Read RunnerDude on Active.com!

A few weeks ago, Active.com contacted me to see if I'd be interested in writing for their website. Of course I said yes. What an honor! I've been reading and using Active.com for years. It's an awesome site for fitness and running information, not to mention a huge resource on races as well as registering for them.

Below is my first article for Active.com. Hope you enjoy it. Keep an eye out for more RunnerDude articles on Active.com!

Spring is in the air and so is the pitter pat of beginning runners hitting the roads and trails across the country. Similar to the hoards of new gym goers in January excited by New Year’s resolutions to become fitter, beginning runners often hit the road at the first sign of warmer weather with similar aspirations.

According to Running USA’s State of the Sport 2010 report, an estimated 43 million total runners nationwide enjoyed the sport in 2009. That’s up 6.7 percent from 2008. Actually in the last nine years, total running/jogging participation is up 40 percent, running/walking on the treadmill is up 38 percent, walking for fitness is up 21 percent, and trail running is up 16 percent.

Many new runners head out with good intentions and admiral goals, but often find themselves overwhelmed or unenthused with the progress of their new activity. Why is that? Running is often the first choice of new fitness enthusiasts because of the low start-up costs, the fact that you can do it just about anywhere, and there are no long term dues or fees associated with running. One sport that hasn’t been hurt by the bad economy is running. Buy some shorts and a T-shirt and a good pair of running shoes and you’re good to go. How hard can it be, right?

To read the rest of the article, click here.

Beginning Running Group

It's almost that time again! The next RunnerDude's Fitness Beginning Running Group will start on Tuesday, October 18th. This 12-week program will have you completing 3.1 miles (a 5K) by the end of the program. This plan involves a walk/run method designed to ease you into running. This program is great for beginners of all ages! All you need is a desire to want to run.
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The program will take you through the beginning of the new year, so you'll already be a step ahead on your New Year's resolution for a healthier you!!

Price: $100

Includes:

• a Fitness Assessment for running (a $55.00 value!)
• a 12-week training plan
• 2 weekly group runs
• a RunnerDude's Fitness/Off'n Running Sports Technical T-Shirt
• a 10% off coupon for 1 purchase at Off'n Running Sports
• a 15% off coupon for a future RunnerDude's Fitness service or program 
• mini-info sessions on related running topics
• weekly motivational emails

Not sure about joining the group? Check out this testimonial from a previous RunnerDude's Fitness Beginning Running Group participant. 
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“I want to start out by saying I'm not an athlete. I don't like to sweat and I haven't exercised since I hit puberty. But at age 41, with my weight steadily rising and my self esteem plummeting, I knew I needed to make some changes. RunnerDude’s beginning running program was perfect for me. Thad started us off slowly, set do-able goals and the end of every run felt like a victory. By the end of the program we were running 30 minutes non-stop, something I thought I'd never do. And I'm still running on my own today. I've lost weight, lost five inches and fit into my clothes again. But more importantly I'm healthier and have gained tremendous confidence. I wouldn't have done it without Thad and our group. If I can do it, anyone can. Thanks RunnerDude!” Sherri Rhyne—Greensboro, NC
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Group running is one of the best ways to get started. Not only will you make some great friends, you'll also have the support of RunnerDude and your fellow beginning runners to encourage and motivate you as enter the awesome world of running.

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For more information on the program or to sign up email Thad at runnerdude@runnerdudesfitness.com 

Register by October 15th and be entered in a drawing for a $25 gift certificate to Off'n Running Sports in Greensboro, NC.
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Not in the Greensboro area? No problem. Email Thad and ask about the online Beginning Running coaching program.