Start to Run

International House Leuven is launching the event “START TO RUN” where everybody is welcome to join. The idea goes as follows; an experienced running coach will take you on board during a 12 week programme aiming to get you running again.

2 days per week (every Monday and Thursday), you will be gradually building up your running stamina. At the end of the 12 weeks, you will be running 5 km with a big smile.

When / where?
We meet on Monday and Thursday 19.00h in the front of The Spuye (https://despuye.com, Tervuursevest 101, 3001 Leuven - @ Universitair Sportcentrum KU Leuven)
Schedule:

• Feb: 13, 16, 20, 23, 27
• March: 2, 6, 9, 13, 17* (20:00 exceptionally), 20, 23, 27, 30
• April: 3, 6, 10 (without trainer because of break), 13 (without trainer because of break), 17, 20, 24, 27
• May: 2 (on a Tuesday, exception), 4, 8, 11, & 15 (the 5km test)

Who can come?
Everybody between 9 – 99 years old, international or local

What you need? Running gear appropriate for the weather conditions

What else… A little perseverance because it will be a group event

What does it cost? For the first session, it costs you only the motivation to come, because this one is for free. If you want to continue the programme (which we hope)– we ask 20€ for the full programme, to pay the running coach. (To be paid via the International House after the first run, if you would like to continue.

Our secondary goal besides the sportive event, is that we make this a social event where internationals of greater Leuven, and quite likely also locals, will meet each other.

Who is the coach? Guy Mertens (wearing the yellow jacket in the left of the cover photo) is a very nice and very healthy 70 year old man. He runs 3-4 times per week, tours between 10-15km. He is also the ‘godfather’ of an informal WhatsApp running group.

How to register?  Via Eventbrite or Meetup

Guy is a graduated trainer from Flemish running federation who used to be part of DCLA (a local athletic club). For several years already, he successfully coached “Start to Run” programs. He does the coaching with great enthusiasm and pleasure.You can find a small introduction from Guy, here. 

Guy's goal is not to make you run 5 km. It is more than that. He wants you to enjoy running at a easy going pace. His goal is that you keep running regularly to stay fit and find a distance and pace which suites you. Guy can, if you are interested, take you on board in an informal running group “De Boslopers” which has events 3 times/week.

PLEASE NOTE: If you sustain an injury during the running session, you are responsible for the follow-up of those injuries based on your own insurance, there is no insurance included. Guy will happily recommend a supplemented sport's insurance if you need one.