By Magdalayna Drivas | Reporter
The Department of Wellness is offering a free Couch to 5K program designed to train runners of all skill levels to be able to complete a five kilometer race in eight weeks.
Van Davis, Assistant director of wellness, said the program allows walkers, new runners and returning runners to train in a fun and supportive environment.
“Someone who has been thinking, ‘I’d like to do a 5K, but I don’t know what to do about myself,’ will benefit from this program,” Davis said. “Even an avid runner that just wants to come and be a part of a group, that would also be great. This will meet a lot of fitness levels.”
Participants train twice a week on their own and once a week as a group. The group meets at 9 a.m. on Saturdays in the North Russell residence hall lobby.
“You’ll be put into a group of similar level,” Davis said. “It’s fun once a week to come together and to be in a community so you don’t feel like you’re doing this all by yourself.”
Jackson, Tenn. freshman Larissa Rose has been running with the group for four weeks. Rose said she used to run cross country and joined the program for the supportive atmosphere.
“It’s kind of hard on a Saturday when you want to sleep in, but if you commit to something other people will hold you accountable,” Rose said.
Members will choose to run either the Leatherneck 5K or the Fuzzy Friends Rescue Zombie Run which both of which take place on Nov. 4 in Waco. Rose said she is looking forward to the zombie run.
“I signed up when I heard about the zombie 5K,” Rose said. “I’ve never done a themed 5K, so I think that will be really cool.”
This is the first time the Department of Wellness is hosting the Couch to 5K program. Davis said the program will continue into the spring, where participants will train for the Love the Run You’re With 5K and the Bearathon.
“We’re hoping that we can get momentum started, that this will be a good start and then in January when we come back we will have another Couch to 5K with our goal in mind to do two races,” Davis said.
The program is currently active and free for all Baylor students, faculty and staff. Interested students should email Van Davis or visit the Wellness Suites in the McLane Student Life Center to join.
“It doesn’t matter who you are or what your fitness level is,” Davis said. “We can get you going.”
