RunnersWeb Athletics: Gearing Up For Grandma’s 2016

Annual pre-race training seminar set for March 12

Duluth, Minn. - Grandma’s Marathon weekend is just a few months away and training season is in full-swing. To help runners along in their training journey, Essentia Health and Grandma’s Marathon are hosting the annual Gearing up for Grandma’s pre-race seminar on Saturday, March 12. This is a free event from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Essentia Health’s First Street Building and is an entertaining and valuable training resource for both first-time and veteran runners.

For the first time ever, Grandma’s Marathon will offer live-streaming of the event on the Grandma’s Marathon Facebook page for those unable to attend. The live event will give participants worldwide access to seminar information. www.facebook.com/GrandmasMarathon

The seminar’s featured speaker is 3-time Olympic trials qualifier and 2015 Grandma’s Marathon Masters Champion, Katie McGee. Katie will be giving a presentation on “Running through the Ages.”

Katie has been competing as a national road racer for almost twenty years and is enjoying success as a master’s competitor. She is a local elite runner and has won numerous local and regional races, including WhistleStop Marathon and the Fitger’s 5K. She is a 3-time winner of the William A. Irvin 5K and owns the fastest two times in the event’s history, including the course record.

When she is not training, racing or coaching, Katie is a mother of three and a full-time teacher.

Other Gearing Up for Grandma’s presenters include:

Ben Nelson, MD - Grandma’s Marathon Medical Director and Essentia Health Orthopedic/Sports Medicine Physician. Dr. Nelson will provide information on injury prevention and offer tips for staying safe and healthy on race day.

Amanda Joyce, MS, RD, LD - Essentia Health Registered Dietitian. Amanda will present proper training nutrition tips for fueling up for race day.

Jim and Mary Stukel - Owners of Tortoise and Hare Footwear. Jim and Mary will speak about the latest in running gear and the importance of selecting the appropriate shoes.

Following the individual presentations, a question and answer session will be held with all of the presenters. A prize drawing will conclude the event, which is presented by Essentia Health and Grandma's Marathon. .