About

We are a program for women who are beginning or returning to running and/or walking based on mentoring, peer support, and lifestyle habits. 

The First Strides Vermont program lasts 12 weeks each May-July. We gather weekly on Wednesdays evenings in Williston.

Each Wednesday meet-up includes a run and/or walk workout followed by an interactive informational session on topics such as: nutrition, injury prevention, basic strength training, motivation, breath work, shoes & apparel – and other new interesting topics that we think up! You’ll have a chance each week to build relationships with your mentors and group-mates. In between Wednesdays you’ll receive guidance to help keep the habits going. All workouts are based on time, not distance, so the program accommodates walkers as well as beginning runners.

The first two weeks are in larger groups as we get to know each other’s paces and preferences. On the third week, we move into smaller groups of similarly paced participants. Each group is assigned two Mentors who shepherd their group through the program. These volunteer Mentors are all experienced walkers and runners, many are First Strides graduates.

Please note:

– First Strides welcomes all people who identify as women and gender-expansive folks who are comfortable in a women-centered space. 

– First Strides participants must be at least 16 years of age. We highly recommend Girls on The Run or area youth clubs if you are a youth looking for a similar program.

– If you are capable of running at a pace under 9 minutes per mile, this program is not designed to meet your needs. 

There is a program fee of $45 (pre-registration) or $50 (on the first day).

We do have financial assistance available. If the program fee would be a financial hardship for you or someone you know, please reach out to us at firststridesvermont@gmail.com to ask about a scholarship.

PROGRAM HISTORY

First Strides was created in 1997 by Jane Serues, a former coach, Olympic Trials marathoner, and national-caliber masters triathlete. Jane’s original First Strides program has grown into eight separate workshops and has served thousands of women in the greater Allentown, Pennsylvania, area since its inception. (Curious to know more? Check out the website for the original First Strides program.)

In 2004, Michele Morris, a charter First Strides mentor, duplicated this life-changing program in Vermont and led the program through 2013.

In 2014, renowned Vermont runner and coach Kasie Enman took the helm and continues to bring First Strides to even more Vermont women along with participant, turned mentor, turned co-director extraordinaire, Eileen McCoy!

Pennsylvania and Vermont host the only First Strides programs to date.