Become a Runner Classes
One of my Become a Runner classes.
YOU can become a runner. Anyone can. It's not easy, but anyone can do it.
Click here to read the testimonial of Angela Myers.
*Scroll to bottom of page for class meeting schedule, price, etc.
There are two versions of this class: The local program and the online version. The local, in person, class fee is $45 per month; the online version is completely individualized one on one online coaching, which includes a personalized schedule, one phone call per week, and unlimited email is $115 per month.
I recently helped a documentary filmmaker arrange interviews with a dozen runners over the age of 60. Most of them started when they were in their 40's or later and have been running ever since.
Don't get me wrong; this program is not for any particular age group. The age of my runners ranges from the early 20's through 70's. The point is that no matter what your age or current fitness level, you CAN run unless you have some unusual physical constraints.
By the way, you can watch a 5 minute trailer of that video here.
And, let's face it, even double amputees run marathons; there are even double amputees who do Ironman distance triathlons. So, there are very few people who can't run.
Once you become a runner, opportunities start to unfold. Locally, I organize a free weekend group run each week. Together this group logged about 100 miles on that day. Some were new to running, but others had been running and racing for many years.The point is that they all had to start. One day has to be the FIRST day for you. Make today the day you commit. It doesn't matter how long it takes you to work up to that first mile. The important thing is to DO it.
The fact is that as people age, runners tend to have better knees, by comparison, than non-runners. Let me repeat, runners have better knees than non-runners.
Dr. James Fries of Stanford University studied 500 runners over a 20 year period beginning at age 50. At the end of 20 years that group had had fewer knee replacement surgeries than the control group. I could go on about this study as it debunks many people's reasons for not running and proves the wealth of reasons why people should run, but I've already written about that elsewhere on this site.
Members of one of my Become a Runner classes, all smiles after a 5k.
This page is about my Become a Runner program. The fee is $45 per month.
It is a shame that walking gets such a bad rap. Walking is, in fact, fantastic exercise, and it is the only logical way - as far as I am concerned - to get into running. 
Me with some of my favorite running buddies after the 2009 Women's Half Marathon. Each will tell you that running plays a huge role in their lives, not just regarding physical fitness, but mental fitness as well. All have been running for years.
Did you know that walking burns just as many calories per mile as running? Yep, 100 calories per mile. Most people think running burns more calories. Well, in an hour, you certainly burn more calories by running because you can run many more miles in an hour.
Walking at a 20 minute per mile pace will, therefore, burn about 300 calories. Running at an 11 minute per mile pace will burn a little over 500 calories. And, since most people have very busy schedules and are anxious to burn as many calories as possible - because, after all, it's fun to eat - most people want to become runners.
Well, I can't argue that, and I won't argue with that because, as a runner, I know that the benefits of running only begin there. I'd be running even if it didn't burn a single calorie, and, once you become a runner, you'll understand what I mean.
In the meantime, we might as well recognize that most people, like 95%, want to become runners, at least in large part, because they either want to lose weight or be able to eat a normal diet without gaining weight.
So, that explains why you should want to run, but how should you do it? You should walk with intermitent running segments until you can run. It's really pretty simple.
The secret - yes there is a secret - is to start where you are now, fitness-wise, and to progress very gradually. That's it. No smoke an mirrors here, just common sense.
Now, there are many beginning running programs. Many of them are referred to as Couch to 5k programs. Really, that is what this is, but this is MY version, and it is MUCH different. I discovered that most of the begin to run programs move people along too fast. If you are already fit, then you can progress pretty quickly, but most people are not already fit. In fact, most are very unfit.
This is my favorite running buddy, my daughter, Wendy. I started running to lose weight after she was born. That was 34 years ago. I'm still running, and she just finished her first ultra.
The easiest level of my program is designed for people whose current fitness level consists of pushing the button on the remote control, turning the steering wheel, and lifting a cup of coffee - or a beer - to their lips. This program assumes you are not ready for any intensity.
If that sounds like you, you have come to the right place and you have met the right person/coach. I love to work with people just like YOU.
And, by the way, did you know that more fat is burned when you train at lower intensity? Yes, so while it might seem tedious to be doing mostly walking for a good while, at least you'll know you will start losing fat right away.
My class starts with walking 98% of the time. We start with a walking warmup, and then you do a half mile with a few steps of running thrown in every few minutes. What sets my program apart is the minimal extent of running in the beginning. Most programs, every other program I've seen, starts you out with whole minutes of running.
Do you know what? If you are completely out of shape, that's too much. Well, I'm not telling you anything. I'm sure you know that.
With my program you start with just 10 steps of running every tenth of a mile and you only do it for a half mile for a while. Yes, that's how slow we progress! The first few days you only do one mile, total, besides warm up and cool down.
Why? Because it takes your body a while to adapt to the change in activity. This will be plenty to tire you out at first, but it is also completely DOABLE, and that is the key.
Why should you choose my program? Because I love people, people like you. Because I am a qualified, certified coach. Because I have experience and a track record of working with very unfit people and helping them achieve success. Because I am not going to push you beyond your comfort level. I hope you will do a 5k, and after that maybe a 10 and, dare I say it, eventually, a half marathon, but it's not a race to see how quickly you can progress to that first 5k. It may be six months before you're ready for a 5k. If you want to go slower and give yourself a whole year, I'm fine with that.
Camaraderie among runners is amazing. Experienced runners are happy to spend time with people who are just becoming runners. These runners have, cumulatively, 50 years of experience, but three are in my Walk to Run class.
I'm here to give you support, information, and guidance.
I'm not about pushing; I'm about encouraging. You can sign up for this class as many times as you wish. I will be here for you. I will be your coach, and I will be at the finish line when you finish your first 5k.
So, if you want to work with me, I want to work with you.
Want to know more about me? Click here to see my bio.
Fee: $45 per month payable to the City of Tampa or $115 payable to Debbie Voiles. Use the Paypal button below only for the online coaching program.
Class Time: During the summer, my Become a Runner and Beginning Runner Groups meet at 6. p.m.
Class Schedule: We meet Tuesday and Thursday.
Class Location: My groups meet at Al Lopez Park, 4810 N. Himes Avenue in Tampa. Call 813-416-4638 or email deb@runtampa.com.