We did it! Another season of Couch to 5k has come and gone. This fall our 5k race was the Hanover Parks & Recreation annual Turkey Trot! About 30 people completed the race through the program. One of those runners included the illustrious Sally Scanlon who celebrated her 80th birthday a few days after the race! 

Somehow the weather gods were on our side the whole season. What’s always amazing is how the change of season can be observed through the running apparel. In late August/early September, it’s shorts and t-shirts and standing in the shade waiting for everyone to arrive. By the end, it’s layers and hats and mittens and standing in the sun trying to stay warm before journeying out. This particular season there were even some practices in the dark and the apparel included glowing, neon accessories.

Thank you to our fearless leader, Keri Niles, for her support, encouragement, incredible organizational skills, and steadfast commitment to helping us all be healthy and active. Thank you to the volunteer coaches Jackie, Matt, Lisa, Anne, Shelby, and Elisa for encouraging us and rounding each subgroup up during practices. Thank you Jen Fullerton for hosting our pre-race potluck extravaganza. Extra big thank you to Lebanon Arts, Recreation & Parks for supporting this program! 

We love newcomers! At each practice, we divide up into four groups: walkers, walk/runners, run/walkers, and runners. Each group has a pre-set amount of time and/or intervals, and participants can move between groups if they so choose. About halfway through the program we add bodyweight exercises (planks, squats, lunges etc) to help build our strength. Post-practice, there’s the Farmers Market on Thursdays and Lucky’s on Saturdays. 

See you in the spring!