Power Session: The Nitty Gritty on the I’ve Decided to Ride and Run Programs
Our experienced coaches will give you insight on the real deal of what it takes and looks like on a weekly basis training for a 40 mile bike ride or training for your first 5k! Hear success stories from people just like you who have participated in our past events!
About the coaches:
Heather Fitzanko- People often ask me how long I have been cycling. I tell them since I was 6. I am sure many people can recall the freedom and joy felt riding a bike as a child. When I got my drivers license I quit riding but it wasn’t long before I was back on the bike. It is an exhilarating feeling; feeling young again. It always comes back to me. For me, cycling is a way to put my busy, demanding life on hold, to shed my cares and cleanse my mind. Cycling is an individualistic sport; the intensity, the speed, the competitiveness – all determined by the cyclist. It can be a social sport or solitary. There is not a better way to experience nature and the terrain. It clears the mind and strengthens the body. I look forward to instilling my passion and sharing my joy in others when they “Decide to Ride”.
Dawn Helgeson- I’ve been a runner for about 15 years now. I started by doing a program my husband put together for me that is similar to the “Couch to 5K” programs available today. Slowly I worked my way up over the next few years until I ran my first half marathon in Disney and then a marathon in Chicago. I was hooked!! I have participated in training programs through the years which has helped me learn a lot about running and also build lasting friendships and running buddies. Peoria is lucky to have a strong running community and I am looking forward to helping all of you become a part of it as well.