Get Moving!

The Charlottesville Women’s Four Miler will take place again on Sept. 4, beginning at 8 a.m., and on June 19, thousands of women will begin their training with the Women’s Four Miler Training Program (W4MTP). This is the 17th year for the training program, which prepares ladies to run (or walk) the race by participating in 12 consecutive Saturdays of group training and coaching at the University of Virginia track. As well, many surrounding counties hold satellite training exercises (see list at end of post). Previous running experience is not necessary! Cost for the training program is $20 or $15 for Charlottesville Track Club members. Mother and daughter teams are $30 (age 14 and under) who are going to train together. My 12-year-old daughter will be training (and running) the race with me for our first time.  The program is every Saturday from June 19 – August 28 at 7:30 a.m. at UVA Track.

High Goals
Entrants to the Four Miler collect donations for the Breast Care Program at the University of Virginia Cancer Center. Last year the more than 3,000 women participants raised more than $330,000. This year, according to the Charlottesville Women’s Four Miler website, the goal is $400,000. The site says that last year’s proceeds went toward care kits specially designed for the newly diagnosed breast cancer patient, funding to cover DNA testing for an inherited breast cancer susceptibility disorder for indigent patients, mobile mammography van for women unable to afford mammograms and numerous other programs.

Register for W4MTP
Online registration is open or bring the registration form to a Saturday training session at the UVA Track or mail the registration form to P.O. Box 5362, Charlottesville 22905 with a check payable to W4MTP. The program is every Saturday from June 19-Aug. 28 at 7:30 a.m. at UVA Track. Online registration accepts credit cards. Training manual and packets can be picked up at ACAC Albemarle Square on June 17 and 18 from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4:30-7 p.m. Bring a water bottle and large towel or folding chair to the track each Saturday.

Running Tips
• Don’t run in thunder and lightening (check the W4MTP website before heading to training to see if it’s canceled).
• If it’s really hot, take extra water.
• If you’re running at night, wear bright, reflective clothing.
• If you’re running alone, make sure someone knows your route.
• Make sure you do a warm-up and a cool down.
• Carry cell phone and take an ID.
• Do not use headphones; be aware of your surroundings.

For more running guidelines and links, visit http://www.w4mtp.com/links.html.

Satellite Sites

Charlottesville
Joan Esposito / [email protected] / 434-760-1028
UVA Track
Tuesdays & Thursdays
6:30 a.m.

Greene County Satellite
Lori Musselman / [email protected] / 434-990-5796
WMHS Track
Tuesdays
7 p.m.

Lake Monticello and Fluvanna County Satellite
Thersa Bulluck / [email protected] / 434-989-1298
Bunker Ball Field
Mondays & Wednesdays, 6 p.m.
Tuesdays & Thursday,s 6 a.m.

Madison County Satellite
Jean Link / [email protected] / 540-923-4038
MCHS Track
Saturdays, 7 a.m.
Tuesdays, 6 a.m.
Thursdays, 7 p.m.

Nelson County Satellite
Melody Roberts / [email protected] / 434-361-1167
NCHS Track
Tuesdays & Thursday; 6:30 or 7:30 p.m.

Staunton/Augusta Satellite
Kim Fitzgerald / [email protected] / 540-480-0323
Gypsy Hill Park
Mondays & Wednesdays; 6 p.m.
Tuesdays & Thursdays; 7 a.m.