As we head into the end of another year, many of us are working on implementing healthier habits. Maybe you and your sweetheart have decided to focus on your health, or you're looking for new activities to reconnect with each other. Might we suggest running together? You'll feel on top of the world as your heart races alongside your partner— making health a priority together.
We sat down with an AdventHealth expert, Doug Allen MPT, ATC and Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist and Senior Manager for AdventHealth Sports Medicine and Rehab, to discuss the benefits of running with your partner, as well as how running has brought people together from one of Orlando’s favorite couples – Betsy Hughes and Jon Hughes – owners of Track Shack.
Below is an insider's guide on how running can strengthen your health and impact the health of your relationship. We also provided a few upcoming races from the Track Shack Running Series Presented by AdventHealth, that you and your partner can attend as a fun date day activity.
Bonding Through Running
By now we've all heard how exercise releases endorphins and relieves stress. Now consider how good it will feel to release those endorphins while exercising together.
For over three decades, AdventHealth and Track Shack have shared a vision of creating a healthier and more active community in Central Florida. AdventHealth provides support and care to participants, ensuring they can continue pursuing their passion for running.
Doug Allen MPT, ATC and Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist and Senior Manager for AdventHealth Sports Medicine & Rehab shared some great insights with us.
“Exercise is medicine because of the numerous physical and mental health benefits it bestows on us. Being physically active decreases the risk of heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, stroke, and various types of cancer. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity throughout the week or at least 75 minutes of vigorous–intensity physical activity or a combination of both. Resistance training is also recommended a minimum of 2 days per week.
Doug continued to share that, “incorporating a social activity into our daily lives is important to Feeling Whole.”
Doug went on to explain that the benefits of running with a partner are numerous, here are three that stood out to him:
- Accountability: There have been many mornings when I personally would rather hit the snooze button but knowing my running partner was waiting helped spur me on and helped make running an atomic habit.
- Building Friendship: Participating in running with a friend helps strengthen friendships through physical adventure and opportunities for great conversations.
- Safety: Lastly having a running partner improves safety. Whether it's another pair of eyes looking out for traffic, unfriendly animals, or someone to care for you if you get injured are a few benefits of running with a partner.
He also offered a word of caution, “ have the slower runner set the pace and distance. Running at an intensity or distance that is beyond the limits of a runner puts them at an elevated risk of injury. “
For newer runners, Doug also shared a word of advice, “anyone who is just starting out is that your body needs time to adapt to the new stress it is experiencing. Everyone’s structural capacity load is different and when that load is exceeded— injuries occur. Running below the individual’s structural load capacity allows their musculoskeletal system to build strength and endurance. Slowly increasing your running volume and intensity will help mitigate injuries. Take your time!”
Track Shack and the Love of Running
We love a good local love story and the story of Betsy Hughes, Co-Owner of Track Shack with her husband of 40 years, Jon Hughes is exactly that. They met in a running group while in school and when we asked her how running has enriched their lives together she shared, “Running is so much a part of our lives. Because of running, we met, fell in love, and partnered together to buy Track Shack. Running has taken us around the world, almost literally. We grew up in the business together, working hard to grow Track Shack and Track Shack Events, while training for various races and marathons, and becoming parents.”
Beth went on to share, “Running is so much a part of our lives. Every day has been a learning experience and running continues to set the tone for each day when we go for our morning run.”
Track Shack Running Series Presented by AdventHealth
The Track Shack Running Series Presented by AdventHealth offers couples in Orlando an ideal opportunity to bond through fitness. This series features six different events suitable for couples looking to run or walk races together. Each event features a fun pre and post-race area with vendors, activities, and more. Plus, these events are also family-friendly and include a FREE kids' race after the main event.
There is still time to take part in the Track Shack Running Series Presented by AdventHealth.
2023-24 Schedule
U Can Finish 5 Mile & 2 Mile Presented by AdventHealth
Sunday, October 22, 2023, 7:30 AM
Orlando, FL
Park Ave 5k Presented by AdventHealth
Saturday, January 20, 2024, 7:30 AM
Winter Park, FL
AdventHealth Run 4 Love 4 Mile
Saturday, February 10, 2024, 7:30 AM
Winter Park, FL
AdventHealth Winter Park Road Race 10k and 2 Mile
Saturday, March 23, 2024, 7:30 AM
Winter Park, FL
The following two races have already taken place this year. Keep these races on your calendar for next year.
Track Shack’s Celebration of Running 5k Presented by AdventHealth
Saturday, August 19, 2023, 7:30 AM (2024 info
Celebration, FL
Battle of the Bands 5k
Saturday, September 09, 2023, 7:30 AM
Casselberry, FL
Can I walk the races?
Good news! The races of the Track Shack Running Series Presented by AdventHealth are walker-friendly events. Walkers are encouraged to participate in all Track Shack races.
Planning Your Running Series Date
Each event in the Track Shack Running Series Presented by AdventHealth offers a complete experience, not just the race itself. Before or after the race, couples can visit a variety of vendors. Stop by the LiveTrends tent to pick up your very own “love fern.” This little plant can serve as a reminder of all the different ways you can nurture a healthy relationship together.
Plus, experts from AdventHealth are there to offer a variety of services, like complimentary sports massages. Don't miss out on the opportunity to speak with an AdventHealth Physical Therapist and receive a complimentary screening if you have any aches, pains, or strains before or after your run. Plus you can spin a prize wheel for some awesome running-specific giveaways!
Make Training Fun
The big payoff of participating in a race together isn't just the excitement of race day itself, it's the journey. Training for your race together, whether you're going to walk or run, or a little of both, means time together. Explore a local park to stretch and stroll or make part of your running route. Try someplace new to keep things interesting.
Some of our favorite parks that are great for race training include Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando, Cranes Roost Park in Altamonte Springs, and Lake Lily Park in Maitland.
Just remember to take it slow and go at your own pace! The important thing is the journey and not the destination.