If you’ve never run, but would like to learn to, or if you are a runner looking to make a return after a break, then a new training group for runners about to be launched could be the perfect opportunity.

Talented athlete and certified personal trainer Victoria Fiddick will lead the ‘Fit for Life’ training group, which has been created by the Mid Atlantic Athletic Club (MAAC).

It will start on January 7 and run for eight weeks with the aim of getting Bermuda “up and running”, according to Rose-Anna Hoey, president of MAAC.

“There is a high incidence of diabetes and heart disease here, and MAAC would like to show those in the community how good it is to become physically active and how running is an easy way to get there,” she said.

“The group is aimed at those runners, or would-be runners, who are either true beginners or those returning to running after a break. No previous running experience is necessary as the training will be individualised. You can set your own goals — be it to complete a 5K or 10K, or just to return to running fitness.”

Coach Victoria Fiddick has a wealth of experience to draw upon, having competed at a high level locally and overseas, and winning numerous races — including the coveted women’s title in the 100th May 24 Half Marathon Derby in 2009.

She points out that the group will also cater for people who simply want to learn to run properly, and not to necessarily become competitive athletes. For the past 10 years she has trained various groups, from youngsters to individual workout groups.

“A lot of people just want to run, not necessarily to compete and try to beat people in races. So for some this will be a chance to learn from scratch about proper running technique and stretching,” said Mrs Fiddick, who is also a Lydiard running coach at levels 1 and 2. The Lydiard system was devised by New Zealand’s Arthur Lydiard, who is regarded as one of the greatest running coaches of the 20th century.

The group will train on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5.15pm at a venue to be confirmed, although likely to be a central location such as the Arboretum or the National Stadium rugby pitch. An additional weekend workout activity will be prescribed by Mrs Fiddick.

The cost of the eight-week programme is $150 for MAAC members and $185 for non-members.

As MAAC is a non-profit making club, any additional funding raised by the project will go towards supporting and developing younger athletes in Bermuda and helping local charities.

Anyone interested in signing up for the group should visit the website www.racedayworld.com. Further details are also available from Mid Atlantic Athletic Club by e-mailing to: maac@maac.bm