Learn to run in Dartmouth

New Learn to Run clinics will soon be starting up in Dartmouth.

Revolution Fitness is offering five-kilometre, 10-kilometre and half marathon clinics from their fitness centre at 112 Woodlawn Road.

“We have not had any Learn to Run 5k clinics on this side of the bridge for a few years,” said Jackie Kellestine, co-owner of Revolution Fitness.

“They allow beginners to first learn to run, then improve and finally build a strong 5k or 10k .”

She has been involved in fitness her whole life. Her passion for exercise and fitness began when she was a child. Opening Revolution Fitness with her business partner Lisa Baldwin has been a labour of love.

“I am excited to be a sponsor of Maritime Race Weekend. And even more proud to be involved in teaching people to run here at home in Dartmouth. We have such a beautiful city. When the weather is nice it is great to take fitness and get outside and exercise. All you need is a pair of sneakers.”

And fear not, new runners. Although Dartmouth does have its share of hills, run instructors from Revolution Fitness will help you conquer the streets and explore the challenges along the way, said Kellestine.

Learn, improve and build clinics are each six weeks long.

“The first one is for people who have never exercised before. We will take you from lacing up your sneakers, to the warm up, then we hit the streets for a walk and run and then snacks and water afterwards back at the gym. The goal is survival. It will be very laid back.”

The second and third series of clinics will focus on improving and then building toward a strong five or 10 kilometre with fewer walk breaks and a faster time.

The half marathon 14-week clinic will be set up for more experienced runners whose goal is to complete a 21-kilometre race.

There will be two club runs a week. One on Mondays at 7 p.m. and the other on Saturdays at 8 p.m.

“Running is more than an exercise. It helps you build confidence, take control of your own fitness, feel empowered and you get to meet and support other people in your community,” she says.

Strollers are welcome during the clinic runs.

And if you can’t always make the group running date, that’s OK.

“Because we will provide runners with a copy of the plan so they can run from home if they have to.”

Strollers are welcome.

The Learn to Run clinic starts May 9. The one for improving your five-kilometre run starts June 20, and the build your five or 10 kilometre starts Aug. 1. The half marathon clinic starts June 27.

Revolution Fitness will draw upon well-known runners to help out with the clinics.

And both Revolution Fitness owners will be out running with the groups, said Kellestine.

“Maritime Race Weekend in Eastern Passage and Cow Bay is on Sept. 16 and 17. Over 2,500 runners will hit the road each day for this pirate themed race weekend. These clinics will give both new and experienced runners an opportunity to find running partners within Dartmouth, enjoy the experience of running with others and explore the hills, streets and trails found in this community. When you start the Learn to Run clinic, your pace is not important and all fitness levels are encouraged to participate.”

For more information, email [email protected], phone 902-444-7738 or go to www. revfit.ca. Each clinic is $95.