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January 10, 2009

DSC running club back by popular demand

The most popular Dalton State personal enrichment class of 2008 is back for 2009.

By popular request, Margie Bruner, seasoned runner, running coach and licensed school psychologist, will again lead Four Months to a 5K: Roadrunners Beginners Running Club. The ultimate goal of class members is to successfully complete the Bill Gregory Healthcare Classic on Saturday, May 2.

Using a combination of education and encouragement, this class will also equip students with the tools they need to meet their personal health and weight loss goals.

“Running and walking are my sports of choice because they are both cost- and time-efficient. Other than a good pair of shoes, running doesn’t require a lot of fancy equipment. Whether you are new to the sport of running or picking it up after time away, you’ll enjoy the format of this class,” Bruner said. “It’s designed to be low-pressure with fun and fitness in mind.”

Club members will meet twice a week in preparation to run the Bill Gregory Healthcare Classic. On Monday evenings, Bruner will be joined by other community experts to instruct sessions in health, nutrition, fitness, running gear, safety measures and correct running technique. Following the Monday classroom instruction, students will participate in a short running exercise.

Sunday afternoons will be devoted to informal runs with other Club members.

“This class progresses at a pace comfortable for everyone,” said Bruner. “We’ll begin with shorter, lighter exercises and then gradually build up to longer distances. Running provides numerous whole-health benefits. Not only is it terrific for your body, but the mental and emotional advantages are awesome, too.

“Running improves cardiovascular endurance, flexibility, bone health, muscular strength and muscular endurance,” Bruner continued. “It slows the aging process, improves coordination, and encourages weight loss. Emotionally and mentally, running improves mood due to the release of endorphins during exercise and reduces stress. Improved body image and decreased depression are also known benefits.”

Bruner said that it is never too late to begin a running program, as long as individuals have the blessings of their physicians. The class is specifically paced for beginning runners or runners who have been away from the sport but want to rejoin the running ranks.

“We are going to have a lot of fun in this class while making major healthy lifestyle changes,” Bruner said. “Now is the time to do something terrific for yourself. Run!”

The class starts Monday. For more information, call the Center for Continuing Education at (706) 272-4454 or visit online at www.daltonstate.edu/cce.



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