Training And Fun With Charm City Run

It's important to have the right equipment like the 880v6, available at Charm City Run.

One of the newer businesses in the Baltimore area is CHARM CITY RUN. It's a store filled with running supplies, including specialized fittings for running shoes; it's a training program, for anyone getting in some training before a community run, an event, or a meet; it's a scheduler of running events and provider of running events; it's even a billboard where the next event can be added to the local running calendar.

Charm City Run opened its first store in 2002 in Timonium, at the site of a former bank. Really! If you visit that particular store, you can still see the drive-up transaction window and the bank vault. But don't try depositing any money there; it's not a bank anymore.



Baltimoreans, you have only a few days to get in on this program. THE RUN TO REMEMBER/SUMMER 11K TRAINING program starts on July 23, and costs $85 to participate. The program is held at all store locations, but check the above link for each store's schedule. This program is preparation for the Annual Run To Remember 5K on Sunday, Sept. 11. All money raised there will be given to the Baltimore City Police and Fire Foundation, which provides support to families of first responders who have died in performing their duties.

Now, the training program is provided for a total of eight weeks and is designed for beginner and intermediate runners. It is designed to help build endurance and strength. Each program is led by a trainer, with whom users meet twice each week. Among the services are a training plan; email access to coaching and advice; gait analysis with footwear recommendations; supported running groups combined with a specific route, refreshments, and good company; 10% discount at Charm City Run; and nutrition advice and injury prevention techniques.

Get your run on, Baltimore! By doing this and registering at Charm City Run, you can have a chance to win an all-expense paid trip to the Nantucket Half-Marathon, scheduled on Oct. 9th. First, click on the "Register" button and fill out the form: that earns you 5 points. Here's where your social media accounts score. You earn 2 points whenever you use #racetonantucket and @charmcityrun and @ saucony on Instagram or Twitter. Next, join the Find Your Strong group on Facebook and tell your story, for 10 points. Now check the calendar for VITA and Charm City Run store events (not races, or training, or packet pick-ups - they don't count); go to the store and check-in with store personnel and Ka-ching! 10 points are yours. Beginning July 18, if you try on any Saucony styles at Charm City, you can score another 10 points.

Nakia Morgan and Tracy Hanley, last year's winner of the points contest.

Why all this emphasis on points? You get prizes when you clear a certain amount of points. 25 points gets you a free Race To Nantucket t-shirt; 35 points gives you a chance to receive a $100 Charm City Run gift card. The grand prize of the trip goes to the one with the most points. Good luck to all participants.

Some of the clothing available at Charm City Run.

Thanks for information from this article on Charm City Run: http://www.charmcityrun.com/training-groups/run-to-remembersummer11k-training-starts-8115; this article on Charm City Run: http://www.charmcityrun.com/race-to-nantucket-rules; and this article about the stores' beginning: http://www.charmcityrun.com/about/.

Click here to view more details