A Season to Run!

Public offerings of Season to Run (S2R) start approximately every 4 weeks between early September and mid March. 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.

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.

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.

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 15 minutes may be better to target a 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. You may register for the program with or without race registration. You can also register for the race separately, if you'd like.

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.

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 $115 with race registration or $100 without. This includes an individualized running or walking program and access to the Ignite! Season to Run forum, where you can meet up with other participants and get answers to your running and walking questions.