A physical fitness program supposed to last for six to eight weeks to get ready for the 2011 Sedona Marathon is still going one year later.

“I went to a meeting for the marathon and they talked about getting people ready. I volunteered to sponsor a walk — and we’re still walking,” Ruth Ann Burgueno said.

The Let’s Get Fit group of about 14 people, give or take a few each week, gathers each Tuesday around 4:15 p.m. at 450 Jordan Road, After stretching and warming up for a few minutes, the group walks through the surrounding neighborhood for one hour.

“We always return within the hour and we always stay together. How far we walk depends on who shows up and their speed,” Burgueno said. “Some of our group have advanced from walking to running. The runners form a separate group.”

Jan Florec is one of the women who started with the walking group last year and has advanced to running. She said the group has made her a different person.

“I was born in this group. I started walking when the group started because Ruth Ann made me,” said Florec and gave Burgueno a grin. “It’s not just the walking; it’s sharing and the warm camaraderie.”

As the group walks, they share their day with each other and sometimes solve the world’s problems, at least hypothetically.

“I haven’t lost weight but I’m starting to run, which is a first for me,” Florec said as she bent to touch her toes.

In the beginning, walking for an hour was completely exhausting for Kate Athy. She is also an original member of the group. Let’s Get Fit has changed Athy’s life. It’s changed her family’s life.

“I’ve lost a little weight but I’ve lost a lot of inches,” she said. “We also have a family walk every night before supper.”

Like Florec, Athy is one of the runners. She is entered in the 2012 Sedona Marathon 5K race.

Anita Zoller is a new member of the group. She started just before Christmas. She joined because of friends and for the fun.

“It’s also an extra workout to the other activities I do to keep fit,” Zoller said.

As the group warmed up, conversation started and continued throughout the walk.

On Jan. 17, Let’s Get Fit had 10 women show up, most of them regulars.

“Occasionally we have tourists walk with us when they hear about our group,” Burgueno said. “That’s a good idea so they can do some physical activity while on vacation.”

Burgueno invites anyone who wants to get fit in a fun activity to join the group on any Tuesday afternoon.

“Just show up with comfortable clothing and shoes — and water,” she said. “We’re a casual group any anyone is welcome. We start warming up around 4:20 p.m. and start walking right at 4:30 p.m.”