Image courtesy of the Vancouver Sun
Registration has just opened for the 2014 Vancouver Sun Run. The Sun Run is the largest event of its kind in Canada and the second largest 10K event in North America (behind the Peachtree Road Race in Atlanta. The 2014 edition takes place on Sunday, April 27, 2014. This will be the 30th anniversary of the event.
Sun Run InTraining Clinics
To help people prepare for the Sun Run, SportMedBC hosts “InTraining Clinics” in over 75 community recreation centres and private fitness facilities throughout the Lower Mainland and other parts of BC, including Squamish, the Sunshine Coast and even Kamloops, Kelowna and Penticton.
The weekly session start with a short instructional session on various aspects of running that often include guest speakers before the group heads out for their workout. A group of volunteer leaders helps clinic participants meet their fitness goals. All leaders have completed SportMedBC training and are CPR certified.
The Sun Run InTraining Clinic was how I got back into running in the winter of 2012. At the time I could barely run a kilometre. But thanks to the clinic training and friendships that I made during the 13 weeks, I caught the running bug and have been running ever since.
My great experience as a clinic participant led me to become a clinic leader last year. I wanted to share my new found love of running with others and help . I also wanted to keep involved with the great community surrounding my local clinic at the Creekside Community Centre. I will be returning as a clinic leader in 2014.
Here is a great video overview of what the InTraining program is all about:
If you are interested in getting involved in this awesome program, here are some details:
Clinic Options
The 2014 Sun Run InTraining clinics begin the week of Saturday, January 25th, 2014. Clinics are scheduled once a week on the same day of the week. Check your local clinic (pdf) for the the specific day.
Each clinic offer several options for members deepening on their interests and abilities:
New Runners
The LearnToRun10K clinic is a 13-week tried and proven program that will get new runners from the couch to the finish line. Over the course of the program, participants gradually increase their training to avoid injury and give your body time to adapt to the stress of running. Participants meet once a week with their group, but are expected to train on two more days on their own throughout the week.
Experienced Runners
If you are already a runner who is able to run for 30+ minutes at a time a few times a week, there is a Run 10K Stronger program that will help you develop endurance and increase your speed over the 13-weeks.
Walkers
For those of you more interested in walking, most clinics offer a Walk10K option that follows a progressive, change-of-pace walking program for both beginners and experienced walkers. A NordicWalk10K option is also available at select clinics.
Cost
The cost to join is $139 plus GST. This includes entry into The Vancouver Sun Run and the souvenir t-shirt), a special “InTraining” long sleeve technical T-shirt, a Sun Run InTraining Logbook, and 13 weeks of training and information sharing.
You can sign up directly through the participating host centre (pdf) of your choice. if you want to join me at the Creekside clinic, you can register here.
