2009 PGRC Running Start Program
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the Running Start Program?
A. The Running Start Program is a four-month training program for adults of all ages and abilities. The Running Start Program is a “learn to run” program. The Program will begin on Saturday, April 25, 2009 and end with a 3.1 mile, “graduation” road race on Saturday, August 29, 2009. The purpose of the program is to train adults to run a 3.1 mile course (known as a 5k run). The coaches are aware that some participants will not, in the beginning, be able to run a 3.1 mile course. Also, the program will benefit the participants by helping them to achieve better cardiovascular fitness, reducing adverse health factors, learning safe training methods from experienced coaches, and enjoying the camaraderie of like-minded running and walking partners.
Q. Who runs the Program?
A. The Program is run under the auspices of the Prince Georges Running Club, a volunteer organization for runners under the Road Runner Clubs of America. The Club has about 131 individual members. All of the coaches are volunteers and some of the coaches are certified through the Road Runner Clubs of America. The head coach for the 2009 Running Start Program is Valerie Grasso, a PGRC member and certified running coach.
Q. How is the Running Start Program structured?
A. Participants are encouraged to arrive at the Running Start Program parking lot by 7:15 a.m. and be prepared to start the program at 7:30 a.m. Participants who arrive after 7:30 a.m. will be expected to join the group. Each participant will be assigned to a group appropriate to their speed and level of fitness. Each group will have 1-2 volunteer pace leaders who will guide the group during the Saturday workout. After the Saturday workout, participants will gather for a group stretching exercise. In addition, most Saturdays will include a brief but important presentation by a knowledgeable expert in the field of fitness, nutrition, or exercise. The sessions will end by 9 a.m.
Q. Will I stay in the same group for the duration of the Program? Can I opt to change groups?
A. Each week the coaches will meet to discuss each participant’s progress. Participants may be assigned to different groups based on the assessment by the coaches. Any participant that has questions or concerns is encouraged to share them with the pace leader or with the coaches.
Q. What are the requirements for participation in the Running Start Program?
A. The Running Start Program is open to all members of the Prince Georges Running Club. Membership in the Club is required to join the Running Start Program. Club Membership is $20 year for individuals, $25 a year for families. In addition to being a member of the Club, the Running Start Program fee is $15. The $15 fee covers the cost of a Running Start T-shirt and complimentary registration for the 5k graduation race on August 29. Members may sign up online at getmeregistered.com before April 25. Participants will not be able to register onsite.
In addition to being a member of the club, and paying the Running Start Program fee, there are other requirements:
1. Running Start participants are required to volunteer at one club event during the program.
2. Attendance is required at the Saturday sessions, which begin promptly at 7:30 a.m. and will end by 9:00 a.m. The first session, April 25, will be held at Lake Artemesia parking lot (Berwyn Heights). Consult the Club website for details (www.pgrc.org).
3. Attendance is expected, schedule permitting, at the Tuesday night track workout. The track workout will take place on Tuesday nights, 7 p.m. – 8 p.m., at the Bowie High School track. Consult the Club website for details (www.pgrc.org).
4. Running Start participants will agree to abide by Program rules.
5. MP-3 players and other musical devices are prohibited.
Q. Help! I used to participate in track events in high school, but that was twenty years ago. Is the Running Start Program for me?
A. The Running Start Program is for anyone who has the desire and the willingness to participate in a structured, group-focused training program. Each participant will have to evaluate their individual fitness level and ability to participate.
Q. I am diabetic and am concerned that the Running Start Program may be too difficult for me. Am I a candidate for the Running Start Program?
A. Every participant is encouraged to seek a medical opinion from their medical provider prior to signing up for the Running Start Program. The Running Start Program is run by a group of volunteer coaches and can offer no medical advice. Participants are strongly encouraged to discuss any and all medical questions with their medical provider.
Q. Will I need to purchase equipment and other tools to participate in the program?
A. Yes. Each participant is encouraged to purchase the appropriate clothing and equipment. It is important that each participant wear the appropriate running or walking shoes; wear the appropriate clothing, and carry a water bottle. Other suggestions will be posted on the Club website or discussed during the Program.
Q. Can I bring my child to the Running Start Program?
A. There are no child care facilities available. Some children may be appropriate and eligible to participate in the Running Start Program. For further information, please discuss your concerns with William Radcliffe (Coach Bill), the PGRC Treasurer and one of the Running Start coaches, or Valerie Grasso, Running Start head coach.
Q. I want to participate in the Running Start Program, but I have a vacation period coming up in the middle of the summer. Can I still participate in the Program?
A. Certainly. The coaches are aware that the summer presents opportunities for travel and that an occasional missed session is expected. However, it is also expected that each participant will keep absences to a minimum.
Q. I am a walker, not a runner. I do not want to run nor do I plan to run. Can I still participate in the running start program?
A. The Running Start Program is designed to encourage running. While the coaches are aware that some individuals are not yet able to run, the goal of the program is to get participants to the point where they can run a 3.1 mile course. Participants may walk the course, particularly in the beginning. However, the Running Start Program will not have coaches available to stay with the walking participants.
Q. I have other questions not covered by this information sheet. I’d like to speak with the Running Start Coach.
A. Contact Valerie at vbgrasso@gmail.com.