I am not partial to outdoor running in the winter, as you can probably tell by reading my recount of the Wild Turkey road race on Thanksgiving morning. I often choose treadmills until I can head back out onto the streets without needing extra layers for comfort. But for those of you running purists, who always prefer true paths to the repetitive indoor mills, here are some recommendations from a few of my running and athletic training contemporaries. Mike Toomey Marblehead High Girls' Winter Track Coach and co-founder of the Wicked Running Club "A few things I do include wearing mittens …

On a day known for overeating and sitting around watching football, I can't think of any better way to counteract all that lethargy than to take part in an early morning 5 mile run through the streets of Salem. The Wild Turkey 5 Mile Run, hosted by the Salem Park and Recreation department, had the highest turnout ever recorded. The runners were in high spirits, despite the bitter cold that greeted us all Thanksgiving morning. Huddled in front of Oliver Street for the start of the race, the packed crowd overflowed into the Salem Commons, providing a buffer from the cold wind. But shortly after…

Road races are the best time for runners. It's when all the days of training, out on the streets and inside on the treadmills, is put to the test. But the Devil's Chase 6.66 Miler is unlike any other race because of its atmosphere. The day started like most other race days, waking up early and getting a good stretch in while I got into my running clothes. Once I had showed up at the Willows, though, it becomes clear how different the Devil's Chase is. While there are many runners wearing their track jerseys and race shirts they've collected throughout the years, there are also those runners …

Halloween Day in Salem has always been packed with events and crowds of excited visitors. Last year, a new reason to visit the city was created, one specifically for runners; B&S Fitness is hosting its second annual Devils Chase 6.66 Miler road race on Sunday. The course offers racers an extensive tour of historic Salem, and the possibility to run through the city's streets on its most important day of the year. The race will begin at 8 a.m., with registration starting at 6:30 a.m. The course starts at the Salem Willows Park, leading up Memorial Drive to the walking path toward Collins Cove …

It was still dark when my alarm went off at 5:30 a.m. and, to be completely honest, I couldn't help asking myself why I was doing this to myself… Once I got over the shock of being up so early, I got myself ready for the big race by dressing in my usual running attire; which consists of Nike Pro-Fit compression shorts under my Salem State lacrosse practice shorts, and a sleeveless Under Armour shirt under my Salem High School track jersey. I threw sweats on over my running clothes, filled my BPA-free water bottle, grabbed a Nature Valley Sweet & Salty Almond bar and headed off to Salem with …

Running has become more and more important in my life. It has gone from a lacrosse training activity, to a personal fitness/relaxation decision, and next Saturday it will be taking another huge step forward; it will become competitive. On Saturday, September 25, I will be running in the Wicked Half Marathon, a B & S Fitness event sponsored by Tache Real Estate. The race, which covers over 13.1 miles between Salem and Marblehead, will be my longest run to date, and will be much different than my normal runs through town. The course starts in at the Bentley School in Salem (25 Memorial Drive) …

Having lived in Salem years ago, I have since craved a nice run in my old hometown. While I was playing lacrosse at Salem State University I had put together a route that started at the College's sports complex on Canal Street and rounded downtown before heading back to campus. Since moving into Marblehead, I haven't run this route at all. I have done a longer run into Salem twice before but have since been content with mid-distance routes that focused on Town. With the new motivation of testing out my cPrime wristband, I decided to take on that Salem route again, but this time I would go all…

I have recently been turned on to a growing trend in the world of training and athletics called cPrime.  Athletes such as Heisman Trophy winning QB Tim Tebow, all-star Basketball player Dwight Howard and Red Sox players Clay Buckholtz and Mike Cameron, as well as celebrities like Jane Fonda, Chazz Palminteri, and Christian Slater have been spotted sporting cPRIME bracelets, but the question is what are they and what can they do? These polyurethane wristbands, molded from surgical grade polyurethane with a magnetic locking clip, are embedded with a cPRIME activated substrate that is being …

After the deluge that hit the town this week, I am itching to get back out on the street for a nice relaxing run. I consider myself a dedicated runner, but I am firmly against running the streets in the rain, as I believe it can just lead to sickness and injury that will result in a longer delay from running than just waiting for better weather. Luckily I was able to get a middle-distance run in the books before the sky opened up on us, and I will share it with you now. My Atlantic-Humphrey Loop totals just under six miles and provides a nice-flat course that brings you into Swampscott and …

There are two types of people in this world, with regards to running, those who are seriously in love with it and those who despise its existence. It's hard to believe that there are "casual" runners, because it takes such commitment and determination to push your body to its limits when you get out on the road (or the treadmill in the winter).  This article and the ones that will  follow it are meant for devoted runners who are looking for new routes to explore around this historic town. Marblehead has so much to offer the running community, with its long winding back-roads and hills, as …