Marathon training has been a rewarding experience for all concerned

I had no idea when Canning Rec asked me to lead a beginner running clinic last spring that I would spend the summer training an amazing group of women to do their first half marathon.

In fact, the whole Canning Rec running clinic has grown into a much broader concept of community fitness networking.

Thanks to Simon Whitfield's BLOG I came across a social network program that was easy enough for even me to set up, so I thought I would experiment with our clinic group by posting workouts and training tips, while encouraging members of the group to post training runs and other related events.

Once the clinic ended I decided to create a broader membership and encourage members to post all types of fitness events and activities. Our network has produced many new friendships , lots of training and fitness opportunities for every level, and interest.

While not everyone is training for a half marathon, we have found some fun ways to collaborate our talents and interests. Besides training our half marathon newbies to be ready, healthy and injury free for the October event, I really wanted to make the process fun and more like an adventure.

Our training program includes three key runs, two recovery runs and strengthening and stretching. The key runs include a tempo run, a track workout, and a long run.

The long runs have been the "surprise" run each week. The newbie runners tell me they prefer not to know where we're going.

Although the distance is set, the location has been moving around the area so it really does seem more like an adventure. I think they have come to expect a new challenge each week and a few hills for good measure.

Our wildlife sighting list is extensive, our appreciation for the beauty of our area is constantly reinforced, and we have been able to benefit from rejuvenating high tide "icing' on occasion.

We are so lucky to live where we do! Everyone has recovered well from the long runs and the pace has been steadily getting quicker. And most importantly these gals are having fun with this.

The newbies were scheduled for a 5 km race August 3rd to get some race day experience. One of the events scheduled for that day was just down the road in Bridgetown and presented an opportunity for a less intense and potentially more fun experience.

Our fitness network roster included enough runners, swimmers, cyclists and triathletes, to field at least three triathlon relay teams - one for each of our newbie runners. I have to say that in addition to our colourful attire, and stellar performances we rock as cheerleaders.

The Blomidon Country Fitness Connection contingent consisted of Emma Crowson Mooy & Shannon Read; Paulene Leyte, Kerry Dunphy, Tineke vandeBarren; Jill Keddy, Stella Chen and Caroline Whitby.

With such enthusiasm and camraderie who wouldn't want to do this again, and again. We are still deciding on the next two practice races since there are a some very different choices (trial runs, triathlons, duathlons, road races) and travel to consider ....we'll keep you posted.

Anyone training for the Valley Harvest Half Marathon looking for company on long runs is welcome to get in touch at reads@ns.sympatico.ca.

Shannon Read is founder of the Blomidon Country Fitness Connection, a group of Canning-area women who meet regularly for exercise, fitness and camaraderie. Three of the women – Paulene Leyte, Jill Keddy and Emma Crowson-Mooy – are currently in training to run the Valley Harvest half-marathon this fall.