SCHERERVILLE | Cynthia Walker said she signed up for the Calumet Striders' Beginner Runner Program because "I wanted to lose some weight."
But when she showed up at Fleet Feet Sports in Schererville on Jan. 31 to start her 5K training, she looked as if she was auditioning for the part of Ralphie's little brother, Randy, in "A Christmas Story."
"I learned I have way too many layers on," said Walker of East Chicago. "I have four tops and three pairs of pants. When I got out there, I could barely move. Now, I'm burning up.
"I'll know better next week. You live and you learn."
Sharon Mallory of Gary also signed up for the 12-week program.
"It's time to start taking care of myself," Mallory said. "I'm in the run/walk group ... we run a little, then walk a little. I'll be ready for my first race this spring.
"Yeah, it was cold but not that bad. One thing I found out is that runners love hills. Every time we came across a hill, I knew we were going to be led over it."
Walker and Mallory were both training for the Spring Fling 5K at Purdue University Calumet in Hammond.
Tim Fealy of Crown Point signed up for the 10-mile training, which preps runners for the Taltree 10-mile race in Valparaiso. His goal is to best another runner -- himself at a younger age.
"I just turned 40 and I've gotten away from running," Fealy said. "It's tough turning 40, but that just inspired me to get in the best shape of my life."
Fealy remembers his best times like most people remember their Social Security numbers.
"I've run a 23-minute 5K, and a hour, 45-minute half-marathon," Fealy said. "I did those in my 30s, and I want to beat them."
Fealy also plans to complete his first full marathon this year.
Heading the 5K and 10-mile training groups are experienced marathon runners and certified running coaches Frank Johnson and Misty Chandos. Training runs are held every Saturday morning starting and ending at Fleet Feet Sports in Schererville. The 10-mile group started its session on Jan. 24 when temps hovered around zero.
"We still had a big turnout," Johnson said.
The turnout on Jan. 31 with both the 5K and 10-mile runners was around 100.
Mizuno representative Matt Baum of Chicago was a guest speaker for the program's weekly pre-run discussion held inside Fleet Feet.
"It's called Breath Thermo," Baum said of the fabric used in Mizuno's winter wear collection. "It traps the loss of body heat, and keeps you warm.
"You don't need to bulk up. It makes running more comfortable."
