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POOL TO 5k/10k

Train for Santa Barbara’s She Is Beautiful 5k/10k Race

Pool to 5k is a 10-week water training program geared toward beginner-intermediate walkers, runners, and walk-runners. These structured, progressive pool workouts are designed to help you meet your race day goals - whether that might be to finish your very first 5k, set a new personal record, or simply have fun with your friends! Pool workouts minimize joint stress and reduce post-workout soreness, allowing participants to build strength, core stability, endurance, and speed while having fun & feeling good!

Registration will open in May 2025.

CLASSES WILL START IN JULY 2025

Pick from 1 of 4 sessions, including both early morning & evening classes.

The She Is Beautiful 5k/10k is on Saturday, September 6. More info HERE.

The Pool to 5k package includes:

- Kick-off event (fitness testing, injury prevention workshop and meet & greet with your teammates & coaches)

- 18 progressive pool workouts

- Race day course support from captains & coaches

- Race day team t-shirt

- Supplemental land-based training program

- Discounts on other pool programs & referral bonuses

- Exclusive access to our end-of-season pool party

*Your event registration is not included. Sign up to join our team, the Mighty Mermaids, at the She Is Beautiful 5k or 10k.

“When I signed up for Pool to 5k, I actually did not care at all about the race. I had my personal goals for completing the program. However, with every workout, we became even more of a ‘team,’ and I changed my mind about the run. I am very glad I did, because it was a ton of fun, and we definitely supported each other. I have not been able to be part of a team in WAY TOO LONG, and Pool to 5k brought back the team unity feeling. Everyone was welcoming and caring from the first class and it grew as we went along.”
— D.R.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. WHY SHOULD I SIGN UP FOR POOL TO 5k?

    She Is Beautiful is one of our all-time favorite races, and we think Pool to 5k is pretty special, too. Imagine yourself surrounded by strong women who are healthy, confident, resilient, and oh-so-supportive. With each pool workout, they will push you, cheer for you, AND lean on you at times, too. You’ll all work together while keeping each other laughing & smiling, leaving the pool with a sense of accomplishment and pride as you work toward your ultimate goals. 

  2. WHAT ARE THE DATES OF POOL TO 5K?

    The 10-week pool training program starts the week of July 1 and culminates on race day, September 6. The wrap-up party will be scheduled sometime in mid/late September.

  3. WHEN ARE THE POOL CLASSES?

    We will offer four sessions: days/times TBD.

  4. HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

    The cost for Pool to 5k 2025 is TBD, which can be split into two payments (due July 1 and August 1). Discounts are available for team captains and for families. This fee includes all pool classes, the kick-off event, wrap-up pool party, supplemental land-based training program, additional pool perks, and your race day shirt + course support. It does not include your race entry fees. We recommend signing up for SIB sooner rather than later, as registration fees will increase over time and the race typically sells out.

  5. WHAT HAPPENS IF I MISS A CLASS?

    There are no refunds for missed classes, so if you have extended summer travel plans, this program might not be best for you. Class make-ups may be available in other Pool to 5k sessions depending on space. If you need to miss a class here & there, it shouldn’t impact your progress toward race day goals.

    If class needs to be cancelled by Anderson Aquatics staff due to unforeseen circumstances, every effort will be made to make up the missed class (otherwise, credit will be given for an alternate class).

  6. WHO ARE THE COACHES?

    Breanna and Travis Anderson, owners of Anderson Aquatics, are the Pool to 5k coaches & will provide course support for the Mighty Mermaids on race day. Travis was a 3x All American track & field athlete at the University of Oregon and coached Division I track & field for over 10 years. Breanna was a competitive sprinter back in the day and has completed 2 marathons, 4 half marathons, and numerous 5ks/10ks over the years. This will be her fifth year coaching a Pool to 5k team for the SIB race.

  7. DO I NEED THIS PROGRAM IF I CAN ALREADY WALK/RUN 3 MILES?

    Maybe, maybe not. If a 5k is easy for you, we encourage you to consider setting a loftier goal, like improving your pace or signing up for the longer (10k) race.

    Remember, there are certain intangibles associated with the program, too. More self confidence. Camaraderie. New friends. Being part of a team. Having something to look forward to. And accountability for your summer workouts, of course.

  8. SHOULD I JOIN POOL TO 5K IF I’M NOT PLANNING TO DO THE SHE IS BEAUTIFUL RACE?

    Participation in the race is NOT a requirement for the program, but the workouts truly are designed for those who plan to the 5k or 10k. 

  9. ISN’T WATER RUNNING JUST FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE INJURED?

    That’s a common misconception! EVERYONE can benefit from water workouts. Read our blog about water running here!

  10. I’M NOT A RUNNER. SHOULD I SIGN UP?

    We don’t care if you plan to walk, run, or cartwheel through the She Is Beautiful 5k! You’re all welcome to join us & we believe everyone can benefit from our structured water training program.

  11. HOW MUCH WATER EXERCISE EXPERIENCE DO I NEED? DO I HAVE TO BE A SWIMMER?

    Water exercise & swimming experience is not required to participate in Pool to 5k, but participants should be safe/comfortable in the pool. Everyone will wear buoyancy belts in deep water.

  12. CAN I WALK/RUN WITH YOU WITHOUT DOING THE POOL PROGRAM?

    Sure! You are more than welcome to join the Mighty Mermaids and walk or run with us at the She Is Beautiful race. Here’s our registration link.

  13. IS THIS PROGRAM (AND RACE) ONLY FOR WOMEN?

    No! While it is geared toward women, and you’ll see a lot of pink on race day, men are also welcome to join Pool to 5k and participate in SIB.

  14. CAN CHILDREN SIGN UP FOR POOL TO 5k?

    This program is open to ages 12 & up as long as the minor is safe in the pool with basic swimming skills. A parent/guardian must be on site for all Pool to 5k training sessions and must accompany the child in the She Is Beautiful 5k. Planning to sign up for Pool to 5k with your child? Please inquire for family member discounts.