By Scott Gilbert, Penn State
Do you love to exercise and encourage others to do the same? Then sign up to be a Running 101 coach.
Highmark is offering Running 101, a 10-week physical activity program that helps new runners train for and run their first 5K. Training starts April 9 and the goal is to run the Chocolate Miracle 5K in Hershey on June 16.
Coaches commit to working with a group of individuals for one hour, one evening each week for the 10-week program. The University Fitness Center (UFC) on the Penn State Hershey campus, is a designated training site. Groups will meet outside the facility at 6 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Coaches will follow a step-by-step training curriculum, which includes information about general race preparation, physical activity progression, basic nutrition and motivation. No prior coaching experience is required, but participants must meet the following criteria:
— Hold a health-related degree or hold an active fitness certification (Certified Personal Trainer/Group Exercise Instructor)
— Be CPR-certified or are willing to be certified
— Have previously run a 5K, at a minimum
— Jog or run for personal physical fitness
At the end of the program, coaches will receive a special thank-you gift — official U.S. Olympic Gear.
Interested? Send an email to running101@highmark.com.