We are getting close now, and your boogie training will soon be done. Congratulations! In 13 sleeps it will be Boogie day and you will be celebrating your accomplishment!

For most of us, the real reason we go to races isn't because we hope to land on the podium or claim an age-group award. We race to challenge ourselves, or in memory of a loved one, or for a charity, or for any number of personal and special reasons. At Boogie, you all deserve a moment to shine.  The boogie philosophy is about celebrating “ you” and that all paces are equal on boogie day.

Not so long ago, the very notion that someone who wasn’t an elite runner - would enjoy being a runner -was heresy. After all, running was a sport that celebrated the fast, lean and speedy. But slowly things changed (thank goodness) and it is now very noticeable there is a  whole generation of ‘ all-pace’ runners showing up at races. And much to the surprise (and delight) for race organizers these folks seem to bring much fun, energy and colour to the events. This pure, unadulterated fun has made running very contagious.

If you are new to running (and about to do your first 5K) you are about to experience something that will change your life. If you started the boogie training thinking you couldn’t do it (you were too out of shape), I too started out that way. In fact, my first 5K was so profound; it changed my entire life in those significant footsteps across the finish line. I will never forget my first race and it put me on a path that to this very day I am so thankful and grateful for. I know you can do it and am so excited for you.

I know the idea of entering your first race can be overwhelming. It’s a huge first step and  if you've never raced before, it's hard to know what to expect.

So what to expect?

First of all, expect to see a variety of people in all beautiful shapes and sizes and from all walks of life. There will be Boogie participants at all levels of training, and no matter what your pace, you will find a pack of runners (or walkers)  moving  at a similar pace. Expect to see people in red (boogie red is all about passion, love, energy and change). Expect to have fun — there will be bands on route and high energy water tables and volunteers.

Expect to start your boogie out easy and  be aware of your pace. You will be tempted to start off much faster than your normal training runs. The thrill of running with a red boogie crowd will push you to run harder and faster. But if you run too fast during the beginning, you’ll tire out before the high energy finish line. As you begin to approach the Boogie finish line, expect some runners to kick it up a notch and use that last bit of energy for a fast finish. Don’t worry, be happy and cruise in whatever way feels right for you.

Most importantly, expect to be changed. Expect to be happy. Expect to start planning your next goal. Expect to feel elated. Expect to celebrate. You deserve it — as do all the runners and walkers at Boogie. I look forward to cheering you in, congratulating you by name, and giving you a hug and a high five as you cross the finish line. Boogie on!