For the last 10 years, Nikki Huber, certified trainer, has led groups of people with one goal in mind, finish the race. Surprisingly, most of the participants never thought finishing any race was possible, let alone starting one. The 8-week couch-to-course training program has proven effective in years past, with all participants completing the 4-mile, professionally-timed run at the Portage Township YMCAs Annual Turkey Trot, taking place on Thanksgiving morning.
What do you get?
Traditionally, the training group has been limited to those 16 years of age and older. This year, the Y is offering two groups, one for families and one for adults only. The Adult Training Group, ages 16+, is led by, Nikki Hubber. This is Nikki’s 10th year teaching this training group. The program kicks off on Saturday, September 29, 8am, at the Portage Township YMCA. This program is designed for beginners who have doubts and physical barriers to overcome, says Jan Zurek, Fund Development Director at the Y and Training Group Participant. “It’s not just the physical training that gets you to the finish line, it’s the group; a community of encouragement & support in a safe space,” says Zurek. Participants in this group will also be added to a Closed Group Facebook page which is to serve as an extended support system between training sessions.
Why two groups this year?
With more and more families participating in fitness together, “it just seemed right,” says Amber Zimmer, Wellness Coordinator at the Y and leader of the Family Training Group. Zimmer goes on to say, “we allow children as young as 8-years-old to register for the 4-mile or 5k run/walk, so why not get the whole family involved in the fun?” The family training group also kicks off on September 29,
8am, at the Portage Township YMCA, but will run independently from the Adult Group. Participants in both groups can expect to be challenged and pushed with self-paced training assignments during the week.
Training Group registration is available online at: runsignup.com or in-person at the Y through Saturday, September 29, 2018. The cost is $40 for children & adults, age 8+, which includes the training group, early bird 4-mile race registration and long-sleeved Turkey Trot shirt.
Proceeds from the Turkey Trot support the Portage Township YMCA’s Annual Campaign which provides financial assistance for children and families that are not able to afford programs and services at the Y.
For more information regarding this event, please contact Amber Zimmer or Britney Mendoza at 219-764-5422 or at AZimmer@ymcaofportage.org or BMendoza@ymcaofportage.org. Additional Portage Township YMCA information is available at www.ymcaofportage.org.