Putnam Bureau of Emergency Services Offers 'Learn to Run' Presentation

CARMEL, N.Y. - The Putnam County Bureau of Emergency Services hosted a 'Learn to Run' presentation Wednesday at its Carmel offices.

Veteran runner Polly Starling talks running at Wednesday's presentation.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

Veteran runner Polly Starling speaks to a small, but appreciative crowd about the benefits of starting a running program.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

The Learn to Run program is based on the book Run Your Butt Off!, from the editors of Runner's World Magazine.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

Skip Pearlman

07/04/2015 7:00 a.m.

Hosting the program was Polly Sparling, a runner for about 17 years, with six marathon finishes under her belt.

The Learn to Run program is based on the book Run Your Butt Off!, published by the editors of Runner's World magazine.

At Wednesday's presentation, Sparling told the crowd how she started running in her 40s, and at first - "I felt like I was going to die," she said.

Sparling started running herself by barely managing to get around the block, and now is regularly involved in marathons and other shorter road races. She spoke of the physical and mental benefits of running, as well as how running helps some people sleep better, have more energy, and just feel better about themselves.

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