When will A Season to Run meet?
Public offerings of Season to Run (S2R) start approximately every 4 weeks between early September
and late February . This is due to the heat factor - Central Alabama gets dangerously hot for beginning
runners between late May and September. Because we want yours to be a positive experience, we
schedule classes so that we run only the earlier runs during the worst of the hot weather.
When does the next session begin?
Our last class for the winter meets Mondays & Saturdays, beginning February 21st in Wetumpka. Check the schedule for class dates and times.
How often are classes? What days do we meet?
Each Season to Run class meets approximately twice weekly. One weekday run meets for 45 minutes to
an hour. During this longer meeting, there's a short informational session about running topics of
all sorts and a group run of the scheduled run. The second meeting is generally on a weekend day
and consists of a group run of the scheduled run. Running as a group with a coach provides fun,
companionship and close monitoring of your progress. The coach can ensure that you are running at
the correct pace for YOU and determine if changes need to be made in your plan.
In addition, you'll do at least one other run per week on your own (or in the company of other
classmates).
Days and times vary by session. Due to the coach's racing schedule, runs may be rescheduled or you
may be asked to complete them on your own. Some key runs of the program will always be available
as coached runs.
Where will A Season to Run meet?
Wetumpka classes generally meet at Rumbling Waters Health Club, First Baptist Church in Wetumpka or Gold Star Park (Wetumpka). Class location will be announced at prior meetings or by email communication.
The location for the Prattville class will be determined prior to the class. Please pre-register online for this class or call Jeanne to be assured that you will know where we'll be meeting.
How do I get to Rumbling Waters and/or Gold Star Park?
Rumbling Waters is located in downtown Wetumpka at 223 Hill Street. We will use their facility
for our first meeting.
A map can be found
here.
Gold Star Park is located behind the old Post Office, also in Downtown Wetumpka.
Do I have to be a member at Rumbling Waters?
No, Rumbling Waters allows us to us their facility for some meetings, but we will do most of our running outside, in Gold Star Park or around Wetumpka. The park is well lit in the evening and is safe for our group.
For the first session, you'll need comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and shoes that you can walk and run in. Do not buy running shoes prior to starting unless you go to a specialty store that can analyze your gait and recommend appropriate shoes. Good walking shoes or cross-training shoes will be sufficient for the first meeting, where we'll talk about the shoes you'll need.
Do I have to be "in shape" to start?
No! This is a beginner's program. At the first meeting, we'll help you determine your goals based on your current fitness level. Those who cannot walk 30 minutes may be better to target Ignite's walking program or a more general fitness program, but much depends on your personal goals and desires.
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. But if you aren't interested in racing, that's ok!
No worries! You will have an individualized program, and may "make up" the day's activities at your convenience. If you need to miss the initial session, you will need to arrange a separate meeting with Coach Jeanne to go over the important information from this session.
What if I get sick or injured during the session?
Illnesses lasting less than 2 weeks are generally not a problem. We adjust your program and most times, those who have gotten sick during the class are able to complete the class and race with their class. Sometimes, participants need to regroup a bit and race with a later class.
Injuries or illnesses which keep you out more than 2 weeks generally require that you go back to the start. In this case, you have a "free pass" into any Season to Run class which starts during the next year. Although I recommend taking a later class, you can do the class as an online class and do all runs on your own, if you prefer.
Is it too hot to start? Won't I get too cold running in the winter? What about "bad" weather?
Because Season 2 Run starts easy and helps you adapt to running slowly, generally, you'll be
okay with our scheduled sessions. It's part of the reason we don't schedule public summer sessions.
Bringing water with you on summer runs helps ease the adaptation.
Winter running is actually easier in the South than summer running. We'll warm up and move at a
brisk pace. On very cold days, we may warm up and cool down in the gym. In case of rain, we meet
anyway.
Class is cancelled in the event of snow, lightning storms or tornados. Classes may be
rescheduled if necessary.
The 13 week program costs $200 and includes your race registration. This includes your weekly running program and all classes, individual attention from your coach and advice on dealing with any exercise issues that arise during your program.
You can register at our first class, but contact Jeanne at 294-1583 to reserve your spot.
How can I get more information?
Contact Jeanne at (334) 294-1583 or email her at jeanne@beignited.net