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Walk to Run is on the move

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By JESSICA BALANZA

jbalanza@tampatrib.com

Published: November 4, 2009

CARROLLWOOD VILLAGE - Lynn Gray got her Walk to Run program started while working out of the trunk of her car.

Two years later she has outgrown one facility and recently moved into what she hopes will be her permanent home - Take ... The First Step Training Center and Studio, 4526 W. Village Drive.

Gray, 57, has been a runner for 45 years and has been coaching for about 16. Her coaching career started when a group of friends asked her for running advice and if she could help mentor a group.

From there it has evolved into programs, which she caters for both men and women depending on their physical capabilities and goals.

"In this program I am very accommodating and make modifications for every level," Gray said.

More than 100 people come to Gray for advice. Programs include Walk it Off, My first 5k, My First Half-Marathon and My first Speed Walk.

Along with the programs, her facility offers Weight Watchers, tai chi, restorative yoga, core workouts and Pilates.

Although Gray said everyone is welcome, the group consists mostly of women in their middle ages.

"A lot of women wait until their kids are out of the house before they start doing something for themselves," she said.

Through all of her programs Gray likes to focus on technique, form, nutrition and flexibility, which she said are the essentials to running.

She said that some people come the facility saying they want to run a marathon, "But what they really want is a healthy lifestyle change, which is what a long-distance event represents. It's a journey for health."

In November, Gray is starting her second My First 5k, which is an eight-week program, and is also hosting her first My First Half-Marathon to prepare runners for either the Gasparilla Distance Classic half-marathon or the Disney Princess Half-Marathon Weekend.

Gray also plans on having a grand opening to let everyone know about the new location. The opening is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and will feature topics such as finding the right shoe and increasing cadence. Attendees may also participate in yoga, tai chi and Pilates classes.

Community producer Jessica Balanza can be reached at (727) 451-2342.

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