The Lake County Milers after one of their champagne brunch events. Courtesy photo.

LAKE COUNTY – Is losing weight or getting more exercise one of your goals for 2010? If so, Lake County Milers can help you meet your goals. We are a friendly, encouraging group of runners and walkers and our club welcomes members of all levels and ages.

The Milers are dedicated to promoting physical fitness in Lake County through running and walking in a supportive and fun atmosphere. It is hard to procrastinate about exercise if you have a group of Miler-buddies waiting for you to walk or run!

Whether you are a beginner or a longtime runner/walker, the Milers have something to offer everyone. I know I wouldn’t have been motivated to run half as much as I did this past year if it weren’t for the Milers’ camaraderie. I really enjoy being a part of this club.

The Milers host runs/walks every weekend. Saturday mornings feature a short, social run/walk of three to four miles. The club has two meeting places for Saturday walk/runs – Studebaker’s Coffee Shop in Kelseyville, and Crave Coffee House in Hidden Valley Lake. Having two locations ensures that a club run/walk is close enough for anyone who wishes to participate.

On Sundays, the club hosts longer runs/walks (six to ten or more miles) for those who are more advanced or are training for an event. The Milers meet in various locations on Sundays: Lower Lake, Hidden Valley Lake, Middletown, and occasionally in the Kelseyville area.

Besides having weekly runs/walks, the club hosts three events throughout the year.

In May, the Milers stage the “Spring has Sprung Run,” which features a 10K, 5K and kid’s fun run. In October, look out for the “Beer and Bratwurst Run,” which features a 5K and kid’s fun run at Crazy Creek Air Adventures. In November, participate in the Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot event (two- or three-mile walk or run) and food drive.

The Lake County Milers encourages the public to participate in the weekly runs/walks – all that is required is a signed waiver. The Milers welcome new faces.

If you do decide to join the Milers club, the annual dues are affordable: $5 for students, $10 for individuals and $15 for families. Join the club to receive the weekly electronic newsletter detailing club activities, locations and times of runs, and more – including discounts on running wear and gear.

For more information, membership forms, club events or club photos, please visit our Web site at www.lakecountymilers.com. You may also reach the club by becoming a fan of the Lake County Milers on Facebook.