The 2006 Vancouver Sun Run, Canada's largest 10 km running event, will be held on Sunday, April 23.
A clinic, co-ordinated by SportMedBC, is currently being offered by the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) parks and recreation division. This is an ideal way to get started on a healthy and active lifestyle for 2006.
The 13-week InTraining program offers programs to accommodate all levels of walkers and runners. The 10 km walk is designed for the beginner or experienced walker and will follow a nice progressive change of pace program. If you are learning to run 10 km, then the learn to run 10 km program is for you. If you have previously completed this program, and/or if you are already running for 30 minutes three times per week, the run 10 km faster program will help you develop your endurance and pick up your pace.
Participants meet once a week with the group and will be expected to train on two additional days interspersed throughout the week. The time allocated to each training session varies and will increase as the program progresses. The clinic will also include information sessions led by accredited speakers on nutrition, footwear and clothing, cross training, recovery/regeneration, walk/run technique, injury prevention and how to stay motivated. Mary Bitroff, a first time participant in last year's InTraining clinic, saw the program advertised in the SCRD parks and recreation brochure and signed up right away.
"After sitting on the couch all fall, I knew that the only way I was going to get fit properly was to join a group. I knew I would not embark on a fitness regime alone," Bitroff said. "I had a previous injury and at the time and wore a knee brace, so I signed up in the walking category. By the end of the program, I lost weight, felt more fit and could walk without my knee brace."
As her experience was so positive, she is excited about joining the clinic again.
"I would highly recommend this program, especially to retired people or new exercisers," she added.
Clinic co-coordinator Phil Sera is a British Columbia Recreation and Parks (BCRPA) certified personal trainer and offers specialty training to cancer survivors and individuals recuperating from injury. In addition to co-ordinating all aspects of the clinic, Sera will be participating in the run for the fifth time this year and is looking forward to helping participants achieve their fitness goals in a fun and supportive environment. A team of enthusiastic volunteer leaders will be available each week to assist him and motivate the participants. All are CPR certified and have completed SportMedBC training. The Sun Run InTraining program begins on Sunday, Jan. 22, at 9:30 a.m. at Frank West Hall in Elphinstone. Details of the program can be found on the SCRD's website at www.scrd.bc.ca or call to register at 604-885-6801.
