Picking up running for the first time — or after an extended break — can be trickier than one might think. The risk of injury is high and it’s easy to lose motivation when things get hard. That’s why Brandi Venne encourages people starting their running journey to commit to a structured, in-person program.
This year, Venne is coaching a 10-week learn-to-run program through Craven SPORT Services that will prepare people to tackle the 5-kilometre race at the Saskatchewan Marathon weekend at the end of May if they choose. The program includes one in-person coached group workout each week, plus a training plan that outlines additional workouts and access to in-person and virtual seminars on a range of topics including running nutrition, finding the right shoes and avoiding injuries.
While there are countless couch-to-5-kilometre programs available for free online, Venne says the Craven program does a better job of setting people up for success. Not only do in-person workouts allow people to be part of a community that cheers them on, but participants have access to experts like Venne who can help them troubleshoot injuries and issues.
“This is perfect for people who have just not been sure where to start, or need some motivation,” Venne says. “Some people, on their own, get really gung-ho about running in the first few weeks, and then kind of trail off. This program helps you be more consistent and you get to meet lots of like-minded people.”
The 10-week program begins March 17. Here’s what you need to know about it.
What: The 10-week learn-to-run course brings people together once a week for a coached group workout and all participants are provided written instructions for two additional workouts a week to be completed on their own time, for a total of three workouts a week. The program includes access to coaching staff and seminars on topics ranging from choosing shoes to injury prevention.
The first two weeks of workouts focus on walking, with a run-walk program introduced in the third week.
When: The program kicks off virtually on Mon. March 17, with the first group workout on Sat. March 22. Group workouts take place Saturdays at 9 a.m. The final week of the program coincides with the Saskatchewan Marathon weekend on May 25.
Where: Most group workouts begin at Craven SPORT Services (701 2nd Ave N #3, Saskatoon). The locations of some workouts and in-person seminars may vary.
How to sign up: The cost to register for the 10-week program is $99. Registration is available online through the Craven website.
More from OnTrack: The 10-week learn-to-run course is the latest addition to Craven’s OnTrack programming. OnTrack also includes: a free in-person run club on Wednesday evenings; coached strength and mobility classes; personal run coaching; and group coached programs preparing people for various distances in the Saskatoon Running Festival, Saskatchewan Marathon and Step Up for Mental Health events.
