Only one month into the New Year, and 25 Beaufortonians are fulfilling their first New Year’s resolution. Whether to get in shape, build healthier habits, or simply run further than they have in years, these individuals joined Beaufort’s first Couch to 5K program in early December and will participate in the Chilly Bean 5K on Saturday, February 1, at Coosaw Point on Lady’s Island.

[caption id="attachment_14800" align="alignleft" width="300"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo-22.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-14800" alt="From left: Nancy Coldiron, Maggie Mitchell, Tim Roddey and Megan Taylor run on the Spanish Moss trail.  " src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo-22-300x225.jpg" width="300" height="225" /></a> From left: Nancy Coldiron, Maggie Mitchell, Tim Roddey and Megan Taylor run on the Spanish Moss trail.[/caption]

Motivated each by personal goals and led by one of eight volunteer coaches, the group started building their endurance in December, in addition to learning about healthy eating habits. Made up of individuals, couples, a mother and daughter duo, and even an entire family, many participated in their first group training run on January 7.

Beaufort’s first Couch to 5K program was put into action by Shannon Roberts, a local runner and the Chilly Bean 5K organizer. “I have been amazed and so proud to see the transformation of self-proclaimed non-runners into full-blown runners,” said Roberts.  “Our participants are already asking their coaches to go farther and faster on each run. Some of them have even looked toward their second race, a 10K in April. They are inspiring each other, their friends and families.”

The Couch to 5K runners have a goal of taking part in the Chilly Bean 5K, a family-friendly event that will benefit the Parents’ Association at Beaufort Academy. The 5K begins at 10:30 a.m., and is open to all runners and walkers.

Pre-registration is $30 for adults and $15 for 18 and under. Registration includes an event T-shirt and two tickets to the chili cook-off following the 5K. Electronic timing for the 5K will be provided by Palmetto Running Company. Spectators are invited to come and cheer on the participants, including the Couch to 5K group.

The Chili Cook-off at the Coosaw Point Crab Shack will begin at 11:30 a.m., with judging at noon. Anyone can enter their chili in the cook-off. Tickets are $10 each (for those not participating in the 5K), and children 5 and under are free. A ticket includes all the chili you can eat. Adult beverages will also be for sale. For children, there will be a Kids Fun Zone.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.chillybeanrun.com. Registration for the 5K is available on www.active.com. Also, go to the Chilly Bean Run Facebook page to follow the Couch to 5K group.