By Bonnie Adams,? Government Editor
Marlborough – Nowadays it seems like there are more road races than ever for runners to participate in. ?Unfortunately there is also another rising trend – obesity and other weight-related illnesses. But a new group formed by the ConnectingPoint Church in Marlborough hopes they can reverse that trend locally, with the help of a popular exercise program, “Couch-to-5K (r).”
Developed by the website coolrunning.com, Couch-to-5K instructs participants on how to gradually mix a combination of walking and running over an 11-week period until they are able to comfortably run 5 kilometers (approximately three miles).
Bill Schade, one of the group's leaders, explained how it will work in Marlborough.
“We thought this would be a fun outreach program that would help inspire people to get into shape.? We will meet five times a week – Monday through Thursday evenings at 6 p.m. and Sunday mornings at 8 a.m. at Ghiloni Park (Concord Road). There will be experienced runners there to help facilitate the workouts and offer encouragement,” he said.
Schade emphasized that the program is free and open to all, especially those who have never run before. The program will kick-off Monday, Sept. 10.
“If you'se ever thought about running but didn's know how to start or were intimidated, this is a great program to help you. Or even if you have only walked for exercise, and just want to keep doing that, you are welcome. You might be inspired to walk a bit faster or even work your way up to a jog,” he noted.
Each session should take about 35 to 40 minutes, he said.
“It's a good workout and a great way to exercise safely and get into shape,” he said. “We also invite residents to come with a friend. Sometimes that accountability to others is what keeps you coming back.”
The program's ultimate goal, he added, is to get participants ready and to feel comfortable enough to run in a 5k by Thanksgiving.
“There are so many local races at that time of year,” he noted, “that it lends itself to a great ending point.”
Schade added that the program has received the endorsement of Mayor Arthur Vigeant and the City Council. The council approved at its June 18 meeting an inter-municipal agreement that joins Marlborough with Framingham and Hudson in launching a “Mass in Motion” initiative. That program's objective of promoting health and fitness ties in well with the Couch-to-5K program, Schade said.
Experienced runners who would like to volunteer their support are also welcome to participate as well.
For more information go to www.connectingpointchurch.org or the church's Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/ConnectingPointMarlboroughCouchTo5k.
