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The Road To Wellness 5K Run/2-Mile Walk

Embrace your journey. Walk or run with us!

Make time for yourself

May 9, 2016 By roadtowellness5k2

Diane photo

Diane Daniels, Sr. HR Generalist at The Dimock Center

Taking care of my two parents who are ill has put into perspective the importance of being healthy. It pushes me to take better care of my health and motivates me to encourage others to do the same. I believe your body is your temple so it is very important to take care of it. When I heard Dimock was holding its very first 5K walk/run last year, I was very excited and told myself this is a great opportunity to take part. It was my first 5K so I decided to walk the 2-mile course. On the day of the event, I could feel the energy and excitement from everyone around me – it was massive! When I finished, I knew it would not be my last. This year, I plan to run the 5K course and have started setting goals to keep myself on track.  In order to keep myself motivated, I like to try and make my exercise fun. The best exercise is most likely the one you love the most, so find time to do it. Keeping track of even small success and reward yourself!

Filed Under: Fitness Profiles

From ‘Sick Kid’ to Olympian

September 4, 2015 By roadtowellness5k2

Ruben Sanca was born in Cape Verde and came to US in 1999 when he was 12 years old. While in his pre-teen years, being a runner never really crossed his mind. He loved the sport of soccer and dreamed of one day playing the World Cup. As a young child, he had several asthma attacks and was known in the family as the “sick kid” who always had some health issues. He was prescribed inhalers but never used them because he was afraid of becoming dependent on them. Ruben suffered a lot in his early years and albuterol syrup was often his only remedy.

Everything changed when Ruben came to the US. He found out my asthma attacks were related to a lot of the dust allergies in Cape Verde. When he was at the Dearborn Middle School, he was recruited by my middle school teacher to run track. He was one of the slowest guys on the team, as he still suffered from asthma. Once he made it to the John D. O’Bryant High School, his primary care physician mentioned that his asthma was becoming non-existent. During that time,  Ruben noticed a rapid improvement in his breathing and eventually his running.

Years later, Ruben found himself competing at the high school national track and field championships and the NCAA collegiate national championships. He returned to Cape Verde to win several track and road racing national championships. In 2011, he represented Cape Verde at the World Championships in South Korea, and in 2012 at the Olympic Games in England.

Ruben currently balances his running with his full-time job as a business manager in the division of student affairs at his alma mater, UMass Lowell. He plans to qualify for the Olympic Games again for 2016!

Filed Under: Featured, Fitness Profiles

‘Running is My Lifeline’

August 7, 2015 By roadtowellness5k2

Meet Hector Cruz, Regional VP for Winn Residential:

Hector’s story is an interesting one.  He never thought about or even imagined himself running.  “One day, August of 2007 my wife came home and said we’re joining the gym,” he explained.  Reluctantly, he agreed  and then his journey began.  At first he walked on the treadmill.  That was boring so he began to jog on the treadmill. A little better, but still boring, so he moved to the indoor track.  Finally, after a few weeks he decided to run a 5k, and immediately he was hooked.  In the years since that first race, Hector has run more than 100 5ks, and more than 20 half and full marathons.  In fact, he now act as a “pacer” for new runners. “I’m happy to say I often pace with some of my children and occasionally my wife, but that’s only if there’s some sort of shopping involved before or after the race,” he said.

“Running for me, is my lifeline.  It allows me to tune everything else out and focus on my own heartbeat. It’s amazing when you have a job and lifestyle as hectic as I do ( I’m a father of 6 and grandfather of 1) to be able to find that place to go to and reset your clock.  It makes me a better person around my family, and a much more productive and clear thinker at work. I’ve also been able to lose and keep off 35-40lbs without dieting!”

 

What’s his advice for new runners… “ don’t give up on yourself.  Let your body show you what it can accomplish.  Pace yourself and you’ll get there. We’re all beginners at some point.“

Filed Under: Featured, Fitness Profiles

The FREE Summer Training Series is on now!

road2wellness5k

Empowered by @thedimockcenter, @hoodfitma & @teambaa | Inspiring fitness & celebrating community 🧡👟💚 | #Road2Wellness5K

We’re proud to recognize the Boston Athletic Ass We’re proud to recognize the Boston Athletic Association (@teambaa) as a sponsor of the 11th Annual Road to Wellness 5K! 💪💙

Thank you, BAA, for your incredible support and longtime partnership. From training tips to race-day energy, your commitment to community health and movement inspires us every step of the way!

#RoadToWellness5K #Road2Wellness5K #Road2Wellness2Mile #Road2WellnessRox #CommunityWellness #MoveWithUs #AllPacesWelcome #FreeFitness #FreeinBoston #TrainTogether #RoxburyMA #ThankYou #Sponsor
That’s a wrap on Phase 2 of our Summer Training That’s a wrap on Phase 2 of our Summer Training Series! ☀️

We’ve loved every mile, stretch, and stride with this amazing community. Thank you for showing up and showing out!

Special thanks to Team Dimock for joining us last week and sharing your Boston Marathon stories and tips. Your advice and support are truly appreciated! 💙

📅 Next up: Phase 3 kicks off Saturday, August 2, at The Dimock Center! Let’s keep the momentum going as we get closer to race day.

👟 And if you haven’t registered for the Road to Wellness 5K Run/2-Mile Walk yet, now’s the time! Join us on Friday, September 6, for an unforgettable celebration of wellness, movement, and community.

Register today at the link in our bio!

#RoadToWellness5K #Road2Wellness5K #Road2Wellness2Mile #Road2WellnessRox #CommunityWellness #MoveWithUs #AllPacesWelcome #FreeFitness #FreeinBoston #TrainTogether #RoxburyMA
We’re proud to recognize the Stop & Shop Corpora We’re proud to recognize the Stop & Shop Corporation (@stopandshop) for their generous sponsorship and long-time support of the Road to Wellness! 

From providing water and healthy snacks to championing community wellness, Stop & Shop has been with us every mile. 💪🍎

Thank you for helping us make the Road to Wellness an event that is free and accessible to all. 🧡

#RoadToWellness5K #Road2Wellness5K #Road2Wellness2Mile #Road2WellnessRox #CommunityWellness #MoveWithUs #AllPacesWelcome #FreeFitness #FreeinBoston #TrainTogether #RoxburyMA #ThankYou #Sponsor #StopandShop
🌞 Summer Training is ON for Saturday, July 26, 🌞 Summer Training is ON for Saturday, July 26, but we’re switching up the location just a bit!
 Join us at Franklin Park’s Playstead Picnic Space, same time, new spot!

⏰ Meet at 8:45 AM for our usual dose of movement, motivation, and community.

This week, we’ll be joined by Team Dimock—a group of incredible runners who ran the Boston Marathon to fundraise in support of our partner @TheDimockCenter. 💙

They’ll be sharing their stories and training tips to help keep us motivated on our wellness journeys. Don’t miss it!

#RoadToWellness5K #Road2Wellness5K #Road2Wellness2Mile #Road2WellnessRox #CommunityWellness #MoveWithUs #AllPacesWelcome #FreeFitness #FreeinBoston #TrainTogether #RoxburyMA
Whether you're just getting started or building on Whether you're just getting started or building on your progress, training tools make all the difference! 🏃🏽‍♀️🏃🏾‍♂️

We’re excited to share these free training resources from our friends at the Boston Athletic Association @teambaa to support you on your wellness journey. 🏅

✅Healthy habits
✅ Activity planner
✅ Running and walking guides
 …and more!

Check them out here: www.baa.org/baa-neighborhood-fitness-series-training-resources

RoadToWellness5K #Road2Wellness5K #Road2Wellness2Mile #Road2WellnessRox #CommunityWellness #MoveWithUs #AllPacesWelcome #FreeFitness #FreeinBoston #TrainTogether #RoxburyMA #BAA #TrainingTips
We need YOU to volunteer at the 11th Annual Road t We need YOU to volunteer at the 11th Annual Road to Wellness and Summer Training Graduation!

The Road to Wellness is more than a race; it's a free celebration of community, culture, and wellness for all ages and fitness levels. We’re looking for volunteers to support every step of the way!

From training graduation to pre-race prep to post-race celebration, we’ve got a role for everyone:

🗓️ Volunteer Dates:
 • Summer Training Graduation: Saturday, August 23
 • Pre-Race Set-Up: Friday, September 5
 • Race Day: Saturday, September 6

Join us as we promote wellness while embracing Roxbury’s rich history and vibrant community. 

Register and learn more at the link in our bio!

#RoadToWellness5K #Road2Wellness5K #Road2Wellness2Mile #Road2WellnessRox #CommunityWellness #MoveWithUs #AllPacesWelcome #FreeFitness #FreeinBoston #TrainTogether #RoxburyMA #Volunteering #EventSupport #Volunteers
We’re back this Saturday, July 19, for another e We’re back this Saturday, July 19, for another energizing training session at Franklin Park’s Shattuck Picnic Grove! 🌳 

Meet us at 8:45 AM and get moving with a community that motivates and uplifts.
Big thank you to @OfficialBlackGirlsRun Boston and @BMRBoston for bringing the energy last weekend, we loved having you with us! 💚

Haven’t joined yet? No worries! You can register and jump in anytime, just click the link in our bio.

Make sure to keep an eye on our website for training locations and updates. 👀

See you this weekend!

#RoadToWellness5K #Road2Wellness5K #Road2Wellness2Mile #Road2WellnessRox #CommunityWellness #MoveWithUs #AllPacesWelcome #FreeFitness #FreeinBoston #TrainTogether #RoxburyMA #BGR #BMR #BlackGirlsRun #BlackMenRun
🎧 We’re going live! Catch some of our fantas 🎧 We’re going live!

Catch some of our fantastic Summer Training Series coaches tomorrow, July 16, at 10 AM on @SparkFMonline’s “Saucy and Friends” Morning Show! 

Head Coach Yvel and Coaches Ivy and Adam will be joining @IamMsHotSauce, @MsToni_BeKnowin, and @RockstoneTrizz to talk all things Road to Wellness 5K Run/2-Mile Walk and our free Summer Training Series.

📻 Tune in at sparkfmonline.com/live to hear how you can get moving, connect with the community, and train with us, no matter where you’re starting from.

Registration is still open—don’t miss your chance to be part of this journey! 🏃

Sign up through the link in our bio. 

#RoadToWellness5K #Road2Wellness5K #Road2Wellness2Mile #Road2WellnessRox #CommunityWellness #MoveWithUs #AllPacesWelcome #FreeFitness #FreeinBoston #TrainTogether #RoxburyMA
We’re honored to have Beth Israel Lahey Health a We’re honored to have Beth Israel Lahey Health as a sponsor of this year’s 11th Annual Road to Wellness 5K Run/2-Mile Walk!

Their generous support helps keep the Road to Wellness race and Summer Training Series free, inclusive, and open to all.

Thank you, Beth Israel Lahey Health, for your commitment to community health and for helping us go the distance! 💚

#RoadToWellness5K #Road2Wellness5K #Road2Wellness2Mile #Road2WellnessRox #CommunityWellness #MoveWithUs #AllPacesWelcome #FreeFitness #FreeinBoston #TrainTogether #RoxburyMA #ThankYou #BethIsraelLaheyHealth
Phase Two Starts This Saturday! 🏃🏽‍♀️🌳

We’re kicking off Phase Two of the Road to Wellness Summer Training Series on Saturday, July 12 at 8:45 AM—now at Franklin Park’s Shattuck Picnic Grove!

Missed Phase One? No problem! You can join us at any time. Let’s keep the energy going and enter phase two strong together! 💛

📍 New Location: Shattuck Picnic Grove, Franklin Park
🕣 Saturday, July 12 @ 8:45 AM
📲 Register today at the link in our bio

We can’t wait to see you there!

#RoadToWellness5K #Road2Wellness5K #Road2Wellness2Mile #Road2WellnessRox #CommunityWellness #MoveWithUs #AllPacesWelcome #FreeFitness #FreeinBoston #TrainTogether #RoxburyMA
🎙️Catch us on Wednesday, July 16 at 10 AM on 🎙️Catch us on Wednesday, July 16 at 10 AM on @SparkFMonline’s “Saucy and Friends” Morning Show! 

Some of our amazing coaching team—Head Coach Yvel and Coaches Ivy and Adam—will be live with @IamMsHotSauce, @MsToni_BeKnowin, and @RockstoneTrizz talking all things Road to Wellness 5K Run/2-Mile Walk and our free Summer Training Series! 🔥

Tune in at sparkfmonline.com/live 📻

Whether you're walking or running, just getting started, or already in your stride, the Road to Wellness is for you.

✨Ready to move with us this summer? There’s still time to join—registration is open, and we’ll be training all the way to race day.

Head to the link in our bio to sign up!

#RoadToWellness5K #Road2Wellness5K #Road2Wellness2Mile #Road2WellnessRox #SparkFM #SaucyAndFriends #CommunityWellness #MoveWithUs #AllPacesWelcome #FreeFitness #FreeinBoston #TrainTogether
We’re so proud to welcome back our long-time sup We’re so proud to welcome back our long-time supporter, @johnhancock, as the Lead Sponsor of this year’s 11th Annual Road to Wellness 5K Run/2-Mile Walk! 

Their incredible support helps make both the race and the Summer Training Series free and accessible for all.

Thank you, John Hancock, for paving the way for our community to take meaningful steps toward health, wellness, and connection.

#RoadToWellness5K #Road2Wellness5K #Road2Wellness2Mile #Road2WellnessRox #CommunityWellness #MoveWithUs #AllPacesWelcome #FreeFitness #FreeinBoston #TrainTogether #RoxburyMA #ThankYou #JohnHancock
🚨 No training this Saturday, July 5 🚨 No tr 🚨 No training this Saturday, July 5 🚨

No training this weekend! Don’t worry, we’ll be back in full stride the following week as we kick off Phase Two of the Summer Training Series! 🎉

Join us on Saturday, July 12, at the Shattuck Picnic Grove in Franklin Park to keep moving with our amazing community. Whether you walk, run, or roll, all paces are always welcome.

In the meantime, keep that momentum going—every step counts, and we can’t wait to see you back out there soon! 💪

#RoadToWellness5K #Road2Wellness5K #Road2Wellness2Mile #Road2WellnessRox #CommunityWellness #MoveWithUs #AllPacesWelcome #FreeFitness #FreeinBoston #TrainTogether #RoxburyMA
That’s a wrap on Phase One! 💥 Thank you to That’s a wrap on Phase One! 💥 

Thank you to everyone who showed up with heart, hustle, and community spirit.

There’s no training this Saturday, July 5, but we’re back at it next week! Phase Two kicks off Saturday, July 12, at the Shattuck Picnic Grove in Franklin Park. 

Let’s keep the momentum going! 💪🏃‍♀️

It’s never too late to join! Register now and join us on the #RoadToWellness at the link in our bio.

#RoadToWellness5K #Road2Wellness5K #Road2Wellness2Mile #Road2WellnessRox #CommunityWellness #MoveWithUs #AllPacesWelcome #FreeFitness #FreeinBoston #TrainTogether #RoxburyMA
Ready, set, go! 🏁 Join us tomorrow, Saturday, Ready, set, go! 🏁

Join us tomorrow, Saturday, June 28, at 8:45 AM at Malcolm X Park as we close out the first leg of our journey together. 

This training session will feature a one-mile time trial—a timed walk or run to help you establish your baseline pace. Whether it’s your first session or you’ve been with us all season, this one’s all about you and your progress!

Come move, train, and vibe with us, and let’s time your one-mile pace! 🧡
✅ Register today at the link in our bio
 📌 Reminder: No training on Saturday, July 5, due to the Independence Day holiday

#RoadToWellness5K #Road2Wellness5K #Road2Wellness2Mile #Road2WellnessRox #CommunityWellness #MoveWithUs #AllPacesWelcome #FreeFitness #FreeinBoston #TrainTogether #RoxburyMA
Huge thank you to the @teambaa and the Boston Mara Huge thank you to the @teambaa and the Boston Marathon champions who joined our training this weekend and shared their stories, advice, and motivation. And big love to our amazing coaches and community who continue to show up and move with purpose every Saturday 🏃🏿‍♀️✨

📅 Next up: Saturday, June 28 at 8:45 AM | Malcolm X Park
Let’s keep the momentum going and finish Phase One strong! All are welcome—whether you’re a returning participant or brand new to the community, we’d love to see you there.

Reminder that there will be no training on Saturday, July 5, due to the Independence Day holiday ❌

🔗 Don’t forget to register! (Link in bio)

#RoadToWellness5K #Road2Wellness5K #Road2Wellness2Mile #Road2WellnessRox #CommunityWellness #MoveWithUs #AllPacesWelcome #FreeFitness #FreeinBoston #TrainTogether #RoxburyMA #BostonMarathon
Join #BostonMarathon legends Sharon Lokedi, Edna K Join #BostonMarathon legends Sharon Lokedi, Edna Kiplagat, and more for a special Meet & Greet at tomorrow's Road to Wellness Summer Training! 👟

Road to Wellness Walkers & Runners can ask questions and get motivated by some of running’s most accomplished athletes. ✨

See you at Malcolm X Park in #RoxburyMA at 8:45 AM! 📍

#RoadToWellness5K #Road2Wellness5K #Road2Wellness2Mile #Road2WellnessRox #CommunityWellness #MoveWithUs #AllPacesWelcome #FreeFitness #FreeinBoston #TrainTogether
💪 Start your weekend strong and join us for tra 💪 Start your weekend strong and join us for training this Saturday, June 21, at 8:45 AM at Malcolm X Park!

Whether it’s your first session or you're returning, you’re always welcome—it’s never too late to join! All paces are encouraged—walk, jog, or run with us as we train together for the big day. 🌟

No need to wait until Saturday to focus on your wellness! Here are some tips to keep in mind between trainings:

💧 Drink more water: boosts energy, supports digestion, and helps with fitness goals

😴 Get good sleep: keep your mood balanced and your body strong

🙏🏽 Practice gratitude: take a moment to reflect on what you’re thankful for

See you on Saturday!

Register at the link in our bio.

#RoadToWellness5K #Road2Wellness5K #Road2Wellness2Mile #Road2WellnessRox #CommunityWellness #MoveWithUs #AllPacesWelcome #FreeFitness #FreeinBoston #TrainTogether #RoxburyMA
Looking for a reason to move this weekend? We’ve Looking for a reason to move this weekend? We’ve got you covered. 

Meet us tomorrow, Saturday, June 14, at 8:45 AM at Malcolm X Park for another session of our FREE Summer Training Series! 

Walk, jog, run, stretch—whatever your pace, you're welcome here.

Sign up now at the link in our bio!

📌 Friendly reminder: You’ll need to fill out a separate registration form for each event you want to join. For example, that means one for Summer Training and another for the 5K Run or 2-Mile Walk on September 6.

Let’s do this together. 💪

#RoadToWellness5K #Road2Wellness5K #Road2Wellness2Mile #Road2WellnessRox #CommunityWellness #MoveWithUs #AllPacesWelcome #FreeFitness #FreeinBoston #TrainTogether #RoxburyMA
We kicked off the 2025 Summer Training Series this We kicked off the 2025 Summer Training Series this Saturday at Malcolm X Park in #RoxburyMA—and it was a blast! 🏃🏾‍♂️

Thank you to everyone who showed up, moved with us, and brought the energy. From warmups to pace groups and cool downs, we’re officially on the Road to Wellness together! 💪

Big shoutout to our expert coaches, community partners, and @stopandshop for keeping us fueled with free snacks and water. 🙌

📅 Couldn’t make it? Join us next Saturday and every weekend leading up to our 5K Run/2-Mile Walk on September 6! All paces and fitness levels are welcome, regardless of whether you’ve been to previous trainings. 

👉 Register now at the link in our bio!

#RoadToWellness5K #Road2Wellness5K #Road2Wellness2Mile #Road2WellnessRox #CommunityWellness #MoveWithUs #AllPacesWelcome #FreeFitness #FreeinBoston #TrainTogether @baa @hoodfitma
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