The Yorkton Pacers Running Club is running an eight week learn-to-run clinic for anyone who'd like to engage in an activity which offers fun, fitness and would like to prepare for the upcoming Health Foun-dation Charity Road Race in August. There's wide age range among the participants with the youngest nine years old and the oldest or most experienced clocking 70 plus years on the road of life. The other immediately noticeable fact is all participants appear to be female with the exception of clinic leader Bernie Wlock.
Wlock, a founding member of the Pacers' Running Club, is also on the committee for the Charity Road Race. He says most of the ladies participating in the learn- to-run clinic have registered to run the five kilometre course at the Health Foundation road race in August. The majority of them haven't run previously, Wlock notes. "At the end of the eight weeks, they will be able to run five kilometers," he asserts.
Wlock says it's very gratifying to see that many runners showing up for each session which shows a commitment to their personal fitness. Currently about 30 plus runners show up each Tuesday and Thursday. Wlock says he tries to emphasize the fun part of the training and running. "Everyone's doing quite well," he says.
The clinic started participants with a lot of walking, says Wlock. By mid-course, the ladies were completing a short run, short walk program leading to the point where runners should be able to run five kilometers without stopping or run five kilometers with two stops depending on their physical condition at the start of the race in August.
Runners learn proper warm-ups and stretching activities. They learn about proper nutrition, hydration and how to run in the heat.
The current clinic wraps up June 29. If any of the participants wish to continue to train to run 10 kilometers, another eight week session will be offered. Otherwise runners are encouraged to continue their training on their own or with the Pacers.
Clinic participant Jacquie Barton is actually taking part in the clinic for the second time.
Barton says she chooses to run for better health and to develop a more active lifestyle. She enjoys working with the group which encourages her and pushes her just enough to continue with the program
While Barton admits training is a tad strenuous occasionally, she quotes the fitness mantra, "No pain, no gain."
Carol Stringfellow is also a second time participant. Last year Stringfellow took up running as a personal goal and found she enjoyed the experience enough to return for a second year.
Last year she ran 10 kilometers and aims to repeat this year. She also wants to help raise funds for the Health Foundation.
Stringfellow encourages people to try running which she claims is a lot of fun. "It's great to do with group. Everybody keeps each other going. I'd highly recommend it," she closes.
The youngest member of the learn to run clinic, nine year old Alison Link, is one half of a mother-daughter team. Link says she runs for exercise. The clinic also helps her train for running competition at school.
