Spring Training Opening Day 5K Fun Run/Walk

by Darren Meenan February 13, 2024

First off, this has zero affiliation with the Mets. This is not an official 5k. There is no fee. There are no prizes. This is not organized, endorsed, or promoted by the team.

Long story short, if you don't already know, I love riding motocross and bmx. My back has always been a sore spot, and last summer an MRI revealed a pretty decently herniated L5/S1 disk. I was told to pretty much do nothing physical until the pain went down, and hopefully the disk would go back in place. I couldn't anyway since I was literally crying in bed trying to get in and out of it. It was pretty bad. The siatic pain went from my lower back to behind my left knee. That's when I decided to do whatever it took to not go the surgery route. Me doing nothing in the summer months is like caging an animal. I need to move. Now that I'm in my 40's it's more important than ever to keep active. Time catches up to you quick and the longer you wait to get/stay in shape, the harder it will be. I started cold plunging daily (now about 3-4 days a week), hit a chiropractor 3 days a week, stretch everyday at home, started light with resistance bands, started riding BMX again around September, and then joined a CrossFit gym in October. Some of the members of my gym like to run, and I reluctantly signed up for a Turkey Trot 5k on Thanksgiving morning. I've never ran that far before, but gave it a go. Surprised myself at the result, and quickly fell in love with running. I like setting goals, especially physical ones, and I'd like to run the NYC Marathon this year.

Sorry! That wasn't such a short story.

Anyway.... I signed up for a February challenge through the Sayville Running Company. You need to run at least one mile per day for the entire month. That's 29 days this year. I knew I'd be down in Port Saint Lucie for a couple days this month, so I need to get my miles in while I'm down here. That's where this idea came from to try to organize a meet up.

Days 9-12 of the @SayvilleRunning February challenge of running at least a mile a day. Up to 40.56 miles for the 12 days so far. Should be fun tomorrow in the snow. 💪🏻 pic.twitter.com/anVijXEaFh
— Darren Meenan (@DarrenJMeenan) February 13, 2024

The 7 Line Army gets early access to the ballpark on Spring Training Opening Day. That's at 11am. So I'm going to get this run in at 8:15am (meet up at 8). Having some company would be fun, and who knows, maybe this can turn in to an annual tradition.

Again, this isn't organized by the Mets. We'll run/walk on the sidewalks, look both ways when we crossing the streets, pass through the ballpark parking lot (down Piazza Drive), mosey our way around town a little, then back.

CHECK OUT THE COURSE ON STRAVA

ALL PACES WELCOME! I'm cruising at around 8:40/mile pace lately for my casual runs, but I have no issue chilling at around 10-11 mins if you don't feel confident with the extra speed. Just trying to get my steps in, and start the day off on a positive foot. I don't want to walk it, so hopefully anyone who does can link up together.

The route starts and ends in the Starbucks parking lot. If you're not feeling up for 3 miles, it's about a mile each way back and forth to the ballpark if you want to just get 2 in. Or, if this is entirely new to you, run/walk whatever distance you want and head back to Starbucks. Whatever your path is, you're doing it, and that's an accomplishment in itself. Make your own goal, take that first step, and crush it.

We'll high five and take a group photo afterwards. For me, I hope it's not a selfie.

MEET UP AT 8AM: Starbucks parking lot 1789 St Lucie W Blvd

LEAVE FOR THE RUN/WALK AT 8:15AM

Show up early for a bib!

Shout out to @elitefeats for whipping up these bibs on super short notice. Even though this isn’t a race and it’s not timed, I got 100 made. I hope I’ll need even 2 of them. 😂 - Run/walk on Saturday morning before the game. pic.twitter.com/G55mD6PTGP
— Darren Meenan (@DarrenJMeenan) February 20, 2024

P.S. Yes, of course we'll be meeting up Friday night at Hop Life Brewery too! This Saturday morning run is the perfect way to burn off those extra calories.