Though some of you may know my background as a Marathoner, most folks don’t know that my brother Charlie and I started our running by doing pretty short distances from 1 to 3 miles at a time.  I wouldn’t run much in the heat of the summer or the cold of the winter, but I soon realized I could run in any weather as long as I dressed properly.  I quickly learned to respect the role that heat/humidity/cold/rain played in my running.

I began running as a 15 year old cross country runner.  I never thought I’d be running longer races, such as ten milers or 26.2 mile marathons.  Yet, the more I ran, the stronger and faster I got.  I wasn’t aware as a beginning runner that every distance runner and every walker strengthens their heart as they build their consistency of running 4 days a week.  The heart is simply a pump, and as a runner or distance walker you will increase the size and pumping capacity of your heart over time.  If you are a beginner and you begin training now, you’ll easily be able to run or walk one or more of The Capital District/Bill Rodger’s 5k Races.  In addition, you’ll become fitter and healthier along the way.  So, I hope you listen to what I’m saying;  I’m talking to YOU, the person who has never been an “athlete”, was never chosen for a sports team in school or out.

All it takes is to make that decision to become an athlete, and nothing will stop you.  It isn’t that hard.  The hardest part is saying, “I’m going to do it”.

Now, choose one or choose all of the The Capital District/Bill Rodger’s 5k Races.  I’ll be at several of them; Albany Y on May 3rd, Southern Saratoga Y on August 12th and Guilderland on September 13th.  If you are aiming real high, you can join me again for this year’s Stockadeathon 15k (9.3 miles).

Now, can you fail in doing this?
No.  You are aiming high the minute you make the decision to sign up for one of the races.  Most people will never run a mile in their life.  What is it like to run a race?  You will have to experience it.  You can’t buy the medal you get at a road race.  Once you cross that finish line, it’s yours and no one can ever take it from you.

Americans are now standing up; they’re walking, running, lifting weights, swimming and biking.  But most folks are afraid.  They think they don’t have the time, or the energy.  Actually the fitter you get, the more energy you have for the rests of your life.  If you are a mom or dad, your kids will never forget you making the move to become an athlete.  Kids watch their parents.  I know, I have 2 daughters, and what a unique experience that is!

One day, maybe you’ll run with your kids.  I’ve traveled the USA for the past 32 years, and have done about 25 races a year.  I see parents running with their kids everywhere.  And to see your kids in a race is pur fun.  You’ll be incredibly proud of them!

I’ll be writing more about kids and running and racing in the days ahead.  For now, the best thing you can do is get yourself the correct shoe type for your foot type, and the place to get that is Fleet Feet on Wolf Rd. near Colonie Center.  I’m talking either walking or running shoes.  These guys will totally take care of you.  Remember, it’s the proper fit, not the price or looks.  You’ll totally benefit from the staff at Fleet Feet too.  If you’re ever in the Boston area, come visit my brother Charlie and I at The Bill Rodgers Running Center.  We’ve been putting runners on the roads for 31 years.

So, make the decision today, and I’ll look forward to running with you at one or more of these great events.

See you on the roads,
Bill Rodgers
1976 Olympic Team-Marathon
Boston Marathon Winner
New York Marathon Winner

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