Question: Dr. Feil, what can you imagine under the program "Lauf geht's - Together for the half marathon"?
Feil: We motivate people to start a healthier life. It's not about hitting peak times. Our training plans are designed in such a way that after 26 weeks you can enjoy a half marathon without being overwhelmed and still want to keep running regularly. It's also about being motivated to have a lot of fun and joy in a group of like-minded people.
IMAGE: Archivedr Wolfgang Feil, born in 1959, is an active endurance athlete and marathon runner. He studied biology, sports science and innovation management and also did his doctorate in biology.
Question: There are also costs for the participants. Why should you invest the money?
Feil: The contributions to "Lauf geht's" are a long-term investment. The participant is introduced to regular running with an individual training plan, so that he can continue to run healthily after this time. Special mobilization and stabilization exercises also strengthen the abdominal and back muscles. In addition, the participant receives a lot of important tips and information. Through online lectures, webinars and motivational emails on anti-inflammatory and fat-activating nutrition, he also learns step by step how he can change his diet in the long term. That means: "Lauf geht's" is an investment in a long, healthier life.
Question: Who can take part and what do you have to watch out for – especially at the beginning?
Feil: Anyone can take part – even beginners are carefully introduced. We first introduce running via walking so that there is no overload. Beginners should not do more than the training plan says. They are often over-motivated at first and think that they could actually walk or run a little longer than planned. However, this should not be done.
Question: What equipment do the participants need and what should be taken into account?
Feil: Luckily, running is one of the cheapest sports. The running shoe is by far the most important thing. Under no circumstances should you start with the old sneakers or buy cheap sports shoes in the discount store, because this will inevitably lead to an injury. I would like to recommend every participant to get good advice from a specialist sports shop – perhaps with a short running analysis. Because with the right shoe you will be able to run many kilometers with fun, joy and success. Good functional clothing is not essential, but recommended. This allows you to be out and about in all seasons, depending on the weather.
Question: How much time must be planned for the training and what does it look like in detail?
Feil: The training initially takes three hours a week and then slowly increases to four hours. It is designed to be very motivating and alternating. The main part takes place in the very slow range, so that even people who have not done any sport for years can take part without any problems.
An information event via the online platform "Zoom" with "Lauf geht's" initiator Wolfgang Grandjean, at which the overall concept will be explained, will take place next Wednesday, February 9, at 7:30 p.m. Registration for this is only possible online via the following link: www.NWZ-lauf-gehts.de. The event can then also be viewed as a video on the "Lauf geht's" homepage.
The start is on April 19th at 7:30 p.m. with the lecture “Training with sense, understanding and fun” and the distribution of starting documents.
The running clubs start on April 30th at six different locations in the region. All other running meetings always take place on Sundays at 9 a.m.
The aim of "Lauf geht's" is to take part in the half marathon in Oldenburg on October 16th. A milestone check will take place in Schortens at the Jever Fun Run on August 20th.
The running program costs EUR 59.90 per month, EUR 49.90 for NWZ subscribers (over six months). There is also a one-time starter fee of EUR 59.90 (EUR 49.90 for NWZ subscribers). The starter fee does not apply to repeaters.
The registration period ends on March 20, 2022.
Question: Are there any restrictions due to the corona pandemic?
Feil: Experience with the pandemic shows that outdoor sports have always been possible. Group training could also take place regularly in 2021 with slight shifts. This year we have better conditions and assume that the group training will take place regularly from the beginning. Participants receive all training and nutrition tips via online videos.
Question: Is there an experience that you particularly remember from the past few years at "Lauf geht's"?
Feil: The NWZ sends me snapshots at the end of each "Lauf geht's" program. The beaming looks of the participants always give me goosebumps - I'm always happy how much happiness and good feelings "Lauf geht's" conveys.
Registrations are now possible at www.nwz-lauf-gehts.de