Runner becomes mentor
Natalie Mead steps up as Sun Run clinic leader
Natalie Mead credits SportMedBC’s 10K InTraining Program with helping her not only lose 32 kilograms (70 pounds) in two years, but for putting her back on the road to a higher level of physical fitness.
So, after two years of taking notes and direction from other InTraining specialists, she’s returning the favour this year by being a clinic leader for the 2017 Vancouver Sun Run, which will be held April 23.
It will be the 33rd year for Canada’s largest 10K road race.
“This year I’m back as a leader for the first time,” said the 36-yearold Coquitlam travel agent, who’ll be working with runners at Pinetree Community Centre.
“I’ll help with the pace groups. My main role is as motivator.”
Mead said that before signing up for her first Sun Run two years ago, she had attempted running many times but was never successful at it.
“So I thought I’d sign up for the (13-week Sun Run) clinic and follow their instructions. At the end, I did the Sun Run and did better than expected.
“This (Sun Run) was my kickstart. Over the last two years, I lost 70 pounds. It was a big life change and the clinic was my starting point.”
Since then, Mead’s gained the confidence to run several 10Ks and take Boot Camp classes, “which I probably wouldn’t have done before.”
She said the Sun Run clinic instruction was “really fantastic. And the support of the (running) clinic was amazing. Everyone was so kind and encouraging. They make it so inclusive. And it absolutely works.
“So, if I can make that experience for someone else, I want to do it. That’s why I came back as a leader this year.”
The InTraining Program, designed for everyone from a novice to an experienced runner/walker, includes gradual, incremental progressions and recovery sessions through the 13-week cycle, with clinics starting the week of Jan. 21-27.
This method of training, supported by industry professionals and leading sports medicine practitioners, focuses on participants gradually increasing their training in order to prevent injury and give the body time to adapt to the stress of running or walking, especially on pavement.
Clinic participants meet once a week with their entire group, and are expected to train two additional days throughout the week.
The clinics offer four categories: NordicWalk10K, Walk10K, LearnToRun10K and Run10KStronger.
“This is a tried-and-true-tested program,” said Stefanie Bissett, SportMedBC’s manager of RunWalk Programs and Sun Run InTraining. “It’s focused on getting people active, getting from the couch to a 10K, or for people who haven’t done a 10K before and have tried running on their own and haven’t found their groove or stride.”
Bissett, noting the program is in its 22nd year, said it’s not unusual for people in their 70s to sign up, especially for the walking clinics.
“A lot of people really enjoy the sense of community the clinics have. They’re motivated when running and walking with their groups. Running 10K or walking 10K is a nice bonus, because a lot of people don’t think they can do it.”
Meanwhile, the 2017 Sun Run marks the 21st time that North Vancouver nurse Susie Chant will be a clinic leader.
“One of the biggest losses people have is mobility,” said the 55-yearold Chant, who works in home and community care and will run her clinic at the Karen Magnussen Community Centre. “My perception is the Sun Run clinics get more people off the couch.”
Chant, who also helped organize a corporate Sun Run team for her Naval reserve chapter, said she’s a “people person” and estimates she’s trained about 1,000 runners and walkers over the years.
“I like introducing people to trails and byways in our neighbourhoods. I’d say 70 per cent of the people who go through the clinics maintain an activity. That might not be running, but it could be hiking, biking, swimming. People realize they can be active and they realize they can do it.”
Of her love of running, she added: “I’ve been running for a zillion years. (It) keeps the growlies away.”