This is an eight-session program for women who want to begin a new exercise program or get back into exercising. Following a program that respects individual needs and fitness levels, participants are guided in activities that promote flexibility, strength, and conditioning. Participants learn and practice sensible exercise techniques that they continue between training sessions. The program promotes fitness in a non-competitive atmosphere of mutual support and encouragement.

Participants walk, jog, or run with others moving at similar pace. Participants choose between five different groups: walkers, fast walkers, walk/runners, beginning runners, and advance beginner runners. Each group is guided by volunteer coaches who vary their workouts throughout the program. Participants are encouraged to move between the groups, as they are comfortable. If you are a walker and want to work out with other walkers or maybe even pick up the pace and start jogging, then this is the place for you.

In addition to exercise, each session includes a brief presentation by a guest speaker addressing issues relevant to women’s fitness, health, and exercise. Topics include proper walking and running form, stretching, choosing appropriate shoes, dealing with common walking and running injuries, motivation, and choosing the right apparel.

A group of dynamic motivational Reston Runners volunteers, organized by Ann Deschamps and Anita Meginn, guide the sessions.

Participants prepare themselves to complete the 5K (3.1-mile) Women’s Distance Festival event on June 25, 2005.

Every Monday (May 2 through June 20, 2005), 6:30 - 8:00 PM, South Lakes High School Track.

This program is open to all women, 16 years and older, who want to exercise in a supportive atmosphere, and who have signed the program waiver of responsibility acknowledging full understanding of potential program risks.

$20 per person by mail or presentation at the next WTP meeting (The fee covers administrative costs and the cost of a program t-shirt for each participant).

Register by completing and mailing (or bringing to the next meeting) the application. Or, just show up at the next session; application forms will be there. Or, you can register on-line

Our program has an eNews feature to which all participants are encouraged to subscribe. This e-mail-based feature provides an unintrusive, secure means for the program director to keep everyone informed. Please go here and select and subscribe to WTPNews. You need enter only an e-mail address. But, be sure to respond to the automated request for confirmation of your e-mail address; otherwise, you will not be included in the WTPNews distribution. If you were subscribed last year, you don't need to do a thing unless your e-mail address has changed, in which case you should delete (unsubscribe) your old address and add (subscribe) your current address.