Teams begin training for half marathon

A runner since 2006, Diane Lyons created ShamRockersUSA, Inc. for the purpose of introducing kids to crossing the finish line of half marathons around the world.

“To teach the joys of long-distance running is to also teach the mental commitment to a challenge, the proper nutrition required for optimum health, time management to work your training around homework and jobs and the ability to ignore the minor physical obstacles and injuries that may occur during training,” Lyons said.

In addition to the First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon and Relay, in which the ShamRockersUSA team has participated since the first race, the team also runs every Disney Endurance Series race, takes running holidays abroad and in June 2012 hopes to run the Finland Santa Claus Marathon.

“We make it fun — the kids lose weight, gain friends and achieve success, which grows their self-esteem,” Lyons said.

To help first-timers or veterans get to the finish line within a projected time or goal, local running stores, charity organizations and coaches are offering a variety of training programs. The full list can be found at sarasotahalfmarathon.com.

TEAMS IN TRAINING: ON YOUR MARK
The following organizations and clubs offer training programs for the First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon and Relay.

Fit2Run
Deadline: Open enrollment
Details: Twelve-week training program. Group meets at 6 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays and 6 a.m. Saturdays. Location to be determined. Fit2Run will host an informational meeting Dec. 15, at 8485 Cooper Creek Blvd. The first group run starts Tuesday, Dec. 20.
Cost: $100.
Info: Call 358-5100 or email [email protected]

IRunMommies — ‘No Mommy Left Behind’
Deadline: Open now
Details: Various group training runs occur throughout the week or find a partner to run with independently. Long group training run at 6 a.m. Saturdays. Meet and run with other moms interested in running. Run your individual pace with guidance from experienced running coaches. Supportive, encouraging group that adheres to the “No Mommy Left Behind” motto.
Cost: Varies based on participation, between $10 to $25 per month.
Info: Email [email protected] or visit www.IRunMommies.com

Karna Fitness
Deadline: There is no deadline but only three spots remain.
Details: Designed just for women. Focused on intervals of two minutes jogging followed by one minute of power walking with heart rate recovery training. Offers a 12-week training program; group meets at 7:30 a.m. at Karna Fitness, 665 S. Orange Ave., Suite 10, and 5:45 a.m. at Brookside Middle School track.
Cost: $149 for first-time participants; $74 for returning participants
Info: Call 400-3616 or email [email protected]

New Balance inMotion / Fleet Feet Sarasota
Deadline: Training programs have started; registration open until Jan. 14, 2012, and is based on current fitness level.
Details: New Balance inMotion walk, walk/run and running programs available. Includes two coaching sessions per week. Running takes place at 6 a.m. Saturdays and 6 p.m. Tuesdays; walk/run at 7 a.m. Thursdays and Saturdays. Group meets at New Balance, Brookside Middle School track and Marina Jack. Includes training program schedules, New Balance technical shirt, in-store discounts and discount offer for First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon registration and guest speakers in the areas of nutrition, injury prevention and stretching.
Cost: $125 for 10-week program
Info: Call 921-3696 or visit stores.newbalance.com/Sarasota/races.aspx or www.fleetfeetsarasota.com.

ShamRockersUSA teen training
Deadline: Open now
Details: Training runs are held at 7:15 a.m. and 8:45 a.m. Saturdays for kids 10 to 18 years old. Safe and fun run/walk method that is natural to the body. No previous experience required.
Cost: $149 and includes race shirt
Info: Call 321-6208, email [email protected] or visit www.ShamRockersUSA.com