Starting a workout routine can be a challenge for many first-time
exercisers, but it doesn't have to be. One local program is
specifically designed for beginners, focusing on step-by-step progress
and motivation.
The New Balance No Boundaries Beginner 5K and 10K Training Program, is a launch-pad for running novices.
No Boundaries, which is sponsored by New Balance and Fleet Feet, encourages athletically-apprehensive first time runners/walkers to train for and compete in their first 5K.
The program is designed to help individuals run or walk a 5K within three months of training. The training program is open every spring and fall for anyone interested in starting a fitness goal.
The Capital District Program has three training teams, one in Albany, Glens Falls and Saratoga with nearly 150 participants all together.
Lisa Millis, the program's Saratoga Coach is devoted to supporting her teammembers' goals both on and off the field. She understands that physical fitness requires dedication and, as many of her run/walkers are Cancer survivors, the group offers them both support and motivation.
"Someone who has struggled with Cancer has had the mindset that the end of their life is imminent. For someone who recovers, they don't know what to do when their doctor says 'go be healthy.'" She said. "We give them direction and support," Millis said.
One runner in particular truly stands out to Millis. Her name is Sharon MacDougal; she is a two-time Cancer survivor who enrolled in the program this past spring. She trained for 12 weeks and ran her first race on Father's Day, coming in third place in the 60+ age group.
"She went from being a walker to a runner, finishing a 5K without even stopping," Millis said.
"She is truly an amazing woman; she has an amazing spirit for life. I think she can be a role model; she can impart hope and energy on someone who is not so positive about their diagnosis," Millis said.
"Her story is important because there are more people in the same situation, thinking there is no hope. But she is proof that you can get through it, she is hope."
However, MacDougal is modest about her athletic accomplishments.
She simply joined the No Boundaries running program after a friend recommended it to her at a holiday party. MacDougal, determined to get her life and health back on track, enrolled in the program and worked step-by-step to accomplish her goals.
At first she walked, but with the help of Millis and program mentors Ernie Paquin and Megan Drosky , she set goals and soon progressed to a run.
Now, MacDougal is working to better her 5K time, which she will put to the test at the Operation Santa Claus run on November 21.
"I'm just healthy now, and it's all due to physical fitness," she said.
"Faith, family and friends helped me through it all, especially my dead friend Betty Montina, who is no longer with us. Betty was my rock, she helped me to be determined and fight," MacDougal said.
MacDougal encourages other cancer survivors and health-seekers to join the group, and begin their journey toward physical fitness.
"I want to show other women that it's possible to stay healthy and fit even after cancer," MacDougal said.
She emphasizes the importance of staying active, explaining that even those who are healthy should get outside, get some fresh air and just exercise.
MacDougal not only enjoys her newfound physical-fitness, but boasts about how much fun the program really is.
"I think the program draws more people to get more physically fit and stay in shape, and it's just a great, fun time," she said.
For more information about Fleet Feet New Balance No Boundaries, visit www.fleetfeetsports.com/no-boundaries-national-training-program.
No Boundaries, which is sponsored by New Balance and Fleet Feet, encourages athletically-apprehensive first time runners/walkers to train for and compete in their first 5K.
The program is designed to help individuals run or walk a 5K within three months of training. The training program is open every spring and fall for anyone interested in starting a fitness goal.
The Capital District Program has three training teams, one in Albany, Glens Falls and Saratoga with nearly 150 participants all together.
Lisa Millis, the program's Saratoga Coach is devoted to supporting her teammembers' goals both on and off the field. She understands that physical fitness requires dedication and, as many of her run/walkers are Cancer survivors, the group offers them both support and motivation.
"Someone who has struggled with Cancer has had the mindset that the end of their life is imminent. For someone who recovers, they don't know what to do when their doctor says 'go be healthy.'" She said. "We give them direction and support," Millis said.
One runner in particular truly stands out to Millis. Her name is Sharon MacDougal; she is a two-time Cancer survivor who enrolled in the program this past spring. She trained for 12 weeks and ran her first race on Father's Day, coming in third place in the 60+ age group.
"She went from being a walker to a runner, finishing a 5K without even stopping," Millis said.
"She is truly an amazing woman; she has an amazing spirit for life. I think she can be a role model; she can impart hope and energy on someone who is not so positive about their diagnosis," Millis said.
"Her story is important because there are more people in the same situation, thinking there is no hope. But she is proof that you can get through it, she is hope."
However, MacDougal is modest about her athletic accomplishments.
She simply joined the No Boundaries running program after a friend recommended it to her at a holiday party. MacDougal, determined to get her life and health back on track, enrolled in the program and worked step-by-step to accomplish her goals.
At first she walked, but with the help of Millis and program mentors Ernie Paquin and Megan Drosky , she set goals and soon progressed to a run.
Now, MacDougal is working to better her 5K time, which she will put to the test at the Operation Santa Claus run on November 21.
"I'm just healthy now, and it's all due to physical fitness," she said.
"Faith, family and friends helped me through it all, especially my dead friend Betty Montina, who is no longer with us. Betty was my rock, she helped me to be determined and fight," MacDougal said.
MacDougal encourages other cancer survivors and health-seekers to join the group, and begin their journey toward physical fitness.
"I want to show other women that it's possible to stay healthy and fit even after cancer," MacDougal said.
She emphasizes the importance of staying active, explaining that even those who are healthy should get outside, get some fresh air and just exercise.
MacDougal not only enjoys her newfound physical-fitness, but boasts about how much fun the program really is.
"I think the program draws more people to get more physically fit and stay in shape, and it's just a great, fun time," she said.
For more information about Fleet Feet New Balance No Boundaries, visit www.fleetfeetsports.com/no-boundaries-national-training-program.
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