Beginner’s Luck

An Interview with Ann Ringlein, Lincoln Running CO

No luck needed to sign up for this year’s 18th Annual Beginner’s Luck running program!

Beginner’s Luck is a fun, eight-week clinic designed to assist people of all ages, shapes, sizes, and fitness levels. Participants will start a running program and/ or prepare for the 5K run held the last night of class. According to Ann Ringlein, manager of Lincoln Running Co. and founder of Beginner’s Luck, the running program provides a safe, non-intimidating, and inclusive space for those who don’t currently run but have an interest in running – an introduction to running of sorts.

For the past 37 years, Ann’s primary goal has been to get people moving. She started the Beginner’s Luck clinic in 2003 because she wanted others to experience how much running brings to life. “Running is about just you for a while, but then you begin to realize how much more it brings to you,” Ann says. “Things like better health, friendships, improved coping mechanisms, being a part of a group, and a sense of accomplishment, to name just a few.”

Getting Started

Signing up and getting here is the first step, according to Ann. Motivation follows action. Ann, along with volunteers and speakers, will all be waiting to guide you through how to start a running program. Classes are every Wednesday beginning June 9 and ending July 28 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the commons area at Lincoln Southwest High School. The cost for the program is $35.

Each class begins with a presentation on various topics relevant to running led by local professionals in nutrition, physical therapy, motivational speaking, cardiology, orthopedics, and running shoes and apparel. Following the presentation, instructions on how to run and setting realistic expectations based on age, weight, and fitness level are reviewed prior to participants being divided into groups and the workout starting.

Yes, it will be challenging at first but each week gets easier as participants feel stronger and able to do more than the week before.

Three basic principles emphasized with Beginner’s Luck participants are:

Don’t run as far as you think you should.

Don’t run as fast as you think you should.

Run more frequently than you think you should.

Ann notes that smaller consistencies more often should be the goal rather than farther, faster, and harder. Walking or a walk/run combination may be the starting point for some and that is perfectly acceptable.

For Ann, the rewards have been many over the past 18 years of leading Beginner’s Luck. She has witnessed individual physical and emotional transformations, first-time participants become volunteers, and the development of lifelong friendships and a sense of community. She enthusiastically encourages anyone with an interest in running to register for Beginner’s Luck at getmeregistered.com or call Ann Ringlein at (402) 474-4557. It’s never too late to start a running program.