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For any level of runner – casual or experienced – who is interested in the Mankato Marathon, the Mankato Family YMCA is the community’s best source of training, information and support. Whether you’re a veteran marathoner or a casual runner who’s interested in the challenge of a big run, classes are available in distance levels from 5k to marathon.

The basic starting point is the Y’s “From Zero to 5K” class (Spring Class - April 5 - May 26). This course leads participants toward being able to complete a 5K run. It’s a course in which you start out walking or jogging, all the while strengthening your core and improving flexibility toward the 5K goal.

The next step is the “10K Training” class (Spring Class - April 6 - May 27). This class meets twice a week – one day for a long run and a second day for attention on core strength training and base runs. If you can already run three miles, this is the class to begin your training.

In summer, the YMCA offers half marathon and full marathon classes. These 15-week classes cover all aspects of what a runner needs to complete either marathon. A strong emphasis is placed on core strength training – vital for runners’ abilities to go the distance. The classes will involve work on speed, form and basic strength-training.

Classes are led by certified trainers, experienced runners and marathoners. The YMCA’s fitness program is headed by Joy Leafblad, who has 18 years of experience in fitness training. Check back here for specific dates of the half marathon and full marathon classes. For immediate information, contact Joy Leafblad at 507-345-9813.

In the News: Click here for a March 21, 2010 Mankato Free Press article titled, "Local Marathon Raises Interest in Training".

Other Training Programs AND RUNNING GROUPS:

Team Skorch

Team Skorch, a premiere fall marathon and half marathon training program in South Central Minnesota, combines expert coaching and a fun, group-oriented training plan designed to keep you motivated and to get you fit for your event. Our program runs 24 weeks in total (any less time is unsafe and unrealistic if you want to train safely) starting May 8th and concludes on Oct 23rd when you hit that finish line!! Meet up with numerous others just like you every week and train together. Learn directly from an expert and experienced distance runner how to train safely and correctly. Have FUN!! Don't miss this opportunity to do something exciting and challenging with your life! Runner AND WALKERS welcome! Registration opens March 25th and Closes May 29th. Sign up today. MORE INFO

Anytime Fitness Runners Club

Looking for a group to run with? Anytime Fitness has a running club that meets at 6:15 p.m. on Wednesdays on the Red Jacket Trail by the Mankato Family YMCA on Riverfront Drive. They run anywhere from two to ten miles. Meet dressed and ready to run. Bring water if needed. If storming or raining, runs will be cancelled. Call either Anytime Fitness location for more information.

Riverfront Anytime Fitness - 507.388.7002

Victory Drive Anytime Fitness - 507.388.7066

The Runner's Edge Group Runs

Experience the benefits of running with others, build your confidence, develop new relationships and extend your own knowledge of running. The Runner's Edge, a sport psychology consulting practice in Mankato, sponsors group runs twice a week including every Wednesday afternoon and Saturday morning. The group runs begin with a mental tip and are organized by fellow runners Chris Schull, Clint Counselor and Cindra Kamphoff with The Runner's Edge. Locations of the runs change regularly to keep us excited about running. To find the weekly location, visit http://yourrunnersedge.com. All paces welcome and there is water/Gatorade along the route on each Saturday run. Please join us and spread the excitement about running to others!













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