Changing Directions

Track runners know exactly where to go: run hard, turn left. I'm more of a cross country runner, where every course is different and you expect twists and turns. You learn to welcome those changes and the challenges they create. Changing directions isn't only necessary, it can be fun too!

This is a year of zigging an zagging for The Sporting Life. Our first event of the year, Irish Run Saint Paul (Sunday, March 24) changed names (it used be called the St Patrick's Day Human Race), headquarters (now Ramsey Jr High in St Paul) and literally changed directions with the course (the new start faces west instead of east). All that makes it almost a new event despite a 40+ year legacy.

Our next event is also on the move. Grand On the Go is evolving from Grand Old Day On the Go, with a date change to Sunday, April 21 (registration opens 2/27/13). When Grand Avenue Business Association (GABA) decided that they no longer wanted the races as part of the Grand Old Day festival, we began to look for alternatives. The event will now be part of a new TSL initiative, in partnership with GABA. Grand 4 Fitness will be a series of health and fitness initiatives up and down Grand Avenue for four days in April (18-21).

Of course change doesn't mean throwing out everything. Irish Run Saint Paul will be covering most of the same terrain as the old route, just in a different order. Teams are back, and it's still part of the MDRA Grand Prix and USATF Minnesota team circuit.We're even bringing back a post race party that had been missing for a few years (details coming soon).

Grand On the Go will feature the familiar course and format (8K skate and run, 5K run/walk and youth run). Teams will be back too.

Zebras on the move

Social media is a great tool to keep up with changes. Be sure to check out or Facebook page and Twitter feed. We'll be coming soon to Pinterest too.

How is 2013 shaping up for you? Any big changes? It isn't always easy, but with the right attitude, changing directions can be fun. Happy zigging!