Training trials

Deirdre Newman

Finding a good pair of running shoes can be a gamble, but the odds

are higher on Wednesday nights at Niketown when runners can test

different shoes by taking them on a five-mile test run.

These runners are training for Nike’s Run Hit Wonder Race, a 5K

and 10K that takes place later this month in Los Angeles.

In addition to the allure of experimenting with different styles

of shoes, runners say the training fosters a sense of camaraderie.

“It’s easier [running] with a group,” said Melissa Joseph, 22, of

Newport Beach. “Otherwise, I don’t think I would be running.”

The training runs started in March and last for six weeks. While

Nike sponsors its own weekly running club, the number of participants

jumped when the race training started, said Dave Mueller, co-site

manager for Club Run L.A., which is coordinating the training runs.

On Wednesday, 120 runners showed up at the Triangle Square store for

the training run.

The group atmosphere helps motivate both neophytes and returning

runners, Mueller said.

“I’ve seen a lot of people who are not regular runners or are

getting back into it,” Mueller said. “That’s a draw. When you start

to run, it’s hard to get over that hump of motivating yourself to run

by yourself.”

The runners split into different groups depending on their pace,

with the fastest group comprised of runners who can complete about an

eight-minute mile and the slowest group made up of those who can run

close to an 11-minute mile. Each group has pace leaders and a

sweeper, who runs in the back to make sure all the runners make it

through the course. There is also a group of walkers.

The faster groups run a five-mile route that goes through Dover

Shores and down to North Castaways and Cape Andover. The rest run a

three-mile route that takes them around Mariners Park and back to

Niketown.

The atmosphere before the runs is energizing as Niketown pumps up

the volume of the music in through the store and the runners

congregate in the atrium, stretching, schmoozing and trying on shoes.

Every week, Nike provides two different styles of shoes for the

runners to try. Once all the training groups around Southern

California have tried them, Nike donates the shoes to running groups,

said Christian Scott, manager for the Southern California market.

After the runs, the Yard House supplies free food and beer.

Runner Rebecca Eacret, 26, of Irvine, has been doing the Niketown

club runs for three years. She persuaded two of her co-workers to

join her in training for the upcoming race.

“I forced them to come with me,” Eacret joked. “It’s for the

socialization and the free food afterward.”

Marc Posch said he runs about two to three times a week, but got

tired of running solo.

“I’m looking for a new environment, meeting new people,” Posch

said.

The capacity for the race last year was 10,000 runners. Because of

the popularity, it has been increased to 20,000 for this year.

* DEIRDRE NEWMAN covers Costa Mesa. She may be reached at (949)

574-4221 or by e-mail at deirdre.newman@latimes.com.