RIGOROUS TRAINING Class prepares students for half-marathon As a part of the general curriculum requirements, Harding included a one-hour kinesiology activity class. Options for the class included weight and cardio training, racquetball, swimming and scuba diving. The Kinesiology Department expanded its offerings in 2011 to include a half-marathon training class every fall semester, which culminated in the class running a half-marathon together in December. Though the class was initially fairly small with only about seven runners, the class expanded to about 20 in the fall. Wellness Program Coordinator Sarah McGaha taught the class because of her love for running. For McGaha, running provided peace and clarity of thought hard to find elsewhere. "Running is a sport that requires so little; you do not need a gym membership or any equipment, just a good pair of running shoes," McGaha said. "For me, running is when I problem-solve, plan for the future and spend quality time with the Lord." For the class schedule, McGaha used a modified version of a training program designed by runner Hal Higdon, author of "Marathon: The Ultimate Training Guide." The program included a gradual weekly increase in mileage from two miles up to a 12-mile run before the half-marathon, which was a 13.1-mile race. The class offered students much more than simple running techniques and basic training. According to McGaha, the class offered a tangible goal to work toward. She said the students had a feeling of accomplishment at the end of the semester. Junior Jenna Smith enrolled in the half-marathon class to get in shape for her December wedding to 2013 alumnus Barrett Bingham. The class provided a scheduled, structured time to exercise. "I thought it would be fun to run with other students, so I would not have to run by myself," Smith said. "There are 20 students in the class, so it is nice to have someone to talk to while you run. It passes the time a lot faster." Smith also acknowledged that the class challenged each student to have a healthier lifestyle and to dedicate themselves to a goal. "This class forces you to run on the days you don't feel like running," Smith said. "Running is a huge stress reliever for me, and being required to run every week makes me more conscious of how I spend my time and how I manage my priorities." While many half-marathon runners trained without enrolling in a college course, junior Laura King valued the class for its added emphasis on discipline and persistence. "I would recommend this class to anyone remotely interested in running," King said. "It can be overwhelming at first thinking about running 13.1 miles, but the class can help you overcome physical and mental blocks. It not only teaches you how to run, but it also teaches you how to train your mind." The class participated in the St. Jude Children's Hospital Half-Marathon in Memphis, Tenn., on Dec. 7. King said she knew the experience would be emotional, but rewarding. "I am so excited for this half-marathon," King said. "Running this race will put running at a whole new level for me. Running for a cause that matters and that will make a difference makes you feel like you have accomplished something grand in life." Mallory Johnson 302 TOTAL MILES time spent running 30 in the class: hours 59 days spent training 103
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