Have You Started Training?

April 9, 2010

Runners and walkers planning on taking part in the 34th annual Bellin Run are encouraged to start training now for a better experience on race day, Saturday, June 12.

A complete training guide for runners and walkers can be found under the Training header on the Bellin Run web site’s home page. According to the guide, formal training for the Bellin Run should have started Sunday, March 28. But it’s never too late to start, said Nate Vandervest, a strength and conditioning specialist at Bellin Health Sports Medicine.

“The training guide is just that – a guide,” he said. “We do recommend that you start training now for a more fulfilling experience later, but if you start later this week or even next week, you’ll be alright. The main thing we’ve been telling people is that they just get out there and start training soon.”

The Bellin Run 10K will take place at 8 a.m. Saturday, June 12. The 6.2 mile race takes runners and walkers though the streets of Green Bay and Allouez. Last year, 16,746 people registered for the Bellin Run. It marked the fifth consecutive year of record-registration for the annual event.

Bellin Run participants run the gamut in terms of ability levels. There are elite athletes as well as casual joggers and even stroller participants.

“It’s really an event that lends itself to all participants,” said executive race director Randy Van Straten. “It’s an inviting event and at just over six miles, it’s the right level of challenge for seasoned athletes as well as first-time participants.”

Runners and walkers who need a little help getting started with their training can attend the free Run a Better Bellin class taking place Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. The class helps train prospective participants for the June 12 run/walk.

Sessions are held every Wednesday evening up until race week. Each week the class will start off with a 5-10 minute informational session and warm up, followed by a run or walk. Routes will start at 1 mile and gradually build up to 6 miles.

The April 14 class will offer a short run of 1.6 miles and a long run of 3 miles. The brief discussion topic will center on core strength.

The Run a Better Bellin class takes place at Bellin Health’s Green Bay Health & Athletic Performance Center, 1630 Commanche, Green Bay (near the airport). Participants are asked to meet in the west reception area.