BY JOHN BURBRIDGE
jburbridge@nwitimes.com
219.933.3371
[Article Date: 5/16, 2006]

SCHERERVILLE | Beginner runners often march to the beat of their own drummers.

Some are fast. Some are not-so fast. Some are slow. Some think they're fast before tanking out and realizing they're the slowest of the litter.

All could use a little experience by their sides.

"That's why we'll have four or five coaches going out with a group," said Michele Hale, a Calumet Region Strider member and Boston-qualified marathoner who will be one of 10 coaches for the club's Beginner Runner Program

"The support will be spread out throughout the course."

The 11-week program will begin Monday with a "30-minute in, 30-minute out" trek along the Griffith bike trail. Subsequent group runs will mix walking with running to complete determined distances... i.e. walk one minute, run one minute for a mile; walk one minute, run 90 seconds for 1 1/2 miles the following week; before eventually running three miles all the way through by the eighth week.

It will be preparation for the Citizen's Financial Bank 5K Run on Aug. 2 at Wicker Park in Highland.

"The runs just before the race will be cut to one mile," said Misty Chandos, CRS secretary and program leader and founder.

"We want them to be rested for their first 5K," Chandos said., "Like tapering in swimming."

An avid jogger much of her life, Chandos of Cedar Lake began running seriously four years ago before joining the Striders.

"I run religiously now," said Chandos, who has run four marathons, numerous half marathons and tries to participate in as many road races as a working mother of two allows.

"I wanted to start something like this, because I wish there could have been something like this when I began," Chandos said. "Though I have to say I did get some guidance for my first marathon."

The charity organization holding that race provided a comprehensive starter program for Chandos.

The Striders will hold the second of two information and signup meetings at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Omni 41 Health and Fitness Connection in Schererville.

From the interest generated from the first meeting, Chandos believes this session will eventually exceed last year's turnout.

"We had 27 sign up last year," Chandos said. "Not all finished. Some had to drop out due to obligations with other sports."

There's already an increase in coaching staff - 10 - up from seven.

In addition to Chandos and Hale, they are successful veteran runners and club members Dave Myroup, Connie Karras, Linda Kovacs, Jill Schlueter-Kim, Bob Hudnall, Frank Johnson, Robin Ramirez and Brian Norrick.

Beginner Runner Program

What: An 11-week training and group-run program founded by the Calumet Region Striders to assist first-time runners.
When: The program starts Monday May 22; completing at the Citizens Financial Bank Friendship Race 5K, Aug: 2 at Wicker Park in Highland.
Signups: 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Omni 41 Health and Fitness Connection, Schererville.
FYI: www.calstrider.org.