Run for it
Just you, your sneakers and the open road
By Lisa Brown • lbrown@hippopress.com

Now that we have sun, it’s time to run.

“Running works for me because I have four kids and in order for me to exercise, it [is] easier for me to just go out my door and run, a lot easier than going to the gym,” said Monique Graves, 44, who lives in Bedford and works out with a group of friends from her neighborhood. Graves averages 25 to 30 miles per week. She’s currently training for the Big Lake Half Marathon taking place on Saturday, May 12, in Alton. When Graves runs alone, she’ll take along a few tunes on an iPod.

“It’s mostly rock and roll; my daughter is 13 and she controls the tunes, so I listen to her pop music stuff,” Graves said.

Jonas Aviza, 50, a dentist in Concord, has been running for 32 years.

“I’ve run a total of 21 marathons. I ran Boston this year; it was my seventh Boston marathon,” said Aviza, who finished the race 3:07.39.

Aviza, who began running to keep fit, says he runs on average 45 to 50 miles a week and leaves the music at home.

“I like the sounds of nature better than music,” Aviza said.

After a good run, Aviza’s favorite indulgence is ice cream.

Kenna DiPiro, 38, of Dunbarton, has been running off and on for several years. She started running mostly for exercise, but then caught the bug from her husband, Dan, who is what she calls “a hard-core runner.” DiPiro takes a more leisurely approach to the sport, listening to 105.5 FM on the radio and averaging about 15 miles per week. She runs a 10- to 11-minute mile during the week, but during a race kicks it up to a 9-minute mile.

“I just want to do well when I go out there for the 5K races — and not embarrass my husband,” DiPiro said.

DiPiro’s favorite post-race indulgence is a beer or glass of wine and a great meal.

“I think I’ve earned it and I don’t feel guilty about eating anything,” DiPiro said.

Dan DiPiro, 41, is a writer and expert mogul skier — he’s even written a book on the sport. But when the snow melts, he turns to asphalt to break a sweat.

“I first raced about 12 years ago. For a couple of years, I trained hard and raced often, then I became ill [with Addison’s Disease] and stopped for a couple of years ... I took up running again and ran sporadically over the course of seven years or so, racing occasionally. I was also doing a lot of skiing, hiking and cycling back then. Now I’ve been training and racing steadily and consistently again for the last year,” DiPiro said.

“When I’m racing, I spend a lot of time deliberately thinking about mundane things that take my attention away from the pain of fast running. I count slowly to 100, and then back down to zero. I recite the alphabet, sometimes in cadence with my breathing. I look at objects ahead of me and name their colors to myself. These little mind drills take your attention away from the suffering and help you pass the time a little more quickly. I also think about my pace, who’s ahead of me, who’s behind me,” DiPiro said.

This summer DiPiro will compete in the Reach the Beach Relay, a 24-hour challenge that begins in Franconia Notch and heads east along the Kancamagus Highway to Hampton Beach.

If the shoe fits
Getting started is all about getting into the right frame of mind — and the right shoe. For a runner, the perfect shoe is as coveted as a Stradivarius is to a violinist. Runners are selective and loyal when it comes to their shoes. Dan DiPiro wears Mizunos. Jonas Aviza wears Nike Air Pegasus.

When it comes to getting fitted for the right shoe, there is literally, a rule of thumb.

“A good shoe should usually have a thumb width between the big toe and the top of the shoe,” said Jack Davis, general manager of Runner’s Alley on Hanover Street, Manchester.

Davis, a runner for more than 30 years, said most runners know exactly what they want, but new runners, especially women, tend to want to buy shoes that are too small.

“I don’t know why, it’s something about going up a half size or more,” Davis said. At Runner’s Alley, Davis won’t let someone buy the wrong shoe. Davis spends more time getting the proper shoe and fit for his customer than a good hair dresser spends going over color and cuts.

“What we do is a gait analysis. I’ll watch your walk and watch you run, because each shoe on the wall fits a different foot type,” Davis said. “I always tell runners to pick out a shoe, and when they put it on and walk around in it, it should disappear on their foot.” (At Runner’s Alley, customers are allowed to take shoes out for a test run up and down the street before they make a purchase).

Davis said if there is a new trend in running, it is that more and more women are getting involved. Spend an hour at Runner’s Alley during a mid-week morning and you’ll see a revolving door of women. Most customers are repeats and there might be a reason for that. Runners get more than a good pair of kickers from Davis; they are also picking up pointers and advice on running. When Davis isn’t in the store, he’s a coach for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s “Team in Training.” He said beginners should start out slowly and methodically.

“I always advise women who want to start running to go to a high school track [because they are] never far from their car, it’s measurable — you are on a 400-meter track — and the surface is soft, so you can jog a lap and walk a lap, or jog a half lap, whatever works,” Davis said.

Davis says one of the best ways to start a running program is with a goal in mind. Some runners want to compete in a 5K before a certain age; others are hoping to do a marathon or two. Just finding a race and signing up for it can be the right motivation to get up and pound pavement. Davis said it’s a mental thing — once someone commits to something, they have a better chance of following through. Running in a race is what hooked Monique Graves.

“That that sort of got me excited; running in a race environment really inspired me, it got me going,” Graves said. “My time is always [better] when I run with someone else than when I run alone.”

On your mark, get set…
Next week’s running of the 5th Annual Ocean National Rock ‘N Road Race in Concord may be proof that the sport of running is growing in popularity.

“The first year we had 750 participants, which made it the largest first-time race in New Hampshire,” said Steve Duprey, co-chairman of the Rock ‘N Road Race. “Last year we had 4,037 participants. This year we will have between five and six thousand participants based on pre-race registrations.”

Like the Rock ‘N Road Race, most sanctioned races do have a registration fee involved. Fees can range anywhere from an average of $10 to $25. Typically, the fee is a bit more on a race day, so pre-registration is generally a good idea. Even though running a race means you pay to play, runners usually trot away with at least a T-shirt and a few free goodies from various vendors and sponsors. Next week’s Rock ‘N Road Race is big bang for the buck (which by the way, goes to the Concord Hospital Payson Center for Cancer Care).

“No other race has ten rock and roll bands, food stops along the way if you are inclined, and at the end, we have a great rock and roll party with great prizes,” Duprey said. “We feed everyone there and we give you a massage. How can you beat that?”

This year, as in years past, all runners are treated to a full meal at the finish line. Restaurants participating in the Rock ‘N Road race this year are the Outback Steak House and the 99 Restaurant.

Manchester City Marathon
Between now and November, races of various distances and degrees of difficulty can be found in all corners of the state. Some runs are so popular they are already sold out. That’s the case with the Mount Washington “Run to the Clouds,” for which runners, who come from around the world, have to enter a lottery to be selected to run. The seven-plus-mile race is all uphill (or upmountain, to be correct) and it is no walk in the park. For beginner runners, it’s usually a good idea to start out on short races, such as a 5K, which is a little over three miles.

And then there’s November. For the first time since the 1930s, the Manchester City Marathon and Half Marathon will return to the streets of the Queen City. The race will begin near Veterans Park on Elm Street. Scheduled for November 4, it is part of a weekend-long festival celebrating running. The event is expected to draw thousands of runners and spectators including Olympic marathon gold medalist Joan Benoit Samuelson. WMUR-TV has begun plans for a live broadcast. Now is the time to begin training.

May
• Annual B1st Peeper 5K Run/Walk Saturday, May 12. Start at Calef’s Field, Barrington. Cash prizes, massage, homemade cookies. Contact Kathie Bystrek at 664-9972 or go to barringtonchamber.org.
• Annual Hampton Falls 5K/5Mile Road Race Saturday, May 12, 8:30 a.m. Begins at Lincoln Akerman School, Hampton Falls. Run or walk through Hampton Falls. Contact Cathy Golas at 926-1123, or visit sau21.nh.us/las.
• Annual Big Lake Half Marathon Saturday, May 12, 9 a.m. Begins in the town of Alton, and runs through Alton Bay and along the shore to West Alton before returning to the finish line at the Community Center in Alton Bay. Live music and post-race celebration with food and family fun activities. This is a 13.1-mile race. For more information call 293-8353 or go to biglakehalfmarathon.com.
• Third Annual Grappone Automotive Mother of All 5Ks Sunday, May 13, 9 a.m. This is a flat and fast course designed for mothers and “mothers to be.” Starts at the New Hampshire Technical Institute; families and walkers welcome. Benefits nursing education. USATF-certified course. Contact Amanda Grappone at 226-8490 or e-mail agrappone@grappone.com.
• 6th Annual Southern NH Medical Center 6K Sunday, May 13, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Starts at 10 Prospect St., Nashua. The course heads southward, winding through city neighborhoods, cuts through Rivier College campus, passes fairways of The Nashua Country Club Golf Course and loops back to the start. Male and female overall winners will receive Red Sox tickets instead of a trophy this year. Online registration and information at www.medicalcenter6k.com. Online fees is $15 for runners, $10 for walkers. Participants 12 and under free. Call 577-2255.
• Fifth Annual Ocean National Rock ‘N Road Race Wednesday, May 16, at 6 p.m. This race begins and ends at the Statehouse in Concord. The relatively flat, fast race course is designed for walkers and runners of all ages and abilities. Along the course, which runs through downtown Concord and the West End, nine musical acts will entertain participants. Great feast courtesy of Ninety Nine (99) and Outback Steakhouse follows race. For information contact Concord Hospital at 225-2711 ext. 3076. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged.
• “Get Fit in May” 5K Road Race Saturday, May 19, 8:30 a.m. for children, 9:30 a.m. for runners age 12 and older. Begins at Lincoln Street Elementary School, Exeter, N.H. USATF-sanctioned and -certified course; flat, fast route through Exeter. Contact Janet Guen at 778-6962 or go to getfitinmay.com
• Runner’s Alley/Redhook Memorial 5K Road Race Sunday, May 27, 11 a.m., Kids fun run at 10 a.m. Portsmouth. Post-race food, prizes, beer and music. Contact Jeanine Sylvester at 430-1212 or visit runnersalley.com.
• 3rd Annual Wilmot Community Association Black Fly Blitz 5K Monday, Memorial Day, May 28, at 10 a.m. Start at The Bandstand, Kearsarge Valley Road, Wilmot. Serious runners, casual runners, walkers and families welcome; free T-shirts to first 200 entrants, free lunch to all participants. Contact Pam Terhune 526-6151 or e-mail terhunes@comcast.net.
• Russell M. Durgin Memorial Day 5K and Fun Run Memorial Day, May 28. Kids Fun Run at 7:40 a.m., 5K Run/Walk begins at 8 a.m. Start at Pat’s Peak Ski Area, Henniker, N.H. To honor Russel M. Durgin, citizen and soldier, and the contribution and sacrifice he made for our country and community. Contact Michael Couhie 529-5425 or e-mail scouhie@hotmail.com. Register online at durgin5k.com.

June
• ARCH 5K Road Race Saturday, June 2, 9 a.m. Sixth Annual Race for Community Health. Walkers welcome. Starts at Pierce Avenue near Parkland Medical Center in Derry. Proceeds benefit six local nonprofit community health and human service organizations. $15 fee until May 21; $20 on race day. For more information call 437-8477 or visit arch5knh.org.
• Jackson Covered Bridge Footrace Saturday, June 2. Begins at Jackson Covered Bridge, Jackson, N.H. A challenging course for both runners and walkers winding through Jackson Village. Contact Lorraine Tilney at 383-6153 or visit whitemoutainmilers.com.
• Rye By the Sea; 5K, 10K and Duathlon Saturday, June 2, 9 a.m. Begins at Bethany Church, Breakfast Hill Road, Greenland, N.H. Duathlon consists of a 17-mile oceanside bike sandwiched between two 5K runs. Contact Catherine Plourde at 431-7867 or see ryebythesea.org.
• Pack Monadnock 10-miler & Two-person Relay Sunday, June 3, at 9 a.m. Start at Wilton Lyndeborough High School, Wilton. An idyllic New England 10-mile road race and two-person relay. Part of the USATF-NE Mountain Series. Contact the Gate City Striders by visiting packmonadnockrace.com.
• 5th Annual Mary’s 5K Run & Walk Sunday, June 3, at 9 a.m. Start at Henniker Community School, Henniker. Held rain or shine through the scenic back roads of Henniker, N.H. Contact Wanda P. Coffin at 428-3143 or e-mail wpcoffin@yahoo.com or visit marycoffin.org.
• The Hollis Apple Country Fast 5 K Race Thursday, June 7, at 6:30 p.m. Race begins at Alpine Grove in Hollis. A great family fun race hosted by the Hollis Brookline Rotary and presented by Lovering Volvo. A picturesque course with a gradual downhill run. The elevation drop is spread out across the entire 3.1-mile stretch. Great post-race food and fun. For more information call George Lecours at 769-0962 or e-mail georgelecours@charter.net.
• Market Square Day 10K Road Race Saturday, June 9, 9 a.m. Begins at Market Square, Portsmouth. This annual 10K race kicks off the Market Square Day Festival. Contact Barbara Massar at 433-4398 or see proportsmouth.org.
• Six in the Stix Saturday, June 9, 10 a.m. Begins at Newport High School, Newport. A rugged six-mile trail run through the Newport town forest. Contact Brian Currier at 863-7678 or visit team-pinnacle.org.
• 47th Mount Washington Road Race Saturday, June 16, Gorham. This race begins at 10 a.m. with the familiar cannon blast at the foot of the storied Mt. Washington Auto Road. It is called the “Run to the Clouds,” and is affectionately known as the footrace with only one hill. One thousand runners from across the country (selected already by lottery!) ascend the all-uphill course 7.6 miles to the summit of the highest peak in the northeastern United States. For information about the race visit mountwashingtonroadrace.com.
• 28th Annual Goffstown Gallop Saturday, June 30, 8:30 a.m. Begins at Goffstown Recreation Center on Mast Road. $8 preregistration before June 29, $10 day of race. Proceeds benefit the Goffstown Friends of Recreation. For more info call the Goffstown Park and Rec Department at 497-3003.
• Tilton-Northfield Dare 5K June 30 at 8 a.m. Starts at 138 Park St., Northfield. A rolling course. For more information contact Robert Watson at 393-8707 or e-mail dwatson@usadata.net or visit northfieldnhpd.org.

July
• Merrimack Sparkler 5K Run/Walk July 4 at 8 a.m. Start at Nashua YMCA, Henry Clay Drive, Merrimack, N.H. 5K run or walk on a USATF-certified course along the Pennichuck Ponds. For more information contact Lisa Chaloner at 429-2413 or visit nhsite.com/roadrunners/sparkler.
• Bill Luti 8K Race Saturday, July 21, at 9 a.m.. Classic summer race. Start at Memorial Field, South Fruit Street, Concord. Course loops through St. Paul’s Prep School grounds with start and finish at Memorial Field. ChampionChip timing. Contact Bob Teschek at 863-2537 or visit racetime@gsrs.com.
• Bill Kelley Memorial 10K & 5K Race Thursday, July 26, at 6 p.m. Starts at The Executive Health and Sports Center, Manchester-Boston Regional Airport entrance. Run goes along South Perimeter Road to Industrial Drive and Harvey Road and then turns back. All money raised goes to New Horizons soup kitchen, of which Kelley was a founding member. Post-race barbecue and family fun activities. Contact Deb Ouellete at 668-4753 or e-mail douellette@executivehealthclub.com.
• Loco Moose Nashua Almost Free Running Shoes 5K Sunday, July 29, at 9 a.m. Start at Beaver Brook, Hollis, N.H. Trail race in Beaver Brook where every runner gets a pair of Loco Sports Running Shoes. Entry fee $36-$40. Contact Michael Amarello at 429-8879 or e-mail michael@3CRaceproductions.com.

August
• Crisman Memorial 5K Race/Walk Saturday, Aug. 4, at 10 a.m. Start at Souhegan High School, Amherst. Fast flat course, with plenty of food and raffle prizes and more than $700 in prize money. Contact David Salvas at 673-0069 or e-mail davidsalvas@aol.com or visit crismanmemorial.org.
• CIGNA/Elliot Corporate 5K Road Race Thursday, Aug. 9, 6:20 p.m. Begins at Veterans Park, Elm Street, Manchester. Race is open to corporate teams, individual runners, walkers and wheelchair entrants. This race draws about 6,000 runners and walkers. Proceeds from the race will support Easter Seals, N.H. For more information call 1-800-554-1664.
• 17th Annual State Police D.A.R.E. Classic 5K Road Race Wednesday, Aug. 15, at 6 p.m. Starts at N.H. International Speedway, Route 106, Loudon. A family event, 5K and 1 mile fun run or walk around the track. Proceeds benefit D.A.R.E. N.H. For more information call TFC Maureen Steer at 271-2877 or e-mail msteer@safety.state.nh.us.
• Londonderry Old Home Day Lundgren 5K Road Race Saturday, Aug. 18. Course goes through historic streets and country sites in Londonderry. Begins at Mammoth Road in front of the Lions Hall, proceeds south to Peabody Row, onto Butterick Road, and returns to Lions Hall for the finish. USATF-certified. Call 434-1153 or e-mail lemnhxc@aol.com.
• Vasque Moose on the Loose 10-mile Trail Race & Relay Sunday, Aug. 19, at 9 a.m. Start at Stellos Stadium, Nashua. This is a 10-mile individual, two-runner relay or four-runner relay in Mine Falls Park. Raffle prizes available, including two pairs of Vasque Trail running shoes. Contact Michael Amarello at 429-8879 or e-mail michael@3CRaceproductions.com.
• Vasque Luv2Run 5K Sunday, Aug. 26, at 9 a.m. Start at Northeast Delta Dental, One Delta Drive, Concord, N.H. Race on trails along the Merrimack River. $16 pre-entry, $20 post-entry. Multi-Color Luv2Run T-Shirts guaranteed to all runners. Luv2Run beer mugs to top three male and female finishers overall and top two in seven age groups. Raffle prizes include two pairs of Vasque trail running shoes, FuelBelts and RoadID Kits. Contact Michael Amarello at 429-8879 or michael@3CRaceproductions.com

September
• Union Leader Classic 8K Run Saturday, Sept. 8, at 9 a.m. Race begins at 100 William Loeb Dr., Manchester. This is an 8K (4.97-mile) certified road race. All fees benefit the American Heart Association. Pre-registration is suggested. For more information call the Union Leader at 668-4321 ext. 507 or e-mail promotions@unionleader.com.
• 17th Annual Halfway to St Patty’s Day 5K Road Race Sunday, Sept. 9. Race benefits Monarchs Care Foundation. Entry fee includes BBQ and post-race raffle. Start at the Wild Rover Pub, Manchester, N.H. Contact Nicole at 669-7722 or e-mail nicole@wildroverpub.com or visit wildroverpub.com.
• Reach the Beach Relay 200 Miles in 24 Hours Sept. 14-15. Begins at Cannon Mountain, heads south through Franconia Notch and then east along the Kancamagus Highway, known for its spectacular panoramic views of the White Mountains. This is the longest-running relay race in the United States. The relay will consist of (a maximum of ) 12-person teams that will rotate through 36 transition areas as they cover the approximate 200-mile distance of the race. For more information visit RTBrelay.com.

October
• Over the River & Through the Woods 5K Thursday, Oct. 4. Starts at Delta Dental, Concord, and follows the bike path over the Merrimack River to Forest Society land and returns. Contact Frank Donovan at 223-1345 or e-mail fdonovan@nedelta.com.
• Applefest Half Marathon Saturday, Oct. 6, at 10 a.m. Starts at Hollis Brookline High School, Hollis, N.H. Distance 13.2 miles. A challenging course, rural fall scenery and a great post-race spread. Five-year age group awards. This is a very popular race and sells out fast. Register early. For more information e-mail applefest1@aol.com or visit applefesthalfmarathon.com.
• Warner Fall Foliage Festival 5-mile Road Race Saturday, Oct. 6, at 10:45 a.m. Race begins at Warner American Legion Hall, Warner. This is a five-mile race on foliage-lined country roads through town, over covered bridge and back into town. Contact Paul DiGeronimo at 456-3029 or wfff.org.
• Kelly Mann Memorial 5K Run/3K Fun Walk Saturday, Oct. 13. Start at Sunset Heights Elementary School, Osgood Road, Nashua. This is the second year of the Kelly Mann Memorial 5K Run/3K Fun walk, a race started by the Mann’s daughters to remember her. Kelly Mann was murdered by her husband. The race is to raise awareness of domestic and sexual violence. Contact Jane Bizeur at 889-0858 or e-mail business@bridgesnh.org.
• UNH Homecoming 5K Road Race Saturday, Oct. 13, at 9 a.m. Starts at Whittemore Center, Main Street, Durham. This certified 5K course offers rolling hills through the town of Durham and the UNH campus, door prizes, computerized results, shower facilities, a fun run for kids, light refreshments and cash awards to top three. Merchandise prizes to top two in each age category and special categories. Contact Linda Hayden at 862-2031 or e-mail linda.hayden@unh.edu.
• Physical Therapy Wellness Workout 5K Road Race Sunday, Oct. 28, at 11 a.m. Begin at Franklin Pierce College, Chenell Drive, Concord. Flat, fast, USATF-certified course. Proceeds benefit physical therapy scholarship and advancing needs of physical therapy in New Hampshire. Contact Jim Bradley at 497-8989
or e-mail office@nhapta.org.

November
• Jack London 10K Saturday, Nov. 3, at 10 a.m. Race begins at Mine Falls Park, Nashua. Entry fee $20. Plenty of parking and bathroom facilities. Food, beverages and baked goods will be handed out after the race and water will be available on the course. High-quality custom Jack London Trail Race running socks guaranteed for every pre-registered runner. For more information e-mail jacklondontrailrace@gmail.com.
• 31st Annual Telegraph Santa Fund 5K/2M Run/Walk Sunday, Nov. 4. For more information visit Nashuatelegraph.com/santafund.
• Manchester City Marathon & Half Marathon Sunday, Nov. 4. This is a weekend-long event, with the race taking place on Sunday morning. Organized by the Manchester Marathon Association. For more information contact Sarah Huot at 540-3146 or e-mail manchestermarathon@yahoo.com.
• Annual Operation Uplink 5K Road Race & Family Fun Walk. Sunday, Nov. 18, Manchester. For more information visit manchesterfirefighters.org. or e-mail opuplink@comcast.net.