April 25-August 29, 2009
Note: Registration is now closed (we have met our limit of 75 runners)
The Running Start Program is a group-focused, beginning running program for adults of all ages and abilities who would like to experience the fun and health benefits of running, or combined running and walking. It can serve as the start of a healthier lifestyle, or entry into the sport of competitive road, track, and trail racing. First-timers are welcome. Veteran runners who have not been active and want to get back into form are also welcome. The only requirement for program participation is the willingness to come out to the weekly sessions on Saturdays (at a minimum) and (schedule permitting) to participate in Tuesday night track workouts. A note to participants: Headphones, MP-3 players, or other listening devices are prohibited.
Meeting locations
-Saturdays 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. The first Saturday we will meet at 7:30 a.m.(SHARP!) at Lake Artemesia parking lot (at the intersection of
-Tuesdays 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Bowie High School track on
Advisory: If you have any major medical condition, such as heart disease or bone or joint problem it would be advisable to consult your personal physician before starting the program. If you get clearance you are welcome to participate.
Fee and Registration: Register online at getmeregistered.com (limited to the first 75 registrants). Running Start fee is $15, plus club membership fees if not already a club member (individual, $20; family, $25). The fee includes a Running Start T-shirt and complimentary registration for the 5k “graduation” race on Aug. 29, 2009.
Volunteer requirement: Running Start participants are required to volunteer at one club event during the program. The program is run by volunteer coaches, many of whom are certified through Road Runner Clubs of America.
Need more information? See frequently asked questions. Email Coach Valerie Grasso vbgrasso@gmail.com
Coaches
Valerie Grasso is a certified running coach and Weight Watcher leader. She started running in 1997 through the MCRRC Beginning Women's Running Program. Since then she has completed many races, including four marathons [Marine Corps 1999, 2000: Pittsburgh (2000); and New York (2004)], lost 75 lbs, and completed one sprint triathlon (that was really hard!) She still has many fitness goals she wants to achieve. In 2001, she served as an Assistant Coach in the MCRRC First-Time Marathon Training Program; in 2005, she served as the Coach for the MCRRC Beginning Women’s Program. In 2008, she worked closely with Bill Radcliffe as one of the Assistant Coaches for the Running Start program. She looks forward to working with everyone, especially those who have always wanted to run. She is on a mission to help encourage and support others to "move more."
Bill Radcliffe is a retired physician with a longstanding interest in running, fitness, and sports medicine, going back to when he ran high school track in the late 1940’s. He is currently treasurer of PGRC and competes in running events in the 75+ age group. Bill is a member of the American College of Sports Medicine, The American Medical Athletic Association, and is a certified RRCA coach.
Deirdre Francis started running as a way of losing and maintaining weight. She started out running slowly just a mile or so, but then went on to complete a 10K and a Duathlon in subsequent years. After a couple of years, she stopped running and found it hard to return, so she decided to join the beginners club in 2007. Before long with the help of some really great coaches, she is back running for fun and completing in a number of running events. Like you she understands how hard it can be to start running, and will help you achieve your goal!
JoAnn Thomas enjoys coaching and motivating others to make a lifestyle transformation to living a healthy life. She currently works at the Library of Congress. Each day, on her lunch hour, she teaches aerobics class. Her passion is health and fitness. She has been a personal trainer/aerobic instructor since 1989 and played basketball, softball and ran track in high school. She has participated in many races including the Marine Corps Marathon, Army 10 miler, Cherry Blossom 10 miler, and the Race for the Cure.
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Last Modified 25 April 2009