tHE tRaiN gaME

Writer: Cammie Wright | sKyloFt photography

arEa wOMEn train FOr tHE FargO MaratHOn in DiFFErEnt, inSPiring wayS

The longer days of spring mean one thing for those preparing for the Fargo Marathon: It’s crunch time. The mild temperatures and melting snow leave no excuses to get outside and put miles behind you. We caught up with three area women training for the May 18th Fargo Marathon to find out how they train and stay motivated.

Michelle Keil

Q: What race are you running in this year’s Fargo Marathon?

I will be running the half marathon. I have done the Fargo Marathon three times and this will be my fourth time in 2013.

Q: Tell me about your training plan at this point*?

This year I decided to do something a little different than in years past. I am doing more strength training on the cross days. I use Hal Higdon’s training schedule with some slight modifications to it. Bryon, my husband, joined Cross Fit this last fall. He gives me a workout to incorporate into those days on to help with strength and endurance. I am hoping that by doing more strength training I can get faster.

Currently I am running about 12 miles per week and will build up to 20-22 miles by the half. Saturdays are my long run days so I can recuperate on the weekend.

*Print deadline was March 1, 2013

Q: Do you have anything special or different planned for this year’s Marathon weekend? Running for a cause? Running with a group?

Every year we have a party after the race. I get a “Tamra” cake (my friend makes the best cakes in the world!) and since you just ran thirteen miles you are negative about 1500 calories for the day so you can have more than one slice or a very large one that day! We have been doing this since 2010. Every year the party has gotten a little bigger.

Q: What race are you running in this year’s Fargo Marathon? Half marathon.

Q: Tell me about your training plan at this point?*

I joined the FSR Fargo Marathon Training group. FSR stands for Faster Stronger Runner. We are up to seven miles for our long runs. The group long runs are on Saturday mornings at 6:30 am. A great way to start the day! But I have had to change my Friday night plans to get to bed early, drink lots of water the day before and limit Friday night cocktails.

Q: Do you have any loved ones that are particularly encouraging or influential in your training?

My running girlfriends – could not and would not run without them because I do not have the will power to run by myself. I need to know someone is waiting for me to meet them to run.

Q: What advice would you give to first time runners preparing for a Fargo Marathon race?

If I can do it – you can do it! I never ran and just started to run when I turned 39. Set your mind to finishing the race and do not focus on how long it takes you to finish – all that matters is that you did it. Get a friend to join you and set a schedule to run together or join a training group. Running with a group or with a friend makes the training runs so much more enjoyable. As busy moms, we never have time to catch up with our friends – this is your opportunity to catch up with your friend while doing training runs together.

Sue Knutson

Q: What race are you running in this year’s Fargo Marathon?

I’m running the half marathon.

Q: Tell me about your training plan at this point?*

I’m doing four runs per week - with the long runs on Saturdays. I average somewhere between 25 and 35 miles per week at this point - with my longest ‘long run’ to date being 15 miles. I’m going to Minneapolis this weekend to run a half marathon. As a norm, I like to maintain enough endurance that I could go run a half marathon on any given weekend. The runs during the week consist of speedwork & tempo runs - with some “easy runs.” Cross-training is very important to me, so I swim at least two times/wk, spin, do the Precor elliptical & lift weights on my cross training/rest days.

Q: What advice would you give to first time runners preparing for a Fargo Marathon race for the first time?

I would tell them to start slow - give themselves time to get used to running (run/walk) - and listen to your body. It took me at least one month before I could run one mile straight when I started ... and it was a very slow jog. However, it was the most gratifying moment to know that

I could do it! Celebrate your successesevery step accomplished is important!

Q: Are you running the Fargo Marathon for a cause?

I’m running for Newt Running - an organization that I set up for my late sister - Dr. Renee Schwandt. I would like to raise funds to donate in her name to things that were dear to her - Essentia (her job), mission trips, and those in need. (For more information visit www. newtmission.com.)

For more information about the 2013 Fargo Marathon, or to register online, go to www.fargomarathon.com.