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Mini Training Program

NIFS Mini-Marathon Training Program

Having fun going 13.1!

Geist Half Marathon participants also welcome!

2010 Registration

Click here to download a registration form

Click here to download a brochure

Why join our program?

“I never thought I could run 13 miles. Not only did I finish but I never struggled on the race day and I was hardly sore at all!“
2009 PROGRAM PARTICIPANT

“We have participated in other training programs in the past and in my opinion the NIFS program beats theirs hands down.”
JENNIFER M.

“I look forward to participating every year. The training program is even more fun than the actual race!“
DENISE B.

“It was an awesome program. It was great knowing someone would be there each week cheering you on to do your best!“
2009 PROGRAM PARTICIPANT

Thank You to Our Program Sponsors!

Runners Forum logo

We are pleased to partner with the American Cancer Society’s Determination Program!

Program Details

Whether you will be participating in your first half-marathon or you're a seasoned racer, in the NIFS program you will:

  • Set a goal and reach it!
  • Improve your health and fitness!
  • Meet people who move at your speed and motivate you!

This comprehensive program has been developed by exercise physiologists, fitness specialists and registered dietitians to optimize your performance in the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon on Saturday, May 8, 2010 or any other spring half marathon.

The NIFS 14-week program provides an in-depth, personalized and interactive training approach. Features include:

  • Two convenient locations: NIFS (downtown Indy) and Cherry Tree Elementary School (Carmel)
  • Weekly group training runs and walks on Wednesday evenings
  • The Absolute Beginner's Guide to Half-Marathon Training, that can be purchased by participants, published by Que Publishing and written by program coordinator Heather Hedrick Fink, MS, RD, CSSD at almost 50% OFF the cover price when you join the NIFS Training Program. The book can be puchased seperately at NIFS, via www.amazon.com or your local Borders or Barnes & Noble bookstores
  • Training program and logs designed for your level of training, experience and goals
  • Cross training on a variety of cardiovascular and strength training equipment at the NIFS Fitness Center
  • Educational Training Clinic & Expo held during the program orientation
  • Weekly snacks and refreshments
  • A celebration post-event dinner party

Time... Date... Location... Registration

Two locations:
National Institute for Fitness and Sport
250 University Boulevard Downtown in White River State Park, on the campus of IUPUI
Wednesdays at 6:00 pm beginning January 27, 2010

Cherry Tree Elementary School
13989 Hazel Dell Parkway, Carmel
Wednesdays at 6:00 pm beginning January 27, 2010

Program dates and times:

  • Program orientation, packet pickup, and Training Clinic will be held on Wednesday, January 27, at 6:00 pm at the NIFS and Carmel locations.
  • Monitored training walks and runs will be held weekly beginning on Wednesday, February 3, at the NIFS and Carmel locations.
  • The program will end on May 12 with a celebration pasta dinner.
  • Registration details:
    • Print and complete the Registration Form and send along with a check, money order or credit card information made out to the National Institute for Fitness and Sport (via mail or fax). To register by phone via credit card, call 317.274.3432 ext. 222.
    • Spaces are limited, therefore pre-registration is required.
    • All payments are non-refundable.
    • Participants must be at least 16 years old.
    • Participants ARE NOT automatically entered into the race. We recommend you register for the Mini-Marathon as soon as possible at www. 500festival.com. They predict filling the race by early to late November. We also recommend registering for the Geist Half Marathon as soon as possibe at www.geisthalf.com
    • Participants who are NOT Fitness Center members must complete a physical activity readiness questionnaire and waiver form.
    • Participants must be able to walk or run a minimum of 2 miles at a 16-minute mile pace.
    • T-shirt size is not guaranteed.
  • Program cost:
    • $70 for NIFS members (with the Absolute Beginner's Guide to Half-Marathon Training book)
    • $60 for NIFS members (without the Absolute Beginner's Guide to Half-Marathon Training book)
    • $80 for guest members (with the Absolute Beginner's Guide to Half-Marathon Training book)
    • $70 for guest members (without the Absolute Beginner's Guide to Half-Marathon Training book)
  • Parking is NOT included at NIFS. Parking is available for guest members in White River State Park.
  • Parking is available for Carmel participants in the Cherry Tree Elementary school parking lot.

Need to register?
Click here for the Mini-Training Registration Form.

Questions?
Call Heather Fink at 317.274.3432 ext. 238 or email.

Absolute Beginner's Guide to Half-Marathon Training provides readers an easy-to-understand introduction to the world of walking or running 5Ks, 10Ks and half-marathons. Illustrated to make learning quick and easy and loaded with notes on training gadgets and gear, staying motivated and how to train without pain this book makes walking and running an accessible and easy-to-practice fitness routine.

The book is an excellent guide for training for the 500 Festival Mini-Marathon or Geist Half Marathon but can also be used for other 5K, 10K and half-marathon races throughout the year. Absolute Beginner's Guide to Half-Marathon Training is offered to program participants at a discounted rate of only $10. For those who are unable to join the weekly training program, the book is sold at NIFS, on www. amazon.com and at your local Borders and Barnes & Noble bookstores for $18.95.

Chapter topics include:

  • Setting goals and tracking your progress (training and nutrition logs available online)
  • 5K, 10K and half-marathon training protocols
  • Determining appropriate heart rate training zones
  • Safety precautions and injury prevention techniques
  • Tips on proper walking and running form
  • Guidelines for stretching and strengthening exercises for walkers and runners
  • Daily nutrition and race-day nutrition
  • Mental training for race-day and motivational techniques
  • Racing strategies
  • Resources for walking, running, nutrition and racing events/clubs across the country
  • Plus much more!!

Thousands of athletes have experienced the journey of a lifetime by dedicating their participation in endurance events to the fight against cancer through the American Cancer Society's DetermiNation Program. By turning your passion for running or walking into a meaningful way to support the Society, you will be providing hope for cancer patients and their families and for a future without the disease. Find out more by visiting http://www.acsDetermiNation.org.