First Strides

First Strides

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A 10 week training program for women who want to train for a 5k (3.1 mile) run or walk.

First Strides is sanctioned by Lehigh Valley Road Runners and The Women's 5K Classic. First Strides was started by Jane Serues in 1997 when she wanted to start a training program for The Women's 5K Classic. She started with a small group of local runners and walkers as mentors, and had 150 beginners show up! There are now 7 programs throughout the Lehigh Valley and in Vermont helping women get fit and healthier lives.

Photos from First Strides's post 10/02/2026

Congratulations Thursday night participants! Thank you for taking your First Strides with us đź’•

Photos from First Strides's post 09/26/2026

So proud of all of the First Strides participants & mentors who came out this AM for our W5K course review! It started to rain heavier as we were leaving. Whoohoo! I am sorry that it was not as smooth as I (Michelle) had hoped it would be. I know a few of you got lost, my stopwatch stopped, & we heard/saw the Parkland XC young man got struck by a tree. Thank you to everyone who prayed. I heard from his coach & prayers are definitely needed. Looking forward to Tues & Thurs for our graduation celebration & then to W5K weekend!! Congratulations, ladies!

Photos from First Strides's post 09/25/2026

Thursday Week 9! Our guest speaker, Dr. Lori Alfonse, D.O. spoke about the importance of annual mammograms starting at age 40. Did you know today’s mammogram can help detect heart disease?
It was also a Great night for our second timed mile. I betcha everyone made improvements.

Photos from First Strides's post 09/22/2026

Don't forget your lights & reflective gear for our remaining nights at First Strides! Stay safe!

Photos from First Strides's post 09/18/2026

Thursday Week 8! Sue Henry from Aardvark Sports showed us an assortment of safety gear to use as we head into fall with shorter hours of daylight.And also some reflective clothing to be seen in. Although it was a muggy evening with a slight drizzle that didn’t stop us-we got workout done.

Photos from First Strides's post 09/16/2026

Bonus Night in the humidity... Congratulations, ladies!!

08/31/2026

It was a beautiful night for BONUS NIGHT! Congratulations, ladies!

08/28/2026

Additional information from Dr. Judy
The first link about Your Coronary Calcium Score
https://www.heart.org/-/media/Files/Health-Topics/Heart-Attack/CAC-Score.pdf?sc_lang=en

This link, Go Red for Women, 10 Facts
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1q7cjVS7Uu8KHzigTWgic7-EFn3oACXAd0k97WLEi6TQ

www.heart.org

08/28/2026

Thank you to Dr. Judy Pryblick for speaking to us about heart health & nutrition. Here are some easy ways to remember a few heart health and nutrition tips.

❤️“Diet” in Greek/latin means way of life. The Mediterranean Diet is recommended for a healthy eating lifestyle.
❤️Avg woman should consume 1500 calories/day. An extra 500 calories/day = 3500 calories/week = 1lb. of weight gain.
❤️HDL= “happy cholesterol” want higher numbers
❤️LDL = “lousy cholesterol” want lower numbers
❤️”No bubbles for bones” - carbonated drinks consumption is linked to lower bone mineral density in women

Photos from First Strides's post 08/28/2026

Thursday Week 5. Tonight the guest speaker is our own mentor, Judy Pryblick, a retired general practitioner. Judy spoke about women’s heart health noting that movement, exercise is one of the best things we can do to improve our health. Despite the rain, everyone pushed through and did the workout- very impressive!

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Address


Little Lehigh Parkway
Allentown, PA
18103

Opening Hours

Tuesday 6:15pm - 7:30pm
Wednesday 9am - 7:30pm
Thursday 6:15pm - 7:30pm

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