RunnersWorld Tulsa Hosts 'Couch To 5K' Training Program

RunnersWorld Tulsa has a program that is ready to turn anyone from a couch potato into a 5K runner.

The 10-week program is called Couch to 5K and was started about a decade ago by owners Kathy Bratton and Barbara Pinkerton.

A new session begins on Saturday, January 13th to get Tulsans ready for the St. Patrick's Day Run in March.

"It is a way to get people into running, or maybe just walking and so this program helps them build up to the three miles," Pinkerton said.

Before any running or walking can begin, she said it is important to stretch. "It is so important, especially with the cold to warm up the muscles," Pinkerton continued saying, "Get your body ready, get the fluid moving, get the joints moving, all to help prevent injury."

It is said a person's body can get up to 20 degrees warmer when exercising, which is why Pinkerton suggests dressing for success. "It is key to just wear layers," she said. "Keeping your core warm is essential to keeping your body warm."

In the Couch to 5K training program, it is not the time it takes to finish that matters, but rather the effort that is put in.

"We try to make it fun and not too competitive or hard," Pinkerton said. "Running is just a lifestyle, we are doing this for fun."

With every stride comes a great support system. "Having the other people in the group helps create that community where as a group they are trying to achieve this goal at the end of the ten weeks," added Pinkerton.

The group meets on Monday and Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings at the RunnersWorld Tulsa store at 3920 S Peoria Ave. The Couch to 5K training program costs $40 and includes a technical training shirt.

You can register online. The cost is $40. CLICK HERE for more information.

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