The Females-in-Training (F.I.T.) program is designed for women of all ages who want to learn to run in a supportive, non-coed environment. F.I.T. is primarily for women who are fairly new to running or coming back to running after a break. The F.I.T. coaches will support and guide you so that you will be ready to run a 5K (3.1 miles) distance by the end of the program. If you are already running, you are welcome to participate if you do not run faster than a 10-minute pace. If you are already faster than this pace, we encourage you to try one of the other Striders programs.

The F.I.T. program motto is Fitness, Fun and Friendship. We want running to be a way for you to meet your fitness goals while having fun and developing friendships with women who are also embarking on their running journey.

Training Program Structure
Participants will be divided into smaller training groups with coaches who will provide them with training that is best for their current fitness level and running method preference. We offer two types of training groups:
1) Run/walk - this training incorporates a run/walk method where short run segments are followed by a walk segment. This run/walk method is highly successful for both new and experienced runners.
2) Mostly running - these are primarily running groups split by pace with only limited breaks for water or coaching.

In all groups, weekly workouts will gradually increase in distance and pace. Pre-run warmups will take place at the school followed by runs primarily on nearby paved trails. In addition, participants are expected to run on two other days of the week to build endurance. Please note that while we offer run/walk groups, running is a key component of the program. It is not a program for those who wish to walk only. And we run in rain, but not during thunder or lightning!

Howard County Striders will also monitor COVID guidelines and will adjust as needed to remain in compliance of any/all group gathering requirements for the county. We ask that all participants be cognizant of this in order to be flexible with groupings as needed.

F.I.T. will begin on Thursday, April 15 and continue through Thursday, June 24. The program meets every Thursday at Oakland Mills High School in Columbia, MD from 6:15 to 8:00 pm (start times may vary depending upon number of participants to ensure social distancing).

April 8 – Virtual Orientation. At this session, you’ll learn more about the program, including COVID safety protocols, meet the coordinators and some coaches, and get answers to your questions. We’ll also have information on how to select proper footwear and other running apparel. This session is not mandatory, but it is recommended for those who have never participated in the F.I.T. program in the past. Participants will receive further details after registering for F.I.T.

April 14 – Registration closes (may close early if the registration limit is reached).

April 15 – Baseline run. This is a timed 1-mile run or run/walk on a course behind Oakland Mills H.S. to determine group placement. If you are already running and know your average training (not race) pace, you do not need to attend this session. However, if you are new to running, please plan to attend so that we can be sure to assign you to the group that is best for you. More details will be provided during orientation and registration.

April 22 – First group runs at Oakland Mills High School. After registering, you will receive full details.

June 24 - Last group runs followed by refreshments and celebration!

1) You must sign the waiver before participating in F.I.T. A copy can be found on the online registration form
2) The F.I.T. program follows the RRCA’s safety rules: NO headsets during training runs; NO strollers; NO pets. Please leave children at home as we do not offer childcare.
3) Masks are required. Socially distanced water breaks will occur. Please bring your own mask and water.

The program fee is $50 and includes:
• Weekly training sessions with F.I.T. coaches
• Weekly email communication with coaches
• Access to our F.I.T. members-only Facebook page
• Several Saturday meet up runs
• End of season premium
• Lots of Fitness, Fun and Friendship!

For more information, please use the Contact the Organizers link in the left column.