GreatNews.Life Student Voices: Valpo community strides through summer

What’s recently happened? 

Extra Mile, a local running company, recently held a race in the community. This consisted of a series of one mile races near the Valparaiso YMCA. This race was held not just for fun, but it allowed for many runners to test new shoes.

There were tents for brands like HOKA, Asics, and more. These brands allowed runners to test out new shoes during the run and decide if they liked how they felt.

“I had my eye on certain HOKAs for a couple of weeks, but hadn’t been able to try them. I was excited to try them during the race,” said Attendee Rowan Kruzska.

Having multiple brands at the race gave runners many options. Shoes are so important for runners to prevent injury and improve their running mechanics.

“I always try shoes in the store and think I love them, but in practice they feel much different. Being able to wear them out on the road for a race and testing them in the grass really changed the game for me,” said Attendee Titus Parrish.

Extra Mile is always staying true to the name by going the extra mile for its customers, whether they are a regular or newcomer. They love the running community and are always happy to welcome all people. They even offer discounts for students who are a part of a local high school team.

“I have always shopped at Extra Mile. I have never had a bad experience there, and I always end up with the best shoes,” said Attendee Jenna Burton.

What’s coming up?

Catch Your Time is another running event to participate in. It is focused towards high school runners who are able to pace themselves. The event is set to be a part of the fourth Annual NWI Cross Country Preview Show and will take place on August 6, starting at 5 p.m.

The objective of the race is to literally catch your time. The runner submits the time they think they can run 1.5 miles in before they run the race. Whoever is the closest to the time they guessed wins the race.

“I won the first year they held the race and I was so happy,” said Parrish.

This changes things up from a typical race, where the fastest person wins. The race is based purely on if the runner can pace themselves without a watch.

“I’m not the fastest runner ever, so I really like that there is no pressure to be the first to cross the finish line, but the adrenaline is still there,” said Runner Ryan Stoner.

This event is not solely a race. College runners are brought in to discuss their experiences and how they navigated through their training to guide the high school runners.

“Hearing college students talk about their times is inspiring. It lets you know that even small school runners can make it big,” said Runner Julia Pearce.

There are raffles and a couple of free take home items that add to the experience.

Community member spotlight:

Jeff Biggs has been a huge part of the Valpo community for many years, helping to keep the city safe.

“I began working for the Valparaiso Police Department. I worked there for four years until moving on to the Porter County Police Department,” Biggs said.

At the Porter County Police Department, Biggs was the detective commander before being moved to chief deputy and, eventually, S.W.A.T. Commander. He did all of this over the span of 22 years.

“I loved every job I did. My best stories come from S.W.A.T. though,” said Biggs.

Ever since he’s left the police department, Biggs has stayed close within the community. He now teaches up-and-coming students who want a future in the law enforcement field. He does this through the criminal justice vocational program at Wheeler High School.

“Nothing makes me happier these days than seeing kids I’ve taught grown up and doing great things within the community,” said Biggs.

He brings so much passion and joy to future generations and never fails to help kids out.