Get Your Health on Track for a Lifetime
All skill levels welcome at Duke's Run/Walk Club
Twice a year, Duke faculty and staff come together for 12 weeks to help each other achieve personal fitness goals. It's a key part of Duke's Run/Walk Club, a free group exercise program run by LIVE FOR LIFE, Duke's employee wellness program.
Registration is now open online for the latest Duke Run/Walk Club session, which takes place Aug. 19 to Nov. 6.
Read MoreLast year, about 800 Duke employees participated in the program, which meets from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. each Monday and Wednesday. Walkers and beginning runners meet at the East Campus wall, across from Whole Foods on Broad Street; more advanced runners meet in front of Wallace Wade Stadium. At each location, participants form groups according to fitness level and follow clearly laid out plans to help participants improve fitness and lower stress.
As runners and walkers of all skill levels get ready for the club, Working@Duke asked three members why they joined and kept coming back.
"I've never been much of a runner - I've always focused on swimming, racquetball or yoga - but I've gotten stronger with Run/Walk Club. I feel more confident. Most of the time, I've done exercise on my own, but I like being with our group. I miss it when it's over."
Steven McElwee, IT consultant, Enterprise Systems and SupportEast Campus Run/Walk participant
"My motivation is the people. You can see the expression on their faces when you're having a tough moment. They stick with you and look at you and say `we're with you on this.' It's helped me get my weight under control, gets me into a good cardiovascular workout and gives me motivation to get my health on track for a lifetime."
Eric Timberlake, patient service associate, Duke's Sutton Station Internal MedicineEast Campus Run/Walk participant
"Being a part of Run/Walk Club definitely helps you feel like you're a part of the Duke community. I don't think enough people take advantage of the program. There's a place for all skill levels, from someone who just started walking, to advanced runners. I was nervous to come at first, but it has helped me to keep running and to train for a 10K race."
Carrie Smith, clinical dietitian, Duke Cancer CenterWest Campus Run/Walk participant