‘Bricks’ training taking it to the streets in prep for Mini-Marathon

INDIANAPOLIS – Participants for the 2010 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon have the chance to get a head start with a training program offered by Ken Long & Associates.

“Bricks to Bricks,” sponsored by St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers, is a 16-week training program designed to prepare runners and walkers for the May 8 race. This year’s event is expected to draw more than 35,000 from eight foreign countries and 49 states.

“There is much more to running and walking a road race than just putting one foot in front of the other,” said Ken Long We feel that going out and just doing mileage, whether individually or with a group, is not sufficient to adequately meet participants’ goals.”

Long is the owner of the KLA, a training, road racing and consulting organization. He is the former race director of the Mini-Marathon.

The training schedule and locations:

Jan. 26-May 4: Roberts Park United Methodist Church, 401 N. Delaware, Indianapolis.
Jan, 27-May 5: Greenwood United Methodist Church, 535 N. Madison Ave., Greenwood.

Runners and walkers meet at the same location and time. The downtown and south groups have separate rooms and instructors for the runners and walkers. Beginning with the second meeting, group workouts are offered either before or after class.

“All ages and abilities from the beginner to the experienced racer and the advanced are welcome,” Long said. “The program will prepare participants physically and mentally to accomplish their goals, not only for the Mini-Marathon, but for the continuation of their running and walking goals.”

Since 1985, St. Francis Hospital has served as a corporate sponsor of the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. However, the hospital also takes it a step further by encouraging preparation and healthy lifestyles through Bricks to Bricks training. On race day, the hospital provides medical assistance and other forms of volunteer support.

To register or learn more about the St. Francis “Bricks to Bricks” training program, go to www.kenlongassoc.com.