Hi Victoria paddlers,
It's resolution time and conveniently time to gear up for dragon boat season so here's a way to help with both.
As usual we're starting up our run groups for 2009 at the end of the month, this year we're going to focus on the Learn to Run 10K program targeting the Times Colonist 10K April 26 and the half marathon program targeting the North Olympic Discovery Half Marathon in Port Angeles on June 7.
What's the catch? There is no catch, this is all for free, you just need to show up. Similar clinics and programs cost $70-$100 but by getting a group together and following these programs, we can do it for free. You will need a good pair of running shoes though!
I guarantee you that if you come out and stick with the program, you'll be all set to run the target events and you'll find yourself a lot less winded and stronger in the dragon boat (and pretty much any other sport you do).
The learn to run program is designed for the non-runner and will start of with very short periods of jogging interspersed with walking breaks building up to cover the 10km distance without walking although there is nothing wrong with walking! The half marathon program is also a run walk program starting pretty low and building distance, you can always switch between programs early on if you feel one works better than the other for you.
This group provides an encouraging, non-competitive and supportive environment to help you meet your goals and become a fitter and stronger paddler. It is made up mostly of dragonboat paddlers along with various friends and family. All are welcome! Our goal is to get as many people out as possible enjoying the healthy benefits of running while also meeting lots of other paddlers at the club. You will get very used to the "loopback" method of keeping a group of various speeds and abilities together. I promise we won't leave anyone at the back of the pack by themselves!
We'll be starting Sat Jan 24 at the Gorge Rowing and Paddling Centre at 9am. The program has 3 runs a week for 13 weeks, you can join the group or run on your own for any sessions that you can't make (the rec centre programs only offer one group run, the rest are to be done on your own). We'll start off with Tues and Thurs at 6pm and Sat at 9am until the start of March, then it will be Mon and Wed at 6pm and Sat at 9am although I can set up smaller sub-groups if the days don't work well for everyone. Locations will vary as we get underway.
If you are interested or would like more information, please e-mail me at
[email protected] and I can add you to my e-mail list. Remember you have nothing to lose in just coming out to try it but the benefits are enormous if you stick with it!
Please pass this to anyone you think would be interested, all are welcome!!!
Katy Milne
Paddlers of the Fifth Moon
