Connie says WELCOME!
Welcome to our Learn to Run website! This place is for beginning, emerging, and returning runners enthusiastic about building a supportive running community both locally and beyond!
My name is Connie Austin, privileged and honored to teach the Learn to Run classes here in my hometown of Bend, OR. We call it the “Learn to Run” class (yes, a very creative name), or LTR for short, and it’s open to walkers and runners of all ages and abilities. Partnering with the BEST running store in Oregon, the FootZone, we have encouraged over 600 people to learn to run in the past two years. Although I get to be the face and instructor of the program, our mentors, walking coach Rachel Knox, and the staff at the FootZone make this running group a fabulous community.
Please take some time to check in with our new website created by LTR graduate, mentor, and fan Stacy Case. Besides working full time and training for a marathon, she supports LTR through her techy talents. This site will be where you find:
- Up-to-date class news
- Class registration information
- Testimonials and Inspiration
- Resources to encourage your running or walking program
- My blog
I am so jazzed for our next LTR class on Saturday, March 26th! I look forward to seeing all the new faces, experiencing the progress, excitement, and energy of our next group.
What sets the Learn to Run Program apart from other “training groups” or beginning running programs? The LTR class is NOT BOOT CAMP, nor is it a place to be competitive or intimidated. It is a very informative class where participants develop and improve at their own pace, and when they are ready, I encourage my graduates to take part in the many existing training groups they are ready to pursue. Bend has many options for 5k, 10k, half marathon and marathon training programs.
Many LTR graduates have now run half marathons, marathons, and multiple road races, however the emphasis of our class is ALWAYS about fitness and fun. Of course, I welcome willing LTR graduates to share their new found love, and return to help as mentors for our next group.
My favorite students are the ones who have never tried something like running or fitness walking before and are completely out of their comfort zone. It would be like me starting a blog on a website. SCARY!!! However, with a common goal and support from one another, the possibilities are endless. Come join us and let’s succeed together!
Connie
