Achieve Fitness Goals by Joining the Run/Walk Club

When he moved to Durham from Miami, Alex Martinez was searching for a way to stay active and meet new people. Among the first things he did was sign up for Duke's Run/Walk Club.As part of the fall season, he ran at least twice a week with other faculty and staff from the university and health system."I was able to increase my endurance, I lost weight and I had a lot less stress," said Martinez, a specialist in the Office of Research Support. "I really enjoyed being able to be out and active and the camaraderie of group exercise. It was just something fun to do."Starting this week, Martinez will be among the first to sign up for the spring session of the Run/Walk Club, which is run by LIVE FOR LIFE, Duke's employee wellness program. The free 12-week program runs March 14 to June 1. Registration is now open.The club meets from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Monday and Wednesday at the East Campus wall and in front of the Wallace Wade Stadium. Groups also meet from 5 to 6 p.m. at the Durham Regional and Duke Raleigh hospitals. At locations, participants form groups according to fitness level. Each group follows clearly laid out plans to help participants improve fitness and lower stress.Malinda Whitson, who joined the Run/Walk Club last fall, went from hardly being able to run a mile to completing 13.1 miles in a half marathon - in the span of six months."With each week that went by, I was getting more confident, and I was definitely becoming a better runner," said Whitson, a regional development director with University Development. "I used to think that running was torture, and then through the Run/Walk Club, I realized that it's something you can feel good about."Liz Grabosky, fitness program manager for LIVE FOR LIFE, said the club caters needs to beginner walkers up to runners training for races. The club also features free workshops, including one on March 14, and knowledgeable group leaders who help participants learn more about walking, running and staying fit."We've got something for everyone," Grabosky said. "We just want to offer a way for people in the Duke community to achieve their fitness goals."Faculty and staff can register for the Run/Walk Club, call Grabosky at (919) 684-3136 or send her an e-mail.