Ok, I know I tend to look at running as my emotional elixir. When I’m tired… running energizes me; When I’m blue.. running is my anti-depressant and when I’m happy… running is my celebration of life. The only thing that could improve on the whole running experience??... running with girlfriends! If all of us ladies made time for “girlfriend runs” each week…we would probably put anti-depressant manufacturers and therapists into financial crisis. (I could only hope!) But seriously, running has been shown to relieve symptoms of depression, encourage better sleep and help alleviate PMS and menopausal mood swings... Not to mention, with consistant running, you will burn calories, firm those muscles, improve cardio-vascular system and improve your self-esteem...Wow, sounds like a natural for us ladies…right?
Well unfortunately, many times, many ladies who have never ran before and really don’t know how to begin a running program, end up overwhelmed, injured and intimidated...forcing them to give up the plan before running has been given a fair chance. Many women I have worked with would very much love to “learn” to run, but have challenges with finding a program that would meet their needs. Many running programs are geared to those who can run a mile (at least) without stopping. For many true beginners…this is completely impossible in the beginning. Add to this, many running programs are co-ed. This can be a very intimidating situation….Intimidating enough to keep many women from ever moving forward in their quest to run.
So, here we have an exercise (which I believe we were born to do…) and we have road blocks limiting our opportunity to discover whether running can be that emotional and physical refuge that many of us ladies have found it to be. I believe it is time for the Peoria area to offer a “women’s specific” program designed to introduce women of all shapes, sizes and ability to the beauty of running. On June 22, we will kick off our “Sole Sisters” run club. YAHOO!! This “women’s only” run club will not only safely introduce new runners to the beauty of running, but allow women of all ages and abilities to find sanctuary and a community of friends in this “women’s only” club.
Each week not only will we be running as a group of empowered women, we will have experienced runners available for assistance with regards to nutrition, injury prevention etc. Additionally, each week we will share pertinent information dealing with women specific topics…aimed at developing our participant’s knowledge and self-esteem. My hope is that this program will change lady’s lives…having them improve their health and boost their self-esteem. Each week will be a “girlfriend time” …combined with sweat, encouragement….and I’m sure (a little bit) of pain. I challenge anyone who is feeling low ….needing some excitement added to their weekly schedule, or simply have always wanted to attempt running in a safe environment, to give “Sole Sisters” a chance.
More information is available by emailing me at: miller.marianne1@comcast.net or Casey Phelps @ casey1066@rocketmail.com Kick off date is June 22 –At Running Central (corner of Sheridan & Main in Peoria) 5pm Registration begins and if you are in need of proper fitting of bras, shoes & running apparel, the Running Central staff will be on hand to assist. For this night only Running Central is offering a 10% discount to all participants on all merchandise except nutrition. Be the Goddess you were designed to be…Believe in yourself!!
