For the past 12 weeks, about 1,400 people have been busy on Tuesday at 6 p.m.
That is the universal meeting time for the CrimFit Training Program groups, which help people prepare for the various running and walking races in Aug. 23’s Crim Festival of Races in Flint.
‘The program started in 1995 and we had about 130 people,? said Dorie Barkey, CrimFit Training Program Coordinator. ‘It grows every year.?
The program includes entry into the Crim events, health screenings, discounts on running products, access to athletic trainers at the Hurley Health and Fitness Center, and time with Olympic training expert Jeff Galloway.
The cost is $130 per person.
Mary Kathryn Turner said it is worth every penny.
‘I did it last year because I thought I’d need a group to help me run 10 miles, but this year I wanted the speed training,? the Goodrich resident and GHS teacher said.
Turner said her group leaders, who are volunteers with experience in the program, provide strategies for speed work. She also receives nutritional advice.
Along with advice and strategy, Turner found a year-round running partner.
‘I met my friend Amy Wilson through my run group last year, but she also happens to live in my neighborhood,? Turner said. ‘Small world.?
The groups are made up of 15 to 20 runners of the same caliber, based on how fast each can run a mile.
‘We have a kick-off one mile test run and according to the place they come in, they are put into groups,? Barkey said.
Barkey said there are 23 walking groups and 50 running groups. The groups meet in every possible location throughout Flint and Genesee County, the coordinator said.
Turner, 33, wound up in an advanced running group.
‘We were running 13 miles a couple of weeks ago, but now we’re down to 10 mile runs,? Turner said.
In order to stay in shape throughout the week, the runners are asked to complete 50- to 75-minute maintenance runs two times a week.
‘If you didn’t do those runs, I don’t think you’d be prepared for the Crim,? Turner said.
Turner said she and Wilson keep up their training routine throughout the year.
‘We’ve sort of moved beyond the Crim mileage to train for the Detroit Marathon in October,? Turner said.