Jan 21, 2006

Walkers Can Train at SacFit

Recently, we had a chance to talk with Ken Press, Director of SacFit...a training club that serves walkers and runners from all over northern California. As things get started for the 2006 training season, here are some fast facts about what the organization offers walkers.

Q: SacFit trains both runners and walkers for competitive events. Do you cater more to runners than walkers?
A: Half of our membership is walkers. We have a dedicated walking coach and you’re guaranteed to find a group of a couple-dozen people who are at your same ability level.

Q: How do walkers train for competitive events?
A: Guided by our lesson plan, every Saturday, SacFit has structured walking and running schedules with several coaches who observe and advise during the walk or run. During the week, athletes can apply what they’ve learned while walking with their spouse, friend or fellow SacFit members. When you join SacFit, you get involved in a training program and then we can decide if you want to train in general or train for a marathon.

Q: Is training affordable?
A: We have a very reasonable membership fee and deliver one of the best values in town. We don’t charge much because we want people to spend their money on good, solid equipment. Great shoes cost between $80 to $100 and need to be replaced every three to four months, so that is where we would like the investment to be made.

Q: What’s the calendar for walk training?
A: Because our region is home to many race directors and race owners, we train according to the local races of the season. In spring, you’ll find walker-friendly 5Ks and 10Ks. The Davis Stampede and Fleet Feet Shamrock half-marathons are the two early year half marathons. In the fall, there’s the Buffalo Stampede, the Cow Town Half-Marathon and the Clarksburg 30K and Half-Marathon that are perfectly aligned to schedule as training for the California International Marathon (CIM). That’s a huge benefit because you can make the first three events your benchmark races and see how you’re doing before competing in the CIM.

Q: How can walkers get involved with SacFit?
A: Get signed up now through the end of January! Join us Saturday mornings at 8:30 a.m. at William Pond Park (At the east end of Arden Way) for orientation and workouts. On our website, select “Click to Join”.

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