You’re running out of reasons to not run the Kauai Marathon. One, it just became a better deal. And two, if you need help with training, options are available. Let’s start with the money. The 2014 Kauai Marathon has partnered
You’re running out of reasons to not run the Kauai Marathon.
One, it just became a better deal. And two, if you need help with training, options are available.
Let’s start with the money.
The 2014 Kauai Marathon has partnered with Work It Out in Kapaa for an in-store Kauai resident registration promotion. From May 15-31, any Kauai resident who registers for the Kauai Marathon at the Work It Out store in Kapaa receives $40 off a full or half marathon entry, as well as a special Kauai Marathon gift. Half Marathon entries are $75 while the full marathon entry is $105. Promotional entry forms are only available at Work It Out and must be completed and paid for at the store to receive the discount. Kauai residents must present valid driver’s license to pick up race packets at the Expo on Friday, Aug. 29 or Saturday, Aug. 30 at the host hotel, the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and SpaWork It Out is at 4-1312 Kuhio Highway. It is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and can be contacted at (808) 822-2292.
Boot Camp By Stacy is excited to be part of the promotion as well. Owner Stacy Ricciardi offers a variety of outdoor fitness classes and will help get you in shape for the big race. For more information on her class schedule email bootcampbystacy@hawaii.rr.com or contact Stacy at (808) 635-1143.
The sixth annual Kauai Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 31 in Poipu. The event offers the marathon and half marathon distances, which are certified by USATF.
Now, what about that part of help with training for race day.
A 16-week program designed to prepare runners for the challenging Kauai Half Marathon is being offered by FitbodKauai in collaboration with the Department of Parks and Recreation.
Runners of all levels, from beginners to seasoned, will benefit from the program.
The group will meet on Tuesdays, 4:45 to 6 p.m., at the Vidinha Stadium. One Saturday a month, the group will have the opportunity to run on the Kauai Half Marathon course.
Among the topics that will be covered in the training are the following:
• Skills and drills to improve running form and technique that will enable participants to train smarter and run longer, stronger and faster.
• How to apply the three energy-training systems — VO2Max, Anaerobic Threshold and Aerobic Endurance with fartleks, hills, tempo, intervals and progression runs.
• Core strength, injury prevention, hydration and nutrition, and race day strategy.
• Weekly run schedules.
For information regarding training cost or to sign up for the training, go to http://www.fitbodkauai.com/event-training.html. Anyone with questions can contact Coach Pam Kruse at 635-7497 or via email, fitbod@hawaii.rr.com.
If that training program doesn’t sound right for you, if you’re looking for something a little more basic, something free, someone to bounce training ideas off, give me a call at The Garden Island. I’ve run many marathons, including Boston, completed three 50 milers and two Ironmans, so I have an idea of how to prepare for such events and would be glad to line out something to get you off and walking or running.
Final note, I mentioned before that buying a pair of good, quality running shoes is the best investment you can make for running. But beware of shoes that come with claims they’ll make you run faster, jump higher or look like a supermodel if you wear them.
A case in point, not long ago, fueled the fantastic book “Born to Run,” barefoot running became a national craze. One company, Vibram had what was basically a glove, “FiveFingers,” designed for a foot. They sold well, to put it mildly. It wasn’t unusual to see folks out running with these odd, shoe-type things on their feet. But there was a problem. Vibram, as part of a class action settlement, “agreed to discontinue certain aspects of its advertising and marketing campaign. Specifically, the company says it will no longer make claims that the FiveFingers shoes are effective at strengthening muscles or preventing injury unless those claims are supported by reliable scientific evidence. Under the terms of the class action settlement, Vibram will also refrain from making any other claims about the health benefits of the FiveFingers footwear unless they are supported by competent and reliable scientific evidence.”
We should add that “Vibram has denied any wrongdoing but agreed to settle the FiveFingers class action lawsuit to avoid the expense and uncertainty of trial.”
Similar cases came up in the past, when companies claimed you could improve your butt, your posture, your overall fitness, just by wearing their shoes.
Along the same lines, be cautious when you read claims about supplements — all you have to do is take a pill or drink liquid a few times a day — that will improve your health. There’s no way around it: If you want to get in better shape, it takes work. Exercise, diet, rest, recovery.
I hope to see you out there.
