Beginning Women Runners
The MCRRC program for beginning women runners called Running Roses begins Tuesday, April 6, 2010 at 6:30 pm. There will be an orientation at Gaithersburg High School followed by a short run. Registration will take place at the first meeting; there will be no online registration.
The group will meet at Ken-Gar Palisades Park (It is located on Beach Dr between Knowles Ave and Wexford Dr. Use 4140 Wexford Drive, Kensington to locate) in Rock Creek Park every Saturday morning at 8:00 am, and also Tuesday evenings at 6:30 pm at the Gaithersburg High School track, or at the alternate location, Montgomery Blair High School track. Participants will also be expected to do some running on their own one or two other times during the week. The program continues for ten weeks with the goal of running a 5K race at the end -- the Women's Distance Festival Run for Roses 5K June 19, 2010. The Saturday morning meetings often feature a short talk by different experts on topics such as stretching, shoes, injury prevention, etc.
Note on parking: The parking lot at Ken-Gar fills up quickly on weekend mornings. Do not park along Beach Drive except where there is gravel. There is additional parking on the first street north of Ken-Gar in the residential neighborhood. There is also parking mile south of Ken-Gar at several pull-outs along Beach Drive and about mile north at the next recreation center.
The program is low-key, non-competitive, and designed to gradually increase members' endurance and the distance they are able to run while avoiding injuries. It helps group together women at similar levels with the hope that they can find running partners that will continue to be helpful after the program ends. Read our 10th anniversary recap!
Who is the program for?
This is a program for women (sorry guys!) of any age who want to start, or resume, running in a structured, supportive situation where they can progress at their own pace according to their ability.
How much does it cost?
The program is free for members of the Montgomery County Road Runners Club. All participants must be members of MCRRC. A single membership for one year costs $25.00 and a family membership is $40.00. Download a registration form or register online.
What if I can't make every meeting?
There should be no problem if you can't get to every meeting as long as you keep up with the schedule on your own so that you maintain steady progress.
How do I sign up?
Contact Sethiya Um for more information or to help with the program.