at the track tonight for the kickoff of the class. Seven runners, ten walkers, a bunch of volunteers (thanks Bob B., Vanessa, Bob C., Becky, Amanda, Shannon, and Don-Jean) and a few pebbles (young rock stars in training) out there running around. The class members all seemed quite excited to have things underway and Vanessa's new walking program has generated a good amount of interest.

Sounds like a successful turnout! I look forward to meeting the new group of first striders, and as of next week I'll be relocated to the island so it will hopefully be easier for me to make it to class and help out.

Assessment at MDI Hospital this morning went well. I believe we had twelve first strides class members and three coaches take part. Each had their vital signs recorded as well as a lipid panel and blood glucose lab test.

Thanks to Chris Costello at MDI Hospital for setting this all up and for making sure that things ran smoothly. The rest of the Costello-Sanders clan, John S., Griffin and Sabine, served as copy runners and escorts to make sure everyone made their way from the lab to the other stations.

Jean Bell assisted by recording height/weight and bmi and Sue K. helped out at registration. Thanks to them and the other hospital employees who helped to make this event possible.

At Eagle Lake on a clear cool late summer afternoon...After an energetic presentation by Shannon on nutrition (thanks!), the stalwart crew of First Strides walkers and runners headed out on East Eagle for a workout. Everyone seems to be making an effort to do the homework so far, and a few had purchased new running shoes since we first met last week. We welcomed five new walkers/runners to the program tonight.

Many thanks to all the Eden volunteers (at least eight tonight) for their support of this program.

Follow our progress on Facebook, or Twitter, or maybe just tweet away right here..on our perfectly adequate and modern website!

Sounds like you've got a great group. I hope to make it to the next class or two.

around the lake with Bobx2 and Bozo. Bob B. found Bozo's race pace chasing bikers up the last hill. Very fun run! Got to see some of Bob B.s mom's paintings which she created while we ran around the lake. Amazing what she accomplished in 43 min;)

We had over forty people at class tonight including class members, some of their children, and coaches. It was wonderful to see this group, chatting excitedly, gathered along the shore of Eagle Lake before they headed out on the carriage roads.

Amanda gave a personal, insightful and inspiring presentation on the importance of discovering one's own special reason to walk, or run. Thank you, Amanda, for your support of this program!

Ok - I am new to posting so a little intimidating :)... today's class was excellent (as have the others been before today). To use Bob's advice on grading each run, I will assign today's run a B+ for me. I ran with Beth Lawson and Suzanne - we ran 10 minutes out, walked 2, then 10 minutes back. The only thing that made it anything less than an A was that I was up and down with my breathing at points. Backing off the pace a little improved that situation. I am proud of myself for keeping up with those two and I felt great! To all those that are volunteering to make this class happen - THANK YOU! I am truly enjoying myself and learning a lot.

I thought I would oficially register and post since I do not want to be a "lurker" as Frank put it :) I am enjoying the First Strides program and enjoyed Amanda's talk on setting goals last night, very inspiring! I ran this morning first time without timing myself...I do a 1 1/2 mile loop...walked 5 min warm up, ran, walked 5min cool down...very nice morning!

I have done my 1 1/2 mile loop today...warm up walk 5 min, run, cool down walk 5 min. I am working on form and breathing...I am not a talk while you run, is this okay? I am thinking...thinking of doing a 2 mile loop tomorrow. Today's run was B B+

A slightly smaller group tonight due to the number of teachers in our First Strides class who were off holding down the fort at the Conners-Emerson Open House. We still had a full complement of Eden volunteers there tonight as we've had each of the four weeks. Your support of this program is much appreciated by me, Vanessa, and all the members of the class.

John and Bonnie Murphy dropped in (thanks for the First Strides folders, Bonnie!) and each managed to get in a workout on East Eagle with our group. Brian observed for a while and then zipped off to complete a quick loop of Eagle.

Vanesssa B. gave the group a quick overview of how to assess and treat (initially) common running injuries. Thanks Vanessa!

The members of the class continue to make progress and are beginning to test their wings a bit. This is always fun to observe but we'll try to dance carefully with Ms. Risk/Reward and check their exuberance just a bit. Our goal is to have them join us next year as volunteer coaches having logged a solid and healthy year of running/fitness walking.

Just finished my "homework" although I slowed my pace and chose a shorter distance...I am not feeling well however, I am feeling much better now! It is 50 degrees out and I would rate today's run a B-

I am off to a slow start with homework this week - I have typically been taking Thursday as a rest day and my schedule was turned upside down Friday so today is the first homework day. WINDY but the temp was great. Did the Kellytown loop in Tremont which is about 3 miles. Last week, my focus was on not poking out my eyes with the imaginary paper towel rolls (that was such a kooky visual that it is easy to remember!) This week's focus will be finding a good pace for the walk/rest segment. I find that I am not able to slow myself down enough therefore have some strain in the shin area when walking - not while running. I have had to stop and stretch which does help, but am thinking that perhaps a lesson in speedwalking may help in order to get better form(?) When I am done with the workout and stretch, there isn't any pain or strain so am thinking it is definitely how I am walking.

Seawall campground will be closed soon, and is a great place for running. Many loops. A great place for the kids to join in on their bikes too. Good job.

Good group at Eagle Lake this afternoon. We missed Mary D. but hope to catch up with her later in the program. Everyone seems to be more comfortable with the idea of pacing and this, and improved fitness, is allowing them to extend their run or power walking segments.

Wednesday's class was great, I had one of the best runs yet, very exciting! I have found a "training partner". I have been running on my own, but recently have been talking with a friend who also enjoys running so we have run once together and have scheduled a run for Saturday morning. I am looking forward to next weeks class!

So I ran with my "training partner" this morning at 6am and it was 39 degrees out...chilly...good run, a bit cold to start but warmed up eventually...We did a 4 mile loop, warm up run 16 minutes walk 5 minutes run 16 minutes and cool down walk. This is the most time and distance I have done yet! Tomorrow is a rest day, with another run scheduled for Monday morning. Enjoy the weekend everyone!

Please welcome these new and returning members to Eden...and come be part of their final exam on October 24th - The Rolling Bones 5k.

Melissa Mills
Lynda Miller
Annemarie Swanson
Peter Vaux
Melanie Mace
Dawn Carroll
Christina Butler
Denise Murphy
Carol Brodeur
Virve Hirsmaki
Kate Lane
Kevin Mills
Siobhan Ryan
Rachel Pelletier
Ellen Grover
Sharon Smythe
Rochelle Sprague
Roxie Brechlin
Barb Neilly
Jane Monahan
Ann Paine
Bill Paine
Susan Tripp
Bruce Tripp
Rose Iuro-Damon
Ashley Cunningham
Anna Cunningham
Lindsay Shopland

I have taken Shannon's advise (sort of) on having something to eat before running. My schedule has me up early with runs scheduled for 6am so it is really hard for me to eat not to mention my stomach is not ready for food, so instead I have been having a little bit of juice. I have this really yummy pomegranate blueberry juice and have been drinking 6 or so ounces before my last 3 runs and have noticed that I think I have a little more energy. So thank you to Shannon and all of the others that are supporting the first strides group!

Thanks, Dr. Dave! At this stage of the game (rarely being able to workout for longer than an hour) I have been unsuccessful at eating anything before running regardless of the time of day. I am glad to know that it is "ok" to continue to hydrate but not necessarily eat before the early am run. LOVE this class,and all of the support, by-the-way!

We met at the boat launch ramp and got right in to the scheduled running/power walking assignments out on East Eagle. Desiree Sirois, an instructor/coach at MDI High School, joined the group for the run and later took us through a core routine and strength workout at the Conners-Emerson library. Reading and core workouts are fundamental. Desiree told us that the core routine contained the equivalent of 250 sit ups...done in a single set and prompted only by her encouraging "voice cues." Most of us actually could not see her as we were scattered among the library stacks in search of enough floor space to do our "bicycles." Thanks for your support of this program, Desiree!

Last nights class was great! I enjoyed a walk rather than a run(nursing a sore ankle). I enjoyed the company and conversation of Bob and Desiree, and got a lot of really good advise, thank you! I enjoyed the core workout even though at the time was difficult, am feeling good today. I am resting my ankle, which is feeling better so I have planned a run for Saturday morning, easy pace should be fun!

I apologize but I will not be able to make tonight's class. Kids have well checks with Dr. Mary and the timing is off in order to get back to Eagle Lake by 5. Knowing I wouldn't be able to make it, decided to run the Wildcat 5k course this morning with Beth Lawson. It really is a neat course and although I am sure that my time wouldn't have won any medals, it felt GREAT to finish!!

The much anticipated monsoon seemed to slip right around us this afternoon and we had a very pleasant weather window at Eagle Lake for our class. Don B. talked with the group about his return to running at age 50 after a thirty year break. Since then he's managed to complete 30 marathons. Quite impressive. I believe that Don has volunteered at every single First Strides class that we've had over the past four years. He clearly enjoys helping people pursue their own running goals. Thank you, Don.

Extra credit to Shannon for knowing Jock Semple...of Semple v. Switzer.

Vanessa had treking poles for everyone in the walking group to demo tonight. They looked good, poling in unison, as they passed us on their way back in.

Mary D. will join us next Wednesday for class. Robin E. will be dropping in on our Saturday morning class (October 17th) to share some lessons and observations from her own running history.

Some of the first striders ran today in Tremont and did a Fantastic Job!! AnnMarie and Rachel both placed in their AG, nice work ladies! Kevin did great too! I think there were other first striders out there too, but I can't place their names :)

Rachel passed me on the McMullen hill, and I didn't have it in me to try and catch her today, awesome job Rachel!

I am really looking forward to next Saturday's talk by Robin. She spoke to our 1st Strides group last year, and was so inspiring. Robin has an amazing running history, and I am so impressed by her tenacity and guts. She has done so much to inspire women's running in a time when running was a sport only for men, and for this I am grateful. A true trailblazer, and a force to be reckoned with. Don't miss it!

Mary D. joined us and talked with the group about bone health, the absence of vitamin D in those who live in nordic latitudes, and the numerous health benefits of sticking with a walking/running routine. Thanks, Mary, and good luck with your marathon on Sunday.

We met at the Conners Emerson gym after the workout where Vanessa skillfully guided us through her full yoga routine. Amanda had arranged for the gym to be open and even rounded up some mats for us to use. Thanks Amanda and Vanessa.

We meet again on Saturday morning at 8:30 for a workout and presentations by Robin Emery and Bob Boyd.

Maine Running Hall of Fame Member, Robin Emery, joined us this morning to offer some perspective on the evolution of women’s running over the past few decades. She also encouraged our group to “get out the door” every day for at least a short run and to embrace the many benefits of running that are available to all…at any pace.

Bob B. reviewed some race day preparation tips and got everyone excited about the prospect of next week’s Rolling Bones 5k Run/Walk. Anticipation for this event was heightened by the awarding of some of our new First Strides Class of 2009 long sleeve t’s. Come to class Wednesday at 5:00 to receive your t-shirt.

Thanks, Robin and Bob!

The presentations were followed by a workout session on East Eagle. Vanessa and Rose did some power walking with trekking poles. The running group all did about four miles and enjoyed the carpet of pine needles and colorful leaves that now cover sections of the trail…especially windward slopes, like the curve above the bridge about a half mile from signpost 7.

It was good to have Diane’s friend RJ join us this morning. He’s four weeks in to his own beginning running plan and seemed to enjoy being part of the group…and Vanessa’s stretching routine. Come back anytime, just don’t wear your Liverpool kit.

Easy workout and stretch at Eagle Lake right before sunset this afternoon. We awarded a few more class shirts and went over some instructions for the Rolling Bones 5k run/walk on Saturday. Come on out to the Village Green on Saturday and cheer this group in. They have all made a lot of progress the past two months. In that respect they could give the Tigers a run for their money. Go Tigers!

The race was a great way to wrap up the 2009 First Strides program. Thanks to Brian and Liddie for organizing and directing the event and for handling timing and results.

I'm happy that the members of the class successfully navigated their way through the program and completed the 5k today. That's been our short term goal and they have all made a lot of progress the past two months. I'm also pretty confident that a year from now they'll still be walking and running. That is the primary goal of the First Strides program and I hope members of Eden will offer them lots of support throughout the coming year and help to keep them on course.

Thanks to the many volunteers who assisted with the program this year. These include - Vanessa Boyd, Bob Boyd, Shannon Horton, Suzanne Bracy, Robin Emery, Mary Dudzik, David Painter, Desiree Sirois, Don-Jean Bell, Bob Carroll, Becky Carroll, Amanda Dyer, Judy Blake, Diane Kay, Beth Lawson, John Murphy, Bonnie Murphy, Jane Fenno-Vaux, John Sanders, Chris Costello, RN, and other members of the MDI Hospital staff. Your commitment to this program and the energy you brought to it gave everyone in the class a real boost each week.

Special thanks are due to Vanesssa Boyd for organizing and implementing a highly successful parallel program for Power Walkers. It was great to be able to make First Strides more accessible to folks across the island and at any pace you all added much to our common journey.

The race was followed by a reception for First Strides class members, their families, and program volunteers at the YMCA. Some talented cooks from the class brought dishes to share. Chiaolin Korona, of Chow Maine in Southwest Harbor, also provided some tasty fare for the event and arrived with steaming trays of dumplings, chicken curry, veg curry, fried rice and hot and sour soup. All very tasty..and but a sample of this new restaurant's menu. Eat at Chow Maine!

To Frank and all of the Eden Athletics volunteers, THANK YOU for all of the time and energy you put into this program. The lectures combined with the actual group running time truly helped to get running into my head. I found myself making running a priority - not allowing weather or tight schedules to continue to be an excuse. What I am still overwhelmed with is the amount of support. Eden Athletics is truly a community.

First Striders classmates - if anyone would still like to run in a group or with someone else to keep you company on occasion - please keep me in mind!!! I don't want to lose momentum as we enter winter!

Take good care and I hope to see you on the trails!