You are never alone when you sign up to take part in the I Can 5K program. Even if the normally busy Oxford city streets are quiet, there is always someone who has your back.
For Dana Englebert, signing up to participate in the first semester of the I Can 5K program was all about the accountability. A dozen years ago, Englebert was running 3 miles per day. Bouts of plantar fasciitis, children, and a busy job schedule took Englebert out of her routine, but she still desired to run again; she just needed some support, or as she called it, some cheerleaders, to help push her.
“I joined I Can 5K specifically for the accountability. I feel like I’ve accomplished a little bit more every time I’ve come,” Englebert said about a month into her training. “We have a great group of cheerleaders. There are a couple in the group who have done full marathons. They have been willing to stay back with me and make sure I get caught up or keep moving. I’m appreciative because is that thrill for that split second when your feet are in the air and you feel like you’re flying.”
The I Can 5K program has been gearing up for its March & April training schedule. Members of Run Oxford are there to make sure participants get the training, and encouragement, they need to be successful.
Participants enjoy being able to run with a group of knowledgeable people who only want their best results. I Can 5K helps provide those that have been wanting to get running a real resource when it comes to support.
Elliott Beach, who has been leading the training for Run Oxford, said while the goal was to get everyone who signed up in shape for the annual Double Decker Run, he found a significant change in himself, and how he found empowerment through running.
“I want them to be able to enjoy running and for them to feel comfortable being able to run,” Beech said. “Again, that feeling of flying in the air when your two feet are off the ground is such a powerful thing. That’s more of what I’ve been hoping for and I think people are getting.”
The group doesn’t want running to be looked at as a punishment, they want it to be fun and inspiring.
“In the one day I was able to work with the group, I saw that community feel come out,” said Jonathan Klingler, a member of Run Oxford who has assisted in the training. “Everyone was talking to each other, supporting each other, making sure nobody got left behind.”
While some of the other participants have run in 5Ks or races in general, they crave the support and accountability that the I Can 5K setup provides.
“People gain friendships out of this. We you run with somebody three times a week, you get to know them pretty well,” Klingler added.
For those that may be on the fence about signing up for the next 8 weeks of training, Englebert said people shouldn’t be ashamed, or afraid.
“We all have various backgrounds we’re bringing to this,” she said. “Some of us haven’t run before, and some of us have run marathons. We’re all in this together, and that’s the best part of it.”
Sign up for the upcoming I Can 5K through your OPC website account, or visit us in person at both centers.
