City hosts Beginner Walking and Running Workshops for Women

The city of North Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand Running Club will present First Strides® – Beginner Walking & Running Workshops for Women.  This 12-week program will help you gradually progress from the couch to walking, jogging or running at a pace that’s comfortable for you. Women of all ages, sizes and abilities are welcome.

Weekly workshops will be held on Wednesdays beginning Sept. 4 and continue through Nov. 20  at the North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Complex Amphitheater located at 150 Citizens Circle in Little River. Meetings will be 6:00 p.m. to 7:15 p.m., rain or shine.

Workshops include a group walk/run and discussion topics: proper gear, injury prevention, motivation, nutrition and more.  Female walking and running enthusiasts from the Grand Strand Running Club will act as mentors and support your progress. First Strides® is a proven program to help women safely start a fitness program. The self-paced workouts encourage comradery and meeting other women with similar goals. Participants need to come dressed for activity and are expected to have permission from their doctor.

As a goal in completing the program, walkers and runners will be able to participate in the Dashing through the Glow Walk and Run 5K being held on Friday, Nov. 15 (race entry fee is additional).

Early bird registration is $35 until Sept. 4. After Sept. 4, the cost is $40. This fee includes weekly presentations by area experts and a graduation shirt.  For more information and to register online visit www.FirstStridesNMB.com.

First Strides® is a nationally recognized, unique 12-week beginner running and/or walking program based on mentoring, peer support and lifestyle habits designed to help improve the fitness, self-esteem and social support network of women from 16 to 116, regardless of your current level of fitness. First Strides is sanctioned by Lehigh Valley Road Runners and The Women’s 5K Classic. First Strides was started by Jane Serues in 1997 when she wanted to start a training program for The Women’s 5K Classic. She started with a small group of local runners and walkers as mentors and had 150 beginners show up! There are now seven programs throughout the Lehigh Valley and in Vermont helping women get fit and healthier lives.