Some people break into a cold sweat just thinking about running or walking five miles.  And with good reason!  If you’re at the beginning of an exercise regimen, five miles is nothing to sneeze at and will be a major accomplishment when you reach that milestone.  But Dan Blankenship, the head coach of the newly formed HCA Virginia 8k training team, wants you to think about it differently.  

“Our training team starts you walking or jogging one mile in a group setting that is both encouraging and motivating.  You gradually increase the mileage each week with built-in recovery weeks.  You don’t think about the end goal, you think about smaller weekly goals,” said Blankenship, who is also the head coach of the popular YMCA 10k training team that prepares runners for the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k.

The inaugural 8k training team begins September 17^th in five convenient locations around the city.  It focuses on walkers and joggers who are looking for a fun, social way to a healthier lifestyle. “We are becoming a healthier society and Richmond is becoming more fit thanks to Sports Backers training teams,” states Blankenship.  The 8k training team is geared for those who rarely exercise or are ready to get off the couch and has been created to tailor to anybody’s fitness level.  

Mandy Burnette, head coach of the downtown location at Retreat Hospital should know.  The program is “very adaptable to help meet ones specific goals,” Burnette describes. “You’ll get a structured training schedule as well, which is great for people new to the commitment of regular exercise.” Both coaches agree the training program can work for anyone trying to get their life on a healthier path, but it takes that initial push to get you going.

“In August 2006 I was out of shape and could barely walk a mile,” Burnette recounts. “Two friends encouraged me to sign up for the 8k. I trained week after week and on 11/11 I ran 5 miles! Since then, I’ve run 26.2 twice.”

Blankenship recounted a similar story.  He just laced up a new pair of shoes and decided to go out for a two mile run. “I made it out of the driveway and down to the second mailbox on my street before I had to stop, gasping for air.” He kept at it, pushed himself further and further, 14 years later “I’ve completed 18 marathons, 10 half marathons, and dozens of 5ks, 8ks, and 10ks.”  Since then, he’s been using his running experience and inspiring backstory to help coach many in Richmond.

Both coaches emphasize the social benefits of group endurance training.  “It’s hard to stay motivated when training by yourself,” Blankenship explains. “Through the team environment you’ll receive plenty of motivation to keep you on track.” They explain how the training team is meant to provide a fun, warm social environment to encourage everyone who joins. 

They explain how mutual accountability and encouragement from teammates and coaches help members achieve unprecedented success and unexpected benefits. “The social aspects of this program are probably some of my favorite benefits,” muses Burnette. “Before participating in a Sports Backers training program, I was a solo runner. Now, I love running with others and have met some of my closest friends through training.”

You can register for now for the HCA Virginia 8k training team at www.richmondmarathon.org. Registration will remain open until September 23^rd.  The $55 fee includes a training guide, weekly group runs with experienced coaches, entry into the HCA Virginia 8k, a t-shirt as well clinics on proper shoes and what to expect on race day.

“Crossing the finish line of your first race or 10^th, the feeling is amazing. A true sense of accomplishment,” Burnette says with hopes of helping many more people understand that feeling.