Here, there and everywhere

When you see a fellow runner across from you on the track, don't automatically assume the lady's from Charlottesville. As we learned the first week, one runner arrived fresh from Germany to join us (winning a prize for her efforts!). And this morning, I met Hilza, a lady from Israel, who was spending her vacation here. Her lifestyle is testament to how healthy many people are in countries overseas. Hilza said she walks 6K (or just over 3 miles) six days a week, plus she takes a stroll on the beach outside Tel Aviv on the seventh day.

We all have our own health goals, and participating in the 4-miler training program is an excellent way to start. But I say hooray to Hilza and others who make exercise a way of life.

Movie stars

You may notice on the acknowledgements page of your notebook that the Pink Ladies have become "famous movie stars." Maybe not on the level of Julia Roberts, but we've all got to start somewhere! Anyway, the reason is "Summer Running," a film about breast cancer research and (in a major role) the 4-Miler training program. It was filmed last year, and last Saturday was screened at the Paramount. Director Scott Mactavish filmed the movie last year, and there are many familiar faces. According to his website, he's shopping the film around to various TV networks. We'll keep you updated when it comes on.

The pink ladies are here to help!

If you have a question, don't hesitate to ask a Pink Lady. You'll know us by our pink tops with our names sewn on (and our ultra-sexy, toned legs!).

Rookies, on the run

Rookie runs are a key part of success for many women in the 4-miler training program. We have four opportunities during the week -- pick the option that better suits your schedule. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, we meet at the UVa track at 6:30 a.m. For now, we are on the track the whole time, but as training progresses, we will hit the road. After running, we stretch, and as of last week, most folks were out of there by 7:15 a.m. Don't forget your water and towel! One advantage to the early-morning runs is that it's cooler, an increasingly important factor as the summer wears on.

The other option is running at the Greenbelt, a park near Chesapeake Street, off Meade Avenue in the city of Charlottesville. Runners meet at 6 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays. This is a fun, social group, and some of the Pink Ladies you see there continue running at the 'Belt the rest of the year. Walkers and advanced runners are welcome at the rookie runs. We don't, however, encourage people to attend all four runs in a week. Everyone needs time to rest.

Rookie runs (which get shorter than the Saturday runs in coming weeks) are vital if you're going to keep up with the progress on Saturdays. We'll be running further and further each weekend, and we want you to be ready for it. If none of the rookie runs suits your schedule, though, talk to your new friends at the Saturday sessions. There is bound to be someone who lives near you and can get together at your convenience. Another option is to come to the UVa track. We don't encourage people to run or walk solo on the road, but there are lots of people at the track, and it's a safe place. Good luck, and have fun!

Welcome to the training program blog!

Hey, ladies! Glad you're here. Welcome to the blog for the Charlottesville Women's 4-Miler Training Program. Director Joan Esposito and the Pink Ladies will be updating this site from time to time with advice and other information during the 12-week training program.

We're here also to answer questions, which you can ask by posting comments on this site. It is designed to be a helpful resource and ultimately very user-friendly. If you have questions about this blog, e-mail Kate at ke_andr@yahoo.com. I'm no computer expert, but I want the site to be as useful as possible. Thanks for visiting, and keep up the good work on the track! Kate