The Greater Westfield YMCA is offering a Couch to 5k program this spring. Pictured is a past team with its coach. (WESTFIELD YMCA PHOTO)
WESTFIELD – If you’ve ever considered becoming a runner, the Greater Westfield YMCA has a program that will help you meet your goals.
The Couch to 5k program aims to get people off their couch and running a 5k (3.1 miles) in 11 weeks.
YMCA Health and Wellness Director Cindy Agan said the program is open to 20 participants who will meet Saturdays at 7 a.m. starting April 4 and who must be able to walk 30 minutes and be able to perform additional workouts throughout the week.
The end goal will be to run 3.1 miles at the end of 11 weeks with an optional walk/run race to finish the program on June 20.
As the program progress, the group will meet at a predetermined location to map out the 5k course. Couch to 5k is for beginners who could use support to attain their health goals.
“It’s geared to couples and families that want to participate in a healthy activity. It’s geared to people who are looking to find purpose and challenge themselves. In other words, it is open to anyone willing to find their starting point and breaking down that walk/run each day into manageable goals and a willingness to keep trying,” said Agan.
Agan said the majority of the group continues to run after the program.
“We have a solid group that has even graduated to 10k, and marathons,” she said.
Some of the past runners currently volunteer their time with each new group. Agan said Deb Garcia has been coaching this program for the past several years and now her daughter, Jessica Stanwood also assists in the program.
For more information, contact Agan at 413-568-8631 or [email protected].
