Thinking about running the Detroit Free Press/Flagstar Bank International Marathon presented by Casino Windsor this October 21st? Want a good place to start? During the next few weeks many of Michigan and Ontario's running stores will begin their marathon in-training programs. It is a great opportunity to join others and especially helpful for first timers to get information and ask questions of coaches and speakers that attend weekly sessions.
The programs vary from 16 to 20 weeks. Most offer weekly runs from the store and provide you with a preparation guide based on your fitness and ability. Classes keep you up to date on things like what to wear, nutrition and injury prevention. Experienced runners that attend will share their stories and what to do during the weeks before the main event. It is often an opportunity to hook up with others for long runs on the weekends too.
Most stores offer a staged twenty-mile run three weeks before marathon day. The Downtown Runners club along with Windsor's Running Factory store will be setting up runs over the last six miles of the marathon course to help familiarize you with your surroundings. This can be a tremendous benefit when your mind just doesn't want to think after the twenty-mile mark.
Many of these programs are very inexpensive ($25 to $40). Some offer in-training t-shirts or a racing singlet to identify you with the program. Compared to a personal trainer it's a real bargain.
Intimidated still? Dr. Jack Skaff, in-training coordinator for the Honolulu Marathon has helped more than 10,000 runners over the last 25 years. Many, who thought the marathon was in the realm of the impossible, were able to complete the distance. Local Michigan stores have also achieved great success. It has spawned similar programs for shorter races. The River Bank Run and The Crim now have their own programs and are part of the Freep Marathon's in-training races.
Keith Hanson (Hanson's Running Shop) and Randy Step (Running Fit) serve as in-training hosts and promote charities like Multiple Sclerosis (the MSAMS Team). Women especially have found that this combination has given them an additional incentive to stay with their training.
Want another in-training avenue? The Marathon web site:
will soon have a virtual training program for beginners through very experienced runners. It's a 22 week program that I have designed that includes post race recovery. It's free and it will give you daily reminders and tips to help keep you motivated.
Tip of the Week: You learn something from almost every race you run. Often it’s the ones where you make the biggest mistake that in time becomes the most memorable and teaches you something about life and running.
Upcoming Race of the Week: Dexter to Ann Arbor Run. May 25th is the Expo and Kids run. May 26th: 5km — 7:40am, 10km — 8:10am, _ Mar — 8:30am. Information: 734.528.9485, email:
