YMCA Presents Half Marathon Enjoyment Class

The Northern Door YMCA will be offering a class, “How to Enjoy the Door County Half Marathon.” The class is geared toward improving the abilities of all runners, whether a first-time runner or a veteran marathoner, and incorporating running into a lifetime healthy lifestyle. This nine-week course is designed to introduce participants to the fundamentals of training and racing and also serves as a springboard for those preparing to participate in the upcoming Door County Half Marathon on May 3, 2008 in Peninsula State Park. The course offers various running topics presented by area local experts and runners.

Classes will be held Mondays at the Northern Door YMCA from 4:30 – 5:30 pm February 25 – April 21. Registration begins Monday, February 18 for members and February 20 for non-members. Costs are $24 for members/$48 for non-members.

“How to Enjoy the Door County Half Marathon” Topics and Presenters:

• Intake survey, introduce the event, registration info

Presenters: David Bell, long-time mid-pack runner and fitness enthusiast; Brian Fitzgerald, race organizer; and Mary Knutson, race organizer

• Proper running equipment and gait analysis

Presenter: Steve Bernhardt, Fox Valley Running

• Injury prevention and recognition

Presenter: Dr. Phillip Arnold, Ministry Health Care

• Stretching, strength training, and cross training

Presenter: Lee Stahl, Fitness Director, Northern Door YMCA

• Interval training

Presenter: Bill Wegehaupt, former Marquette University Women’s Cross Country and Track Coach

• Nutrition

Presenter: Carmen Schroeder, Registered Dietician, Door County Memorial Hospital

• Running into the “Golden Years”

Presenter: Dr. Bill Perloff, national ranked age group tri-athlete

• Race strategy and inspiration to reach new goals

Presenter: Sverre Falck-Pedersen, Gibraltar Assistant Cross Country Coach

• Runners’ forum, exit poll, and group fun run

Presenters: Krista Lawell, Boston Marathon Qualifier; and Wendi Ray two-time Olympic Marathon Trials Qualifier