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SANTA CRUZ SENTINEL FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2017 LIVE IT UP! 11 activities. Amaris created these participation incentives. "We provide them with a necklace to collect their beads and encourage them to hang the necklace on their rear view mirror as a reminder of their commitment to be a part of the group," says Amaris. "It is so much fun to see Melani get a group of adults so excited about getting another plastic bead for their neck- laces," says Franks. Also, a jacket or hoodie is oen offered as an incen- tive for attending eighty percent of the training dates and at least two clinics. One unique aspect to the NB groups, Amaris says, is that they feel like a family. "We all know each other's names and support each other in all aspects of the 10-week training," Amaris adds. "Community is the central theme," says Eric Rogers, who took over as owner/operator of Fleet Feet Sports in Santa Cruz and Mon- terey in June and previously worked at FFS' North Carolina corporate headquarters. "We wouldn't survive if all we did was sell shoes. We are much more than that. We give an incredible experience for anyone who stops in the store, and we grow by engaging our community. Our mission is to change lives and have fun while we do it." Franks greatly appreciates the community aspect. "If you miss a practice, everyone asks where you were and misses you, so you get out of bed even when you don't want to," she says. "I have made many new friends and feel as though I am part of a group or family that is welcoming and growing." Franks started training with Fleet Feet in 2011. Her older broth- er, who was turning 70 and wanted to do Wharf to Wharf, challenged her to join him. "I was 69 and saw there was a training at Fleet Feet so I gave it a try. e program was so open and welcoming. I got hooked," says Franks. She signed up for a No Bound- aries training program aer that, and it changed her life. "ey promised to take you from couch to 5K during a 9-week training program and they made you love 'almost' every minute," she says. "Under the guidance of Melani, we learned proper form, hydration, in- jury prevention, speed and endur- ance. It does not matter your age, your body type, your experience or skill level: everyone is valued and supported. We work at our own pace and feel empowered to suc- ceed. We strive to meet newcom- ers and make them feel part of the group as we were once welcomed. I have done the No Boundaries/New Boundaries program every year for the past 6 years." Franks has also expanded to 10k trainings and half marathons. "It is just fun, and at 75 I feel terrific." All Fleet Feet Training is based on distance. ere are Half Marathon and Marathon Training groups offered twice a year, and Trail Running in the spring. NB offers 5K in the Spring and both 5k/10K in the Fall. ere is a Wharf To Wharf Training group offered in the summer, concurrent with Tri- athlon Training, that draws many athletes, some of them seniors. "Last year at the TRI Santa Cruz race we had several athletes on the podium in their age group includ- ing our seniors," Amaris proudly shares. Rogers is passionate about the FFS offerings. "Our programs are all about changing lives, growing the community, and having fun," says Rogers. "It's a home where people who say 'I'm not a runner' can feel safe, have camaraderie, learn to be healthy, and accomplish goals that may have seemed impos- sible." For information on Fleet Feet training programs, visit www.fleet- feetaptos.com/training p h o t o B y m e l a n i a m a r i s

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