I've been toying with the idea of starting a Couch to 5K (C25K) program at work after one of the dudes in my running group talked about offering one at his job. Since I'm on the Wellness Committee at work and all that.....
I picked the Tim Lambert Memorial 5k, which isn't until October 12. Since a large portion of county employees work at the courthouse, I thought this 5k was perfect. Sure, it is on the weekend (read: a non-work day), but it is in downtown Easton, and should be accessible to everyone. Plus, it is late enough in the day (10:00), that the participants won't have to be up at the bum crack of dawn.
I printed out a blank calendar from August through October, and plotted out the nine weeks of C25K, having October 12 being the last run date. Kind of like the "end of season" 5k. I plan on making informational packets to hand out to employees once they let me know they are interested. We're going to advertise the program using our work email, and I'm going to make a bunch of fliers to post in the various county buildings to advertise it.
I plan on having the group run with me (and whoever might want to help out....I know Bobifer told me he would) twice a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and then invite them to do the "long run" on Saturdays with the Breakfast Club Runners. (They can also just do it by themselves whenever they have a chance on the weekend.) I figure we'll meet after work at either Riverview Park or Penn Pump, since both locations are close to the courthouse. Plus, since they are paved bike paths, they'll be much safer to run on than trying to have however many people running through the streets of Easton.
Since the program is nine weeks long, the participants would be running a total of 18 times with me. If they run at least nine of those 18 sessions, the Wellness Committee will pay the 5k entry fee. Awesome, right?
Here is where I'm nervous. What if no one signs up? It seems that sometimes, people are very apathetic when it comes to fitness. We've had 30 people express interest in a FREE Zumba class, and then only 15 actually show up. People don't want to commit to something after work. What if I suck at it? I'm not a terribly good leader to start off with, and I'm certainly not a terribly good runner. But then again, maybe that would help people feel less intimidated....who knows. I'm also kind of nervous about people asking me for advice. I suck at giving advice, especially about working out. What I do works for me, which may not work for you.
My theory was this: I signed up to run a fall half marathon, so I'd be running those days anyway. Why not attempt incorporating it into something that would be beneficial for my coworkers. I know when I started running, I never thought I'd be able to finish a 5k, let alone a 10k or half marathon.
I think it would be so cool to see those who sign up realize that they CAN do it too!
You will be great. I will help any way you need. Bobifer
ReplyDeleteJ -
ReplyDeleteI think this is a wonderful thing and the fact that you're supported by your employer is amazing. Don't be nervous about being the "leader". The C25k program is a free program that anyone could get on their own, what you're providing is the moral support and accountability that a lot of people need to start and continue a program like this. The fact that you can provide advice based on your experience is just a bonus for them.
My employer sponsors a 5k every year and I wanted to do the same thing you are doing now. I'm a little upset with myself that I allowed an "expert" to discourage me from doing it citing that I wasn't an official running coach and therefore was opening myself up to liability. I don't see it that way, and plan to put the plan in motion for next Spring's race. I look forward to learning from your experiences.
brian36 (spark)