Training for "Strides"

Training for Strides for Life

You can run 100 miles in four days, and it is not at all like running four marathons back-to-

back --- or even one. Our daily running schedule consists of five five-mile segments with

20-minute rest breaks between each segment and a one-and-a-half hour break for lunch.

Still, training preparation is strongly recommended.

* First You should have a solid base of mileage behind you -- 15 to 20 miles a week

for at least six months before you start your "Strides" training

* Second You should begin to gradually increase your mileage by no more than 10

percent per week. By the first of June, you should be running about 40 to

50 miles per week.

* Third Start working on flexibility and continue religiously. Stretch before and after

your runs. Remember, as you increase your mileage, your muscles become

shorter and tighter. Keep them supple; stay strrrrrrrrrretched out!

* Finally If at any time during your training you begin to experience persistent,

localized pain, back off on your mileage. It's imperative that you go into Strides

feeling good and injury free. The little nagging ache you ran through in training

can turn into a debilitating injury under the stress of running 25 miles a day.

If you have any questions, call our Event Coordinator, Deborah Anne Treamer, at 616-365-8886 ext 2

For training advice contact Gale Fischer, email to gdfischer@yahoo.com