This is a 16 week entry level training program for adults of all ages and abilities who would like to experience the pleasures and health benefits of running or combined running and walking. Participants will have an individually tailored training plan and be paired with running partners of comparable ability. Progress will be monitored by experienced club coaches, and a “graduation” exercise will consist of a 5K race on August 23rd. Veteran runners who have not been active and want to get back into form are also welcome.
The starting date is
Requirements: 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, but this does not necessarily rule out your participation.
Fee and Registration: The fee is $30 which includes PGRC membership, a technical T-shirt, and entry in the Aug 23rd 5K run. (For current PGRC members the fee is $20). Download the registration form from this website and mail it with your check to PGRC,
Registration can also be accomplished at the
Need more information? Call 202-521-1495, or email wbraddoc@comcast.net.
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!
Emily McLaughlin has been running around all her life. In her early years, she was running to chase soccer balls, basketballs, and volleyballs. In college, she started jogging around campus as a stress reliever and to get the exercise she was missing from playing team sports. Before long, she began participating in organized runs from 5K's to half-marathons and was encouraging all of her friends to start jogging with her.
Valerie Grasso is a policy wonk on Capitol Hill, wife, and mother of a college freshman. 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!) 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. She looks forward to working with everyone, especially those who think they can't complete a 5K. She is on a mission to help encourage and support others to "move more."
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 4 May 2008