BIDDEFORD, Maine — Walking and running is a beautiful way to explore Maine both in the warm and cold seasons. Whether it's on the trails, in your neighborhood, or partaking in races, it's easy to get involved and become part of a new community.
John Rogers, owner and operator of Fleet Feet Maine Running, said it's important to make sure you’re outfitted correctly before hitting the pavement.
"The real benefit is just health and wellbeing overall, everybody’s just stressed these days," Rogers said. "Walking is a great outlet and a great activity for you socially, or in terms of investing in your health and well-being, and running is also in that genre."
With so many options, it's key to find the right shoe for you.
"It’s like having a bike or a car," Roger explained. "You want optimal protection that's going to support your running and or walking, prevent injury, and keep you healthy for the long haul."
Fleet Feet takes you individually through a step-by-step process to find the best shoe.
"We start with our complete 3D scan of your feet," Rogers said. "And then we do a visual gait analysis to understand even more what your needs are, and then based on that we’ll pick a type of footwear, maybe 3 or 4 different models to try on."
These can range from neutral, to stability shoes, or even if insoles are needed.
Once you have the gear, the options of what to do or where to go can be overwhelming. Parkruns are a great option for those simply looking to get outside with others in the same boat.
“Parkrun is an international event," Daniel Hammond, director of the Eastern Trail parkrun in Biddeford, said. "It started in the UK over a decade ago with a bunch of guys who just wanted to do a 5K in the park. Since then there are over 2,500-2,600 locations around the world."
Hammond came to Maine 18 months ago to work in Biddeford.
"I started working for the recreation department here in Biddeford, and we were kind of looking for an event that would get people together, get them outside, but was also free, and I’d come across parkrun during some time in Australia."
Parkrun checked all the boxes, and the Eastern Trail was designated as the second parkrun in Maine, with the other in Brunswick. It’s a perfect year-round spot for walkers and runners of all ages and abilities. The 5K continues through the winter as a portion of the trail remains plowed. Last year, only three parkruns were canceled due to unsafe surface conditions.
When you sign up for parkrun, you have a personal barcode issued via email. Once the race is finished, an additional barcode is passed out as each walker and runner finishes. A quick scan of both barcodes matches up the time to your name. Your personal barcode can be used to participate in any throughout the world.
Hammond said this is open to all, not only runners. Many walk, and bring their children, pets, and friends to simply take a weekly walk through the woods.
"It really isn’t about the running," Hammond said. "It’s more about bringing people together, enjoying the outdoors, getting some exercise in, and we all head down and have a coffee when we finish."