ATHENS-“I am a runner.” That is a sentence that would not have come out of their mouths 3 months ago. However, in February, a group of people decided to challenge themselves to stretch their limits. Julie Harbin, Kellie Jennings, Cady Stewart, Lindsay Anderson, Becky McFall, Leigh Patterson, Perry Scott, and Marian Cook decided to register for the first ever Athens Parks & Recreation 5k Training Program. Beginning March 7, they met on Mondays at 6:00 p.m. and Saturday mornings at 9:00 a.m. to train for the goal of completing the Spencer Black 5k race on Saturday, May 14.
Although it was a tall task, they had excellent coaching to help them achieve their goal. Eric Patterson, a Limestone County native and avid runner, provided them with a written 10 week training schedule, gave them two coached runs per week, organized a private facebook group for questions and advice, and provided them with encouragement to help them achieve their goals. The runners were thrilled with their accomplishments. Kellie Jennings stated “10 weeks ago, we never thought we would be where we are now! First ever 5k in the books! So glad I got to train with and get to know these awesome people!” Leigh Patterson added, “I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes last year. I changed my diet, but that alone was not enough. I started training with Eric’s 5k group, and in 10 weeks I literally came from the couch to finishing a 5k today. I could not have done this without the constant encouragement of the group. I would have quit on my own.”
With the first 5k training program being such a success, the Athens Parks & Recreation and Eric Patterson is offering a 2nd 5k training program for those who did not get a chance to participate in the first. Registration will be June 1 – 30 with training beginning July 11. The goal race for this program will be the Duck & Run 5k held at Big Spring Park on Sept. 17th.
Although accomplishing a new feat is great, this program is about more than just completing a race. Coach Eric Patterson said, “The 5k training group isn’t just about checking and item off a bucket list. We can accomplish that, sure. But the real value is a life that’s changed by running and getting to meet and train with some great people.”
If you are interested in participating in the 5k Training Program, register at the Athens Parks & Recreation anytime between June 1-30. The cost is only $90 and you, too, with the help of Eric and the support of your peers can call yourself a “runner.”
Below are some of the quotes from the runners and coach, Eric Patterson:
Several of the participants said after the race… “I could not have done this without the encouragement of the group.”
Kellie Jennings said: “10 weeks ago, we never thought we would be where we are now! First ever 5k in the books! So glad I got to train with and get to know these awesome people!”
Julie Harbin said, “I’ve never run so far in my life, at one time, on purpose. Feel great and I’ve accomplished something new. Thanks to a great coach, Eric Patterson.”
Leigh Patterson: “I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes last year. I changed my diet, but that alone was not enough. I started training with Eric’s 5k group, and in 10 weeks I literally came from the couch to finishing a 5k today. I could not have done this without the constant encouragement of the group. I would have quit on my own.”
Eric Patterson
“The 5k training group isn’t just about checking and item off a bucket list. We can accomplish that, sure. But the real value is a life that’s changed by running and getting to meet and train with some great people.”
“Many people try to train on their own. Some are successful. Training with a group increases accountability and increases the chance that you will stick to it and meet your goals.”
“Running for three miles without stopping can be overwhelming to think about. Having a coach to break it down and give you small, specific, achievable steps is a huge help. Also, when things don’t go as planned, it’s great to have a coach to ask for advice and to adjust the plan.”
