Local runners flock to running club

April 15, 2007

By MATT TUNSETH/ Frontiersman

PALMER - Starting a new fitness program can be a lonely endeavor, but thanks to a group of female runners in the Mat-Su, Valley women don't always have to go it alone.

In fact, the Valley Women's Running Team is designed specifically to provide support to anyone - from amateurs to hard-core runners - who wants to get the lead out.

&#8220The group is designed for all ages and all ability levels,” VWRT coach Rhonda Knopp said.

Although it's called a team, Knopp said the group functions more as a club, with members choosing how hard they want to push themselves.

&#8220Each workout is designed to meet the needs of each fitness level,” Knopp said.

Knopp was one of the founding members of the group, which formed nine years ago out of necessity.

&#8220There was nothing out here,” she said.

Tired of driving into Anchorage, the original group of women decided to start a club in the Valley. From those humble beginnings, the group has grown to include more than 40 members, who meet twice a week through the spring and summer.

The group has a board of directors and two full-time coaches, who set the workouts and provide tips and encouragement. On Tuesdays, the group does speed work on the Palmer High School track, then goes for trails runs on Thursdays.

Since there are women of all ages and abilities, members always have someone to run with - not always easy for runners just starting out. Plus, Knopp said, having the support of a group helps members stick to a routine and have fun.

&#8220It's definitely the camaraderie, for sure,” Knopp said. &#8220And just having that extra support helps people keep their commitment to the group.”

Team president Jill Valerius said that in addition to being a great way to keep in shape, the team also serves as a social club of sorts.

&#8220It's a great way to meet people,” Valerius said.

There is a $120 fee to join the group, but anyone is welcome to come twice to experience the team for free.

&#8220We encourage people to come and check it out,” Valerius said.

The friendly atmosphere of the club was on display Tuesday before the group's workout began. Women gathered in small groups, chatting and laughing in anticipation of the workout. Finally, Knopp gave them their assigned workout, and the women began their routine.

The faster ones quickly went to the front - the group includes highly competitive members as well as novices - while joggers and even walkers hung back. That the club caters to women of all abilities is one of the big draws, according to coach Knopp.

One member of the club, Christine Cannard, is a consistent contender in the Fourth of July Mount Marathon race in Seward, while others are just getting into the sport.

&#8220She wants to win Mount Marathon, while other ladies are like, ‘I want to run three miles without stopping,'” Knopp said. &#8220We all have to start somewhere.”

Cannard - who placed fourth at last year's Mount Marathon - said she likes being part of the team because she feels like she has a group of women who are counting on her to show up each week.

&#8220I'd get upset if I missed one,” Cannard said. &#8220People would be wondering where I was at.”

While Cannard may be shooting for racing glory, other members of the team said they joined simply out of a desire to stay in shape.

&#8220Honestly, I joined to lose the baby weight,” team member Amy Pettit said after finishing a set of hill runs Tuesday in downtown Palmer.

Pettit said she likes being part of the group because it gives her the chance to meet with and discuss running with other women from the Valley.

&#8220It's good for meeting other like-minded ladies,” she said.

Pettit met her friend and running partner Heather Campfield through the club. Campfield said that the social aspect of the group is a big reason why she keeps coming back.

&#8220It's hard to meet people here,” she said. &#8220Everyone is kind of spread out.”

Campfield said she enjoys the fact that the group provides coaching and workouts designed to help runners meet their goals.

&#8220I like the structure,” she said.

More than that, however, she said she likes the idea that women of all fitness levels can feel comfortable within the group.

&#8220I think a lot of people are intimidated because they're not athletes,” she said. &#8220But you don't have to be one to participate.”

After cooling down after their workout, Pettit and Campfield began to walk back to the Palmer track. But Pettit decided she needed just a little more work.

&#8220I think I'm going to do one more hill,” Pettit said to her friend.

&#8220Then I have to go with you!” Campfield said, playfully protesting before joining her friend for one last run.

Contact Matt Tunseth at 352-2265 or matt.tunseth@frontiersman.com