Last March at Sunset Hill Farm County Park, more than 20 people finished a 5K race for the first time in their lives.
That is because they had spent the previous several weeks with Porter County Parks and Recreation, taking advantage of a program called Couch to Foot Pursuit. They received training routines catered specifically to their fitness levels, and they were encouraged to develop a more active lifestyle.
This year, Porter County Parks and Recreation is bringing back the Couch to Foot Pursuit program. It will take place every Saturday from Jan. 14 to Feb. 25 from 8 to 9 a.m. at Sunset Hill Farm County Park, 775 Meridian Road in Valparaiso.
Sara Grassmeyer, Wellness Coordinator for the parks department, will provide runners with the tools necessary to challenge their fitness while preparing them to run the Foot Pursuit 5K on March 3 at Sunset Hill Farm.
She said that people can expect to transition to a higher level of fitness during the six weeks of training.
“Throughout the program there will be exercise, nutrition and injury prevention tips that will help all people be successful, regardless of where they started,” she said. “It is important that people approach this program with their own definition of success and personal finish line.”
The class costs $50. The fee covers the race registration, a detailed weekly training schedule, guidance from Grassmeyer, who is a certified Group Fitness Instructor, and weekly e-mail check-ins that feature workout tips.
Advanced runners are also invited to participate in this program, giving them the chance to train with a group and improve their 5K time, training and nutrition.
Each week of the program will be designed to help runners train successfully and without injury. Participants will gradually increase the amount of running they do as opposed to walking, incorporate challenges of the landscape at Sunset Hill Farm and learn options for cross-training.
Grassmeyer will also check in with participants on a regular basis to make sure they are meeting their goals.
“I want to know how everyone performed during the long run on Saturday, along with cross/strength training during the week and personal running assignments,” she said. “By using their own specially designed running program, all people will feel successful and accomplish an incredible goal.”
Grassmeyer said that she looked forward to seeing all participants cross the finish line at the Foot Pursuit 5K, adding that she is excited to help people increase their fitness level and make healthy decisions.
“There are few experiences in life that capture the same emotions as finishing a race,” she said. “I hope that all participants will share in the feeling and continue their running journey after our program.”
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Visit the Porter County Parks and Recreation Website
155 Indiana Ave
Valparaiso, IN 46383
Phone: 219-465-3586
To register for the Couch to Foot Pursuit program, contact Sara Grassmeyer at 219-707-8281 or sgrassmeyer@porterco.org.
About Porter County Parks and Recreation
The mission of the Porter County Parks and Recreation Board and Department is to preserve, protect and manage the natural, cultural and recreational resources within a diverse park system. We are committed to delivering youth, adult and school programs to the residents of Porter County, while also providing a gateway into the natural beauty of our area through its unique parks and trails. For more information, call 219-465-3586, or e-mail pcparks@porterco.org.