First Strides - North Myrtle Beach Workshop

FIRST STRIDES NMB

Beginner Walking & Running Workshop for Women

SPRING & FALL SESSIONS ANNUALLY

Do you sometimes imagine yourself fit and strong, striding comfortably down the road during an easy workout or maybe even a 5K event? You know being more active makes you healthier, but you may not know how to get started?

This gradual program will help you comfortably progress to walking, jogging, running or some combination at a pace that's right for you. The program accommodates all paces. It is all self paced. You are grouped according to your striding ability and preference…walkers are grouped together, joggers/runners are grouped together.

The program is designed for you and you’ll fit right in!

WHEN: 

Fall 2026 Workshop: Workshops meet from 5:30 - 6:45 p.m, rain or shine, on the following dates…

Thursday, August 27 - Orientation for new striders (everyone welcome to participate but this workshop date is intended to introduce new striders to the program in advance of the 11 week program).

Thursday, September 3 through Thursday, November 12: Striders will participate in regular weekly workshops beginning September 3 for 10 weeks followed by a Graduation Challenge on November 12, the final evening for the Fall 2026 session.

We encourage you to sign up early!

LOCATION: 

North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Complex - Amphitheater (SW corner of Route 31 and Robert Edge Parkway)  Address: 150 Citizen's Circle, Little River, SC

FOR WHOM: 

Women 12 to 112 years of all shapes, sizes and abilities. This is a BEGINNER striding (walk/run) program…no experience necessary!  Bring your daughters, mothers, neighbors, co-workers, friends or come solo. No pets or children under 12 years of age.

FORMAT: 

Weekly workshops include stretching, a group striding intervals workout (alternate periods of effort with recovery, i.e., “push” and “easy” intervals) and a brief discussion of various topics relevant to walking/running (e.g.,  proper shoes, injury prevention, safety, health, nutrition and more). Come dressed for activity and the weather. 

Weekly Schedule

Check in...for attendance credit
Speaker/Topic
Mentor Introduction
Announcements
Group Pre-Stretch
Walk/Run Interval Workout
Group Post-Stretch
Final Announcements

Homework:  2 additional weekly workouts on your own time

COMMUNICATIONS:

We communicate with participants in two ways: 1) email, using the email you registered with; and 2) Facebook, First Strides - North Myrtle Beach (registrants can join our private FB page).

GOAL: 

All who complete this program will be able to participate in and complete a Graduation Challenge on the last week of the workshop.

MENTORS: 

Area walking and running enthusiasts from the Grand Strand Running Club (GSRC) and others volunteer their time to lead and support your progress!

COST: 

$40 until 11:59 pm on Friday, August 28 (after the Orientation Week and one week before the program officially commences).

$45 until 11:59 pm on Friday, September 10 (Week #2 of the official 11 week workshop).

Fee includes weekly workshops including instruction, group walk/run workout, mentors, literature, the Graduation Challenge event and a First Strides NMB tee shirt.  Workshop fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.

WHAT IS FIRST STRIDES? 

The First Strides program was founded in 1997 in Allentown, PA by Jane Serues. It still continues there today with over 8000 women participating. First Strides was conceived as a way to get women off the couch and doing a walking routine they could do for the rest of their life. In 2001, First Strides was recognized with a national award by Road Runners Club of America and has the highest graduation rate of any beginner program. 

In 2019, Jane introduced the program in North Myrtle Beach, co-presented by the Grand Strand Running Club and the City of North Myrtle Beach. The Fall 2019 First Strides NMB workshop attracted over 170 females. Since then, workshops have been held Spring and Fall. First Strides NMB is here to stay thanks to the support of our sponsors, especially the Grand Strand Running Club, and our wonderful volunteer mentors!