Spark Running Helps Local Woman Get Active

While going about her life and driving around Severna Park, Michelle Ormond’s day used to come to a halt when she’d have to sit in her car on McKinsey Road waiting as runners jogged past her stationary vehicle.

Pretty much everyday she would sit there and wait while fit Severna Park community members tantalizingly ran past her car and continued their jog—until one day Ormond decided she was tired of sitting.

“You have to make up your mind that you are tired of sitting in the car watching other people run and do it yourself,” Ormond said. “I used to hate sitting there waiting for the runners to cross at McKinsey. I was sick of feeling like I wasn’t doing anything.”

Ormond, who was new to the Severna Park area, decided she wanted to get in shape and find something to do. That’s when she discovered Spark’s Running’s 5K training program.

Caitlin Burman, the owner of Spark Running, offers a class aimed at making non-runners fit enough to run a 5K in nine-weeks.

After completing the class, Ormond ran in her first 5K in June 2012, but she didn’t stop there. This past St. Patrick’s Day Ormond ran in her first half-marathon, and she will be running in a 10K on June 1.

“I had never ran before and I couldn’t have done it without Spark Running,” Ormond said. “I loved the class and Caitlin’s input because she is very sensitive to what level of a runner you were. She was very encouraging and would give helpful tips. She made you feel at ease at whatever pace you were doing.”

After Ormond finished her first training session with Spark Running, she signed up for another session with the goal of running in a half-marathon before she turned 45.

“I ran that half-marathon the week before I turned 45, so it is never too late to start,” Ormond said. “I didn’t start running until I was 44 and I was very out of shape. Age is definitely not an excuse not to do it.”

Ormond said the key to Spark Running’s program is that you are training with a group of people, which not only keeps you motivated, it also makes it more fun.

Since Ormond started running she said not only does she feel healthier and happier, her family sees a difference in her as well. Ormond’s two daughters have shown an interest in running and being active.

The biggest challenge facing non-runners is the first mile, Ormond said. But once you get past that first stretch—it all becomes worth it.

“I love the way I feel after—knowing my body is strong enough to run,” Ormond said. “I love the feeling of pushing yourself and seeing how far you can run. I never thought I could run a mile much less 13. It’s an amazing feeling knowing you’ve accomplished that.”

Spark Running will begin a new 10K class on April 9. For more information on the training sessions call 410-544-3184.

See Also:

• Train for a 5K With Spark Running