Training for a marathon can be a daunting task, almost as daunting as running the 26 mile odyssey. A runner needs to learn how to properly train, how to pace a workout and how to eat right.

Incline High School cross country coach Bill Devine, a veteran marathon runner, is offering to train anyone in Incline Village as a fundraiser for the three IHS sports he coaches — varsity cross country, varsity girls basketball and varsity track.
“What I want to do is offer guidance for those who want to train for a marathon,” Devine said. “Whether they want to run one in a fast time or just finish, the training is open to anybody.”

Devine said he plans to start training runners Monday, June 2, for the California International Marathon, which covers the 26 miles between Folsom, Calif. and Sacramento, Calif. on Sunday, Dec. 7.

“Don’t be intimidated,” Devine said. “Everyone will have an individualized program and I’m looking for people of all ability levels.”

The marathon is perfect for fundraising, Devine said, because the runners can recruit sponsors for a straight donation or a donation per each mile ran, encouraging the runners to finish all 26. Devine said he’ll pair high school runners with anyone signed up for the marathon to assist in recruiting donors. He also said that runners can train to compete in five- and 10- kilometer races.

There will be one or two group runs per week, Devine said, which will serve as training and as a tool to introduce runners to local trails.

“Some people stay away from running outside around here because they aren’t sure where trails lead to and don’t want to get lost, but the group runs will show people where to go, we’ll introduce them to new trails,” Devine said.

He also plans to have guest speakers for the marathon-training group, including physical therapists, doctors and chiropractors. They will educate the runners on proper footwear, proper diet during training and the correct way to deal with injuries.
“Don’t worry if you don’t sign up right away, we’ll take anyone at any time, I think this community is pretty active and people may have thought about running a marathon before and never have,” Devine said.

The runners will have an informational meeting 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 28 at the North Lake Tahoe Bonanza community room. Anyone interested in information or in signing up are encouraged to call Devine at (775) 544-7385 or e-mail him at wdevine4803@sbcglobal.net.