By GERRI GRADY
CHEROKEE RUNNERS
The Cherokee Runners will begin a new Couch to 5K training program on Sunday April 29. The program will conclude to coincide with the 4th of July Sunset 5K.
When and Where
The sessions will be held on Sunday at 8am and Monday and Wednesday at 6pm. Each session will begin either at the Flame or at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. The group will decide which sessions will be held where.
Course
When meeting at the Flame, the course will run along the Oconaluftee River trail and will turn around depending on the session being conducted. When starting at the Visitor Center, the course will follow the pathway along the pioneer village to the Oconaluftee River trail and will turn around depending on the session being conducted.
Instructors and Program
Instructors Robin Swimmer and Gerri Grady have received coaches training through the Road Runners Club of America. Swimmer, lead coach, has also been certified by the American Track and Field Association and has conducted Couch to 5K programs over the last year. Grady serves as assistant coach.
Enrollment
Interested individuals may contact Swimmer at gatorwolf69@hotmail.com or Grady at gerrgrady@yahoo.com to sign up. Participants will be required to complete an enrollment form that includes questions on general health and the participant’s goals.
Other
The purpose of the Couch to 5K is to prepare participants to complete a 5K race. In order to accomplish this goal, the participants will work on conditioning their bodies to meet the 3.1 mile race requirement within a ten week period. This will be achieved through alternating walking and running and building endurance slowly and safely through the training period. The sessions will include laughter, groans, sweat and the awesome feeling of accomplishment at the end of each session. So come on, take a chance and sign up. You have nothing to lose!
