After living in the community for two years, Courtney Babut is launching a running club in the community to share her love of running with neighbors with a similar mindset. Her vision is to encourage runners of all skills and experience, from novice to marathoners, to band together for a weekly run. An experienced runner herself, Courtney has participated in half marathons and a 25k trail, and hopes to do more. Her love of the sport was triggered by playing soccer, but running is more flexible – lace up and take off.
Participants will meet in the parking lot behind the old Millbrook arena on Tuesdays at 6pm. Courtney will lead a brief warm up before runners hit the road. There will be a short loop for those who are starting out, with longer options for those with more energy to burn. The club will be quite informal – there are no sign-ups for fees to join. Participants show up, warm up, and hit the road at their own pace. Courtney is hoping that the camaraderie between participants will encourage them to build their strength and stamina as they build mental and physical strength through this accessible, inexpensive outdoor activity.
Running is known to improve strength, fitness, mental well-being, improve decision-making and build social connections. Contrary to the popular view that running is bad for your knees, Runner’s World claims that the opposite is true. This sports magazine reports that running can actually strengthen joints, and describes research indicating that recreational runners have significantly lower incidence of osteoarthritis in the hip and knee compared to non-runners.
Drop by to join your neighbors in a quick jaunt around town where you will get some exercise, enjoy some fresh air and meet some new people. You’ll feel better for it.