Running Start!

Running Start! begins when you are ready! Give Ignite! a call or send an email and we'll set up a schedule designed for you.

Ignite! recognizes that summer can be a difficult time to begin running in the South, while in colder climes, the tough time to begin can be winter. Depending on your location, we might suggest a more conducive starting date, but if you're ready, we'll help you start.

No. Running Start! is primarily a program and personalized coaching support for your initial running experience. It's designed for the individual with a little bit more independence and a bit higher level of fitness than A Season to Run. If you need a program that provides coached runs, consider our Season to Run program.

Your initial progressions will include information about how to find running routes in your area and how to judge whether they are good for your initial runs.

Ignite! will discuss your running background and your estimation of your current level and provide detailed instructions for your "time trial" which we'll use to plan your progression. Your progression will provide you run by run instructions to take you from where you are to your 5k. In addition, you'll have access to podcasts of the informational sessions recorded for Season to Run. You'll find information about running workouts, cross training, running accessories and more in these sessions. You'll also have weekly support from Coach Jeanne, who will check in on your progress and provide direction, advice and modifications to your program as needed.

For your "time trial", you'll need comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and shoes that you can run in. During the initial consultation, we'll discuss shoes and how to use the resources available to you to get the right shoes from a local specialty store or online. Early podcasts will provide information about how to dress appropriately for running in your area depending on season.

Unless Running Start! has been recommended to you specifically as an alternative to Season to Run with a local group (as a 13 week program), you will need to be in reasonable shape to begin this program. If you have not been doing running intervals, you will need to be able to sustain a brisk (approx 3.5 mph) walk for 30 minutes or more.

No, of course not! Racing may not be for everybody, but participating in a community event like a 5k is fun and motivating for many people. Commiting to the race may keep you committed to the program and on track with your running. We will work with you to find an appropriate event in your area if you haven't pre-selected one.

No worries! Your progression will cover all the runs you need. If you need to reschedule a run for another day of the week, we'll go over the safe ways to modify your schedule and you will be able to keep to your program!

Running Start! is available as a group program, but there are no scheduled sessions. A group can register together and be provided compatible programs so that they can train together.

This personalized program costs $100. This includes the initial assessment, your personalized running program, weekly communication with your coach and access to the running forums on Ignite's website, where you can meet up with other participants and get answers to your running questions.