Beginner Program
Welcome to Running
This fun and progressive 8-week beginner running program sponsored by the North Jersey Masters running club has been designed to make sure that your first step is the right step towards discovering the joy and fitness benefits of running and completing a 5K race. All abilities are welcomed whether you are new to running, a casual runner looking to advance to the next level, or returning to running after a break. Your commitment to achieving your personal goals along with our training techniques, support and expert speakers will prepare you to cross the finish line.
We hold two formal beginner-running programs throughout the year that culminate with a 5K race. Each consists of eight (8) weeks of instruction with an experienced, certified running coach who will guide you on your journey along with club member volunteers and former program graduates. Over the course of the program you will be equipped with the knowledge, encouragement and inspiration you need to be successful.
NO PRIOR RUNNING EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED!! All you need to do is bring your sneakers and heaps of enthusiasm to the workouts, attend classes regularly, and do the prescribed homework. All participants progress at their own pace; in following the program you will steadily increase your running endurance and fitness and be 5K ready by race day.
Testimonials and Video
“Thank you again for a wonderful program and for motivating me to achieve something I never imagined I would do. And as a bonus, I love it too!”
“I am so happy now to have a running community so that I can keep this going!”
“The program is so well designed and supportive that I know I can do this!”
Questions?
Crossing that finish line is exhilarating and most significantly, it is life changing. Our hope is that yours and your peers’ accomplishments inspire you throughout and beyond your journey and that you will make running a permanent lifestyle.
Registration is Open!
If you, or someone you know, is interested in beginning their running journey, now is the time to sign up for our next program. Classes are limited in size and subject to availability.
Notice: If you have any pre-existing medical conditions we recommend that you consult with your primary physician before undertaking any exercise program.
What Does Our Beginner 8-Week Running Program Include?
North Jersey Masters mission is to foster health, fitness, opportunity and community. Thus, in keeping with our status as a non-profit corporation, we offer a vastly subsidized beginner running program.
- One year membership in North Jersey Masters
- 8 weeks of professional coaching in a supportive group environment
- Weekly training schedules developed for runners with no or limited experience
- Educational clinics
- Unlimited e-mail and phone support from the coach
- A technical fabric tee-shirt
- Race entry fee for the 5K goal race
- Discounts with NJM retail partners
- All North Jersey Masters club benefits for one year including club meetings. workouts, team races, and social events.
Coaching
A North Jersey Masters certified running coach leads the program in a group format. Homework, which consists of three (3) practice runs per week, will be e-mailed to registrants weekly along with other relevant and practical advice and motivational inspiration. Homework supplements the work done in class and will help you to build your fitness slowly and safely. The coach will gladly respond to unlimited individual questions and concerns throughout the program. We want you to succeed!
Workouts are open to registrants only.
Guest speakers who are professional experts in their fields will discuss running related topics including but not limited to wellness, hydration, running form, clothing, nutrition and basic physiology.
Runners are encouraged to attend all workouts in a season.
Locations/Times
One-hour sessions are held Saturday and Wednesday mornings during the spring and fall seasons at the following locations:
GLEN ROCK DUCK, 149 Alan Avenue: Glen Rock Duck Pond: Last parking area on the left before the exit.
RIDGEWOOD DUCK POND, 1133 Ridgewood Avenue: Ridgewood Duck Pond: last parking area on the right before the park exit.
Goal Race
SPRING: The Ridgewood Run® 5K, a signature race organized by the North Jersey Masters
FALL: Varies
Graduation
Once you have successfully completed the introductory program, North Jersey Masters welcomes you to our other workouts (see workout page) and the weekly Saturday club group run that was started by and continues to be organized by runners who came through our Beginners 5K program.