, a little 3 miler. Day of, my two friends (who I convinced to run with me) and I headed up to Athens. We had not run the course before and only heard that it was flat and graveled. Indeed this 55k course is likely the flattest available. Physically, we each felt underprepared, so we took off decently slow, forcing ourselves not to get caught up with the excitement of our first ultrathon. The course lapped three times with two main aid stations at the start and turn around point. 11 miles in, I was feeling good and I stopped to change shoes. The refreshing feeling of cool shoes on my hot swollen feet felt amazing. I took a shot of fireball from the race directors and took off with a new burst of energy. I surpassed my longest run ever on that second lap, and hit my first marathon distance ever. At the aid stations stops, I paused briefly to refill my water bottle. Mile 27 was the first point where I really started to feel pain. I had never experienced a calf cramp before, but my right calf began tweaking with sharp jabs of pain every few minutes. Running back to the finish felt like a painful crawl, but I committed to not walking. Hobbling, I made my way back towards the finish. My watch displayed 34 miles and I knew this 50k race was indeed a 55k. Every .1 mile marker sign began to pass me by slower and slower. I started to heavily favor my left leg as my right leg cramped more frequently, but mentally and physically I had not bonked. I pushed through and made it to the finish line. The last stretch, with the finish line in sight, I actually increased my speed to a full run. David Kyle caught me as I blew into the finish. My friends and family were all there smiling as I teared up every so slightly, and felt the wave of shock rush through my now halted body that had been running for five hours and seventeen minutes. I watched my friends finish soon after me, listened to their similar experiences of pain and suffering but utter joy at the accomplishment.
Three weeks later, I was at the start line for the Erlanger Chattanooga Marathon. I had run roughly five times since the 55k. I had a new pair of shoes, made specially for a faster marathon, the Brooks Hyperion Max, one handheld water bottle, and 8 nutrition gels stuffed into my pockets. This would be my first official marathon. Unlike the ultrathon, I told myself that I would not walk at all, not up hills, and not at aid stations. In fact, probably unwisely I did not use the first few aid stations I saw. The race started with the half marathon runners, so it was crowded and quick. I tried to keep a slow pace at the beginning but ended up going around an 8:30 pace because of the quick flow of runners around me. Brennan, my fellow Terra twin, was with me, running the half-marthon, and Dillon (who ran the Gone Loco with me) was doing the full. Dillon and I were separated around mile seven, however, he stayed relatively close behind me. He was close enough to see the 3hr 40 min pacer and I make the wrong turn at mile 14. My watch started buzzing, and I looked down to see that Dillon was calling me. I answered and he, panting, told me that I had cut off two miles of the course by making the wrong turn, and I, huffing back, argued that the pacer was with me so that it was not possible. But sure, enough, I passed the mile 17 marker and I was only at mile 15 on my watch. So, begrudgingly, I turned around (the pacer and two other runners decided not to turn around, but I did not want to risk cheating). I ran back to a timing mat checkpoint. There was a worker there to whom I explained my situation, while running. I told him I would make up my distance in the parking lot behind him. So, I ran two miles in a hotel parking lot and showed him my watch once I was at 16.8. I continued on, still ahead of Dillon. This was a big setback mentally. I was a bit angry at the pacer for taking us the wrong way, and sore from running tight laps in a parking lot. Nonetheless, I brightened up when I looked around. I was running all alone. I saw no one in front of me and no one behind, and, furthermore, the street ( just past the aquarium) was empty of cars and spectators. It was quiet except for my footsteps, as I climbed the hill to the bridge. I felt pain at the top of my foot at this point, which I assumed to be a stress fracture, regardless, I pushed through, slowing down ever so slightly. I called Dillon back as I ran over the bridge; I told him about my parking lot experience and discovered that he was not far behind. I encountered few runners beyond this point, but when I saw them ahead, I made it my slow and steady goal to catch them. Four miles to the end of the marathon, there was no shade and no spectators. I listened to a song I liked that matched my cadence well, and decided to play it on repeat for the rest of the race. I rounded the final corner and looked way down, probably a half mile, towards the finish line arch. Getting excited, I started to push faster, but the distance was more than anticipated. My final sprint created a forced bonk right as I finished at 3:35:30. I was really happy with my time as I had no expectations, but soon went into a fog of dehydration. Dillon came in soon after.
I ran an ultramarathon before my first marathon, and it worked okay for me. I am happy with my times, and my ability to finish with minimal walking for the ultramarathon and no walking for the marathon. Nonetheless, if I could change the past, I would have sought to prepare much more for these races and distances. Base mileage is incredibly important, and jumping into long distances without proper training can shock the body. I believe I am lucky that I had no long lasting injuries. For the future, I would like to work towards a 70k race ( I am currently looking at the Tushars Mtn race in Utah in July), but I will do so with many 40 mile weeks beforehand, instead of just the one I had before my first ultramarathon.
Book Review: The Longest Race
In the second of my running book reviews this season, I will be sharing my thoughts on Kara Goucher's groundbreaking book "The Longest Race: Inside the Secret World of Abuse, Doping, and Deception on Nike's Elite Running Team" written with Mary Pilon and released this year. (Read my first book review of the season about Lauren Fleshman's "Good for a Girl" here.)
Kara Goucher and the cover of her new book, The Longest Race.
To be transparent, Terra Running Company doesn't carry Nike and after reading The Longest Race, I am proud to say that. Nike has a history of troubling relationships with their elite athletes, a muddied control of the entire sport of professional track and field, and continues to financially support banned coach Alberto Salazar.
Kara Goucher chronicles her childhood, losing her father tragically in a car accident when she was almost 4 years old and he was hit by a drunk driver. Goucher grew up in Minnesota, and her family plays an important role in supporting her, but also in her constant quest for a father figure.
Kara and her husband Adam joined the Nike Oregon Project in 2004. At the time, this was the most secretive, elite, and best funded professional running team in the country. Coach Alberto Salazar was a famed professional distance runner and the opportunity was one the Goucher's couldn't pass up.
Kara chronicles how the experience changed her, through the isolation, the toeing the line of anti-doping rules, and the difficult relationship with Alberto as she found success. Kara makes claims in this book that have never been made public and shines a light on the controversial tactics used by Alberto at the Nike Oregon Project. Kara risked losing everything she had earned by making these claims and opening herself up to scrutiny.
The book opens with a quote from poet Adrienne Rich, which correctly sums up my feelings on Kara's book: "When a woman tells the truth, she is creating the possibility for more truth around her." Kara risked everything to tell the truth, a truth that hadn't been told by anyone else, and I am so thankful she did. Her bravery has changed the sport of women's distance running for the better. As a longtime fan of women's distance running, I have followed Kara's career from the Nike Oregon Project to running for Altra and as Oiselle's first elite athlete, to her current battle with dystonia, a neurological disorder that causes involuntary muscle spasms, that has led to her no longer racing competitively.
This book is a must-read for any women's distance running fans, but also an insightful read if you are interested in the rise and fall of Alberto Salazar and the Nike Oregon Project. The book is a wonderful mix of memoir and racing chronicles, but is easily understood even if you aren't well versed in the world of college and post-collegiate running.
Have you read either "Good for a Girl" or "The Longest Race?" If so, let me know in the comments or on social media your thoughts!
The Elephant in the (Shoe) Room...
Key takeaways:
Shoe size has nothing to do with clothing size (though even clothing sizing is arbitrary!), it is a neutral indicator that can even vary by brand and model. Don’t let it bother you in the slightest if you need a larger size (or a smaller size!) than what you thought.
The human foot changing over time is a completely normal part of development, adaptation and age. Don’t worry if things have shifted from when you were 18 years old!
Many people just never realized what a properly sized shoe should feel like in the first place. Though it might not feel normal to you at first, don’t confuse familiarity with comfort.
If you are experiencing pain in your feet or just haven’t had your foot measured in a while, come by and have your size double checked.
Here at Terra Running Company we love fitting our customers for shoes! When you walk in our doors you will be greeted and told to let us know if you would like us to “fit you up.” This means that we will measure your feet, analyze your gait and foot fall, as well as interview you on any aches, pains, or problems you are trying to address with a new pair of shoes. This is a completely free and just part of our legendary customer service!
And while most customers find the information we provide from the shoe fitting process incredibly helpful, there is one aspect of it that many people struggle to accept…
… their real shoe size.
Think about it. Most people land on their shoe size by high school and, barring some life events where it is well known that feet size may change (post-pregnancy, dramatic weight gain/loss, etc.), it never occurs to most of us that it is important to periodically reexamine shoe size. Most people have absolutely no idea that feet can lengthen out over time as muscles and ligaments, strengthen, weaken and stretch. Add to this that we are in the age of online shopping where purchases are made not based on comfort but on clicks, and you end up with millions of people use to the feeling of ill-fitting shoes. This is especially harmful for those who are older and have been cramming their feet into “their normal shoe size” for 30, 40, 50+ years, not ever realizing that they are wearing a shoe that is dramatically too small. Overtime, this leads to a whole host of problems that require medical attention to address.
Knowing this you would think that most people would be ecstatic to finally put their feet into a pair of shoes that gives their toes the appropriate space, hits in the arch correctly, and doesn’t constrict blood flow or pinch nerves… right?
Wrong.
For a lot of people their is an angst around shoe size in the same way that many feel angst around clothing size. Yes, diet culture has effected even the way we view our shoes! As a shoe fitter, it can feel like the elephant in the room to inform someone of their shoe size because so many will not want to accept that, though they “have always been a size 8,” they really should be in a size 9.5. Though it is not even remotely the same thing, for many this feels like learning that, though they thought their clothing size was a small, it really should be a large. For others, there is simply the stubborn feeling that there is no way that they have been wrong about their shoe size and, for others, it is simply difficult to get used to the feeling of a properly fitting shoe after years of wearing a tight, ill-fitting shoe.
What are some signs that you may be in the wrong size:
You have neuropathy in your feet. Disclaimer: I am not a doctor and make no claim to be! I can only speak from my own experience fitting many people for shoes over the years, and I can tell you that almost every, single, person that I have fit up who has told me that they have neuropathy has been — not just in the wrong shoe size — but in the dramatically wrong shoe size.
You think you need a wide width. While it is true that many people do need wide width shoes, we also see a lot of people who think they need wide width shoes but are simply in too small of a size in the first place.
Your feet (or foot) gets tingly at the end of the day or on a run or walk. This is a classic sign that you may be in the wrong size! Feet swell with activity as well as throughout the day. Though a shoe may “fit” when you first put it on, if you are in the wrong size, things will only get worse as the day, or the run, goes on.
Your toes hit the end of your shoe. Your toes should not be crammed up to the end of your shoe! There should be about a centimeter plus of distance between the end of your toes and the end of the shoe.
You have very large or very small feet. It can be difficult to find the right size shoe in stock for feet that are very large or very small and, for many people, they will just settle for what they find on the shelf. People with rarer sizes, are often in the wrong size simply out of necessity. (Let us special order a shoe in the right size for you!)
Your feet just hurt at the end of the day. This could be caused by a lot of reasons but being in the wrong size could also be the culprit.
Not sure if you are in the right size? Come by and see us! We would love to measure your feet and hear what is going on.
Local Spotlight: Enterprise South Nature Park
We know y'all are always on the hunt for new territory to walk and run. One of our staff's favorite locations is Enterprise South Nature Park! Located off the Volkswagen Drive exit on I-75, the park consists of 2800 acres of natural forests, with miles of trails, picnic areas, water features, and overlooks. About a 20-25 minute drive from downtown Cleveland, Enterprise is only about 10-15 minutes beyond Johnston Woods.
The trails are popular with bikers, runners, and walkers. There are varying levels of trail difficulty: if you're looking for a leisurely walk, a comfortable training run, or a hilly workout, you can find the right route at Enterprise. Trail names, distances, and intensity are well marked and color-coded on maps at the trailheads and along the trails.
I especially appreciate the sections of mulched trail, which can provide some much-needed soft surface after long miles on the pavement. If I'm doing more than 4-6 miles, the extra driving time down to Enterprise is well worth it. Even though the trails are well-used, I often enjoy long stretches of quiet and solitude while out on the system. The trails are open from 7am to sundown, meaning that, especially in the summer, they can accommodate most schedules. Oh, and there are restrooms!
The land originally belonged to the United States Army, who used the area for ammunitions production. TNT storage facilities are scattered throughout (don't worry, they're no longer in use!). They can be helpful checkpoints along your run. The park itself has been open since 2010, serving both the Cleveland and Chattanooga communities. We hope to see you out there!
8015 Volkswagen Dr., Chattanooga, TN 37421
https://parks.hamiltontn.gov/148/Enterprise-South-Nature-Park
Book Review: Good for a Girl
Reading books and running are my two favorite hobbies. When you combine the two, I am in heaven. That's how I have felt with the wave of women's running books being published post-pandemic. I plan to write reviews of some of the newest women's running books to hit the market this year, starting with Lauren Fleshman's "Good for a Girl."
The subheading of the book is "A Woman Running in a Man's World," which accurately summarizes Fleshman's experience climbing the ranks of the elite running world, paving her way as a woman in a space she describes as 'not made for her.'
Fleshman is an American distance track and field athlete. She was the US Champion in the 5000 meters in 2006 and 2010 and competed in the IAAF World Championships in Athletics in 2003, 2005, and 2011. In 2011, she finished 7th, which was the highest ever finish by an American in the event at the time.
Fleshman ran for Nike from 2003 until the completion of her contract in 2012, running with the Mammoth Lakes training group and later the Oregon Track Club Elite. After parting ways with Nike, Fleshman was the first professional athlete to sign with Oiselle, a woman-owned brand made for women.
The book is part auto-biography, part manifesto on the world of women's running. It was so interesting to read about the new and emerging research on the psychology and physiology of young runners, and how boys and girls differ in almost all respects after puberty.
I started running in middle school, and can relate to the love Fleshman originally felt for the freedom and strength that came from running distance as a young girl. Fleshman argues that girls and women are growing up in systems designed by men for men. The speed of girl's physical development, their relationship to food and gaining and losing weight, and the rampant injuries young women face while running consistently and competitively are all evidence of this.
It is startling to hear Fleshman's account of widespread eating disorders and unhealthy relationships with food in high school and college professional running. The fact that the vast majority of coaches of girls at these ages are men with little to no training on the physiological effects of weight fluctuation is not lost on Fleshman.
I thoroughly enjoyed "Good for a Girl" by Lauren Fleshman. It is a relevant read for anyone with a young girl in their life. It is required read for anything in a position of authority over girls, including coaches, teachers, and parents. We can and should do better for our girls going forward, and Fleshman's book lays the groundwork for those important conversations.
Purchase "Good for a Girl" at any local bookstore or here: https://bookshop.org/p/books/good-for-a-girl-a-woman-running-in-a-man-s-world-lauren-fleshman/18409279?ean=9780593296783 (I'll always link Bookshop.org, an online bookseller who supports independent bookstores with all of their proceeds, because, ya know, #ShopLocal.)
Coming Soon: Terra Kids Run Camp!
As a former teacher, I take advantage of any opportunity to work with students, so it comes as no surprise that the activity I am most excited about Terra adding to the summer schedule is our brand new Terra Kids Run Camp! This has been on my radar for years, and the addition of Tiffany to our staff has helped me be able to follow through with some awesome ideas I've had for years.
The most exciting part of camp this year is that we are able to offer it completely free for to up to 50 students thanks to the generous support from Wright Brothers Construction! This is a huge benefit to the youth in our community. We are able to welcome children of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy the healthy habit of running thanks to Wright Brothers Construction's commitment!
What is the Terra Kids Run Camp?
The Terra Kids Run Camp will be a week-long day camp hosted at Terra Running Company and Lee University for rising 1st through 6th graders, both boys and girls! We will have some indoor instruction, snack time, and games, as well as running at the Forum on the Lee University campus.
The TERRA Kids Run Camp will be following the Road Runners Club of America Kids Run the Nation curriculum, which emphasizes the FUNdamentals of Youth Running:
MAKE RUNNING FUN: First and foremost, running should be fun. Do not use running as a punishment. Encourage children to participate and try their best.
EMPHASIZE GOOD FORM: Teach youth good form early and help eliminate bad habits such as excessive arm movement, twisting of the upper body, or over striding.
FOCUS ON PARTICIPATION: In elementary school, running should be about participation and developing a healthy lifestyle, not about being the fastest kid in the school or program. Save competition for middle and high school aged students.
RESPECT INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES: Avoid a one-size-fits-all running program. Accommodate for differences in abilities within the group. Children mature both physically and emotionally at different rates, and this will factor into their ability to participate in running. Ensure physically challenge youth can participate.
LIMIT SYSTEMATIC TRAINING BEFORE PUBERTY: Before puberty children are rapidly growing and changing. Excessive, systematic training may interfere with normal growth and cause injury in a child.
Between the ages of 3 and 9, encourage regular exercise, including organized running as outlined in the Kids Run the Nation Program.
Around the age of 8 to 12, children may enjoy participation in a more organized running program that has a more systematic training environment that lasts 2-to 3-months.
Around the age of 12 for girls, and 14 for boys, key developmental changes will enable students to increase training distance and duration leading to participation in a systematic and competitive training environment.INCREASE RUNNING WORKLOAD GRADUALLY: Running workload includes volume (distance), intensity (speed or effort), and frequency (number of days a week). Just like with adults’ running training, children should start a running program with a low-volume, low-intensity plan and limit frequency to a couple of days per week. Workload should increase over the duration of the program, but should remain appropriate for the individual runner.
PARTICIPATE IN AGE-APPROPRIATE EVENTS: Running in a kid’s fun run or youth track event can be a great experience for kids.
For children 5 and under focus on “dash” events that range from a few yards to 400 meters.
For children 5 and over, kids fun runs that are a ½ to 1 mile long may be considered, but allow for a combination of running and walking.
Children ages 8-12 and over may want to participate in a 5K run.
Children ages 13-15 and older may want to participate in a 10K to half marathon event.
Children 15-18 and older may want to participate in a marathon or further distance.
These are general guidelines and the distance a child can physically and emotionally tolerate will depend on the individual, however longer distances (10K and over) should wait until after puberty.
These guidelines are based on the ten developmental principles that guide training and racing for young distance runners outlined in the book Training for Young Distance Runners by Larry Greene, PhD and Russ Pate, PhD, published by Human Kinetics.
To learn more and register for camp, go to https://www.terrarunning.com/terra-kids-run-camp or email Brittany@TerraRunning.com with questions.
What's the deal with sponsoring a race?
In 2023 there are many ways to advertise. You can go old school and purchase an ad in a local newspaper or magazine. You can go high tech and put some big money behind clicks on Google. You can leverage your social media and tell the world who you are. And you can… sponsor a race?
I know, I know. Sponsoring a race is probably not the first thing that comes to your mind when you think about your businesses’ advertising budget. But I’m here to tell you that it’s worth your while and gives some serious bang for the buck. Advertising via a race is providing a service for the community, outsourcing your advertising to someone else, and crafting a positive narrative around your business all wrapped up into one… and only for the price of a few traditional ads!
When sponsoring a race there are a variety of ways for businesses to participate — each a different tier that gets you different perks. For instance, at the lowest (and cheapest!) level of sponsorship, a business can pay to advertise via race packets (as well as have their logo on race tees and the website which comes with all the tiers). This means you get to give each runner something from your business: a coupon, promo item, free consultation — whatever you think will get them to respond to your ad! This is effective because runners are always excited to dig around in their race packet for all the freebies and goodies! Want to get your name out there even more? You can purchase the naming rights for the race (example: The Blackhorse 1st Street Beer Mile, sponsored by Blackhorse Brewery or the Visit Cleveland Half-Marathon and 5k sponsored by the Cleveland Chamber of Commerce) or purchase one of our social media packages, where we will shout your business’ name from the rooftops Instagram/Facebook/Internet/blog/everywhere. Want to meet your potential customers or offer them an onsite service? Choose a tier that includes finish line set up and meet runners as they cross the finish line — again, runners love samples, free consultations/massages/stretches/etc. Want something tailored to your business? Just let us know! We are happy to work with you.
Not convinced?
Here are my top 6 reasons for why you should think about advertising with us through a race:
Guaranteed Reach
People pay money to run in races; this is an engaged audience! Instead of just hoping that someone sees an ad or you can reach hundreds (even thousands!) of new, local leads guaranteed through race packets, finish line set up, and social engagement through Terra Running.
Positive Brand Association
We don’t mean to brag but we are very proud of the reputation that we have built over the years. Terra Running Company in known as a local business that cares about the community… because we do! We strive every day to provide the best customer service, support our neighbors and be approachable. And not only are we an award winning local business, we are also a nationally recognized business — winning A Best Running Store award in 2022 and 2019.
Relevant Leads
While we believe any business is going to benefit from attaching their name to a Terra Running race, this impact will be magnified if upper middle class individuals with an interest in health and wellness are some of your target customers. Get information about your business into our runners hands and convert leads!
Add Tangible Value
This is my favorite part about sponsoring a race. Your name isn’t just up on a billboard, your business is helping provide a service through this creative form of advertising. Having quality races improves the quality of life in a community and brings in people from out of town. Potential customers see your business’ name attached to a race and know that you care about keeping the community engaged and active. This further builds a positive brand name for your business!
Affordable and effective
We know that advertising isn’t cheap. But instead of paying hundreds of dollars for just one ad in a newspaper, or thousands of dollars for a billboard, your business can sponsor a race and add to the quality of life of our community, while still gaining the perks of both traditional and creative advertising! It’s a win, win, win.
Stand out
Event sponsorship means less advertising competition. With only a few businesses per event, you are guaranteed to be seen. You can stand out even more if you purchase naming rights!
If you are curious to learn more about sponsoring a race or event with us, don’t hesitate to contact us! We always have something on the calendar and are eager to work with other businesses in our area to put on quality events for our community and beyond.
Occupying your mind on a run
One of my least favorite things is when I go for a run and it feels like it takes forever just to finish. I always start my runs so motivated and then by the end I am dreading every step, just counting down the tenths of each mile until I’ve hit my mileage for the day. So if you ever find yourself struggling with the same “I can’t wait until this is over” feeling, I’ve written some of my favorite things to do on runs to help them fly by, no matter how long they may be.
Of course my absolute favorite thing to do on runs is talk to friends. I have found that If I catch myself deep in a conversation about something that sparks my interest, I completely lose track of how far I’ve gone - in the best way possible.
Another thing my friends/teammates and I like to do is play a game where one person starts a sentence with a few words and each person has to add a few words to the sentence until we’ve told a whole story. If you’re not much of a story-teller on runs, we also like to ask each other questions that everyone has to answer. Some of my favorites are “What is your favorite place you’ve ever traveled to?” and “What is the scariest thing you’ve ever done?”. These inevitably spark fun and crazy conversations.
If you don’t have a group of people to run with, no worries! I have found plenty of things to keep my mind busy when running alone. Listening to music is always a great go-to, but another thing that keeps my mind distracted is podcasts. There are so many amazing running podcasts out there (The Running For Real podcast, Run to the Top, Ten Junk Miles, Terra Running’s own Terra Girls Podcast, and MANY more) but one of my favorite podcasts is actually Crime Junkie!
Some other things you can do to help your run fly by are visit new neighborhoods or tails, set aside something after the run that you can look forward to, and don’t look at your watch! I have found this to be one of my biggest problems on those long days. I fall into the trap of checking my watch a few times each mile which makes things drag on forever. But when I only look at my watch when I hit each mile, it helps tremendously.
My last two suggestions are to try to stop as few times as possible and break the run up into smaller chunks. I have had long runs where I stop 5+ times just because I am tired, crossing a street, using the restroom, or some other reason I justified in my mind to stop for a break. But I’ve always regretted stopping so many times because first, what you get out of a run just isn’t the same when you stop numerous times, and second, it adds SO much time onto a run! As tempting as it may be to stop, the fewer times you do so, the faster you finish! I have also found it helpful to break the run up into smaller chunks; four 15 minute sections seems much less intimidating than a 60 minute run. Find out what works best for you to keep your mind happy on those long days and you’ll enjoy running more every day!
Why a silicone ring?
Brittany recently trekked out west to Salt Lake City and attended Outdoor Retailer, a trade show built especially for outdoor stores (think camping, hiking, skiing, etc.). While we're a run specialty store, we're always looking for extra gear that will fit y'all's lifestyles, and OR was chock full of active gear.
Brittany returned with a few brands, and one of them, QALO, has us pretty excited. They make silicone rings especially for exercise and activity. We know some people prefer to ditch their bands and rings when exercising, but if you prefer the idea of keeping them on, you might want to check out QALO!
Silicone rings come with numerous benefits over traditional jewelry when exercising. Silicone will stand up to sweat, water, and any other environmental factors during your workout. The ocean is full of rings lost to the unforgiving currents and waves, and if your ring fits loosely, there's always a chance for it to slip off during that midday July run. Saltwater, sweat, and mud from a rainy run can all hasten the dulling of your ring's sheen. Silicone is grippier than the polished metals of traditional rings, and the wear & tear of the elements will hardly leave a mark. Don't worry about losing your ring or losing its charm to the elements.
On the other hand, you can easily run into the problem of swollen fingers. Increased blood flow during exercise can turn that perfectly fitting ring into an immovable clamp, and high temperatures will only aggravate the discomfort. Silicone bands, while sturdy, are much more elastic than metal rings, giving you more breathing room during intense efforts.
And finally, if you find yourself regularly participating in any activities requiring equipment—weight training, ball or racquet sports, even HIIT—you'll want to ditch the metal rings that can easily pinch your fingers if you make the wrong contact. Silicone provides a safer alternative.
We carry several styles of QALO to fit most people's style preferences: classic bands, polished styles, mix-and-match stackable rings, and even compostable rings. Swing by and check out our display, complete with a sizing tool!
So you want to put on a race...
So your church / school / nonprofit / community organization wants to put on a fundraiser 5k? Where do you start? How do you know if it will make money?
In addition to our retail store, Terra Running Company is in the race timing and event management business. We love how it gives runners and walkers quality events to train for and helps drive traffic to our website and retail store. We put on the Cleveland Half Marathon & 5k, the Thanksgiving Day 5k, the Summer SIzzler Race series, and the First Street Beer Mile each year. In addition, we are hired by 20+ local organizations to help time and manage their races.
From permits to t-shirt, insurance to timing, we have done it all! Races are a great way to spread the word about your organization, bring the community together, and celebrate health and fitness. But where do you start?
First, check the race calendar for the local area before choosing a date. 20 years ago, the 65 Roses 5k was the only local road race in the area and drew runners from all over the southeast. Today, there is a 5k every weekend on the Cleveland Greenway to the Chattanooga Riverwalk and every community in between! Be sure to avoid the weekend of large races in the area that will compete for participants, like the Chattanooga Marathon, 65 Roses 5k, the Cleveland Half Marathon & 5k, and other large scale, established events.
Once you've chosen a date, you need a road closure permit or a pavilion rental depending on the location. Most often, this also required proof of event insurance. Before publishing the date, be sure to have the permits and insurance in hand.
After the date, location, and insurance are secured, you can start to market the event. Choose a name, giveaway, and something that will make your event unique. Runners and walkers have lots of events to choose from these days; what about your event will make them choose you? Have all these details ironed out before opening registration or advertising the race. You want to be prepared to answer participant questions.
The success or failure of a fundraiser depends most on the integration of sponsors into your event. Participants generally pay for their own race experience, between the cost of shirts, food, race timing, event insurance, and permits. To make an event a successful fundraiser, don't overlook the importance of sponsors. Sponsors can be given perks for their involvement, like a chance to set up at the finish line area, free entries for their employees to the race, or naming rights for the event. Think beyond just giving them a logo on a t-shirt.
If you're interested in learning more about putting on a race, reach out to Terra Running Company. We have years of successful race timing and management experience and would love to help you put on a successful fundraising race.