National Resources
The IMT Des Moines Marathon encourages you to consult a physician, physical therapist and/or personal trainer if you are a beginning or intermediate runner/walker with aspirations of completing a marathon or half marathon.
The links below may be of some assistance to you as you begin to mentally and physically prepare yourself to conquer what will become a life changing experience. Training programs, schedules and nutritional information are available from both our national and local partners.
If you are not finding what you are looking for to assist you in your personal training program for any of the IMT Des Moines Marathon races, please contact the IMT Des Moines Marathon and we'll work with you to develop a training program just for you.
The Active Network
The IMT Des Moines Marathon has teamed up with Active Trainer coaches to offer specific training programs for the IMT Des Moines Marathon and Half Marathon and Principal Financial Group 5K Road Race that are a balance of aerobic, anaerobic and cross-training workouts.
These training programs are built to get people of all levels across the finish line. From the first timer to the seasoned veteran, you will find the right training plan that is designed for you.
Active.com is more than just your source for online registration, it is your comprehensive site for everything we do in our lives to stay active. The IMT Des Moines Marathon has found some great resources online at active.com running and you can to!
Runner's World
Runner's World has been described at the world's leading running magazine. The Runner's World website is interactive and features training tips and nutritional information. They also have a service that offers an online personal trainer...try it for free for ten days!
The IMT Des Moines Marathon - Marathon course presents hills from mile 3 through mile 8 that will challenge you at some point during the race. Runner's World has a variety of tips and resources for Hill Training that you can incorporate into your weekly work out.
Many of us fail to realize that one of the most important aspects of marathon training is the taper phase. Reducing weekly and long run mileage during the final two weeks is vitally important so that you will be fully recovered from previous workouts while at the same time, be completely rested for the big event. The final 3 weeks are the most important in any marathon training program. Here is everything you need to know about Tapering that will lead you up to race day.
Gatorade Endurance Formula
Gatorade Endurance Formula is a specialized sports drink that contains approximately twice the amount of sodium (200 mg per 8 ounces) of Gatorade Thirst Quencher, along with chloride, potassium, magnesium and calcium to help sustain hydration by more fully replacing what is lost in sweat.
Gatorade Endurance Formula also contains a 6% carbohydrate solution (14 grams per 8 ounces), just like Gatorade Thirst Quencher, which research shows is optimal to help speed fluid back into the body and fuel working muscles.
Gatorade Endurance Formula is the official sports beverage drink of the IMT Des Moines Marathon and will feature their lemon lime flavor at each aid station along the course.
Running Times
Running Times is a magazine devoted almost entirely to the marathon runner. The owners of Runner's World recently purchased Running Times and have made a commitment to keeping the focus of the magazine on long distance running. You can search the Running Times website for articles ranging from training for your first marathon to devising an efficient training program.
Jeff Galloway
Jeff Galloway's quest for the injury-free marathon training program led him to develop group training programs in 1978 and to author Runner's World articles and blogs that have been used by hundreds of thousands of runners of all abilities. His training schedules have inspired the second wave of marathoners who follow the Galloway run-walk, low mileage, three-day suggestions to an over 98% success rate.
26.2 The Marathon Website
The goal of the 26.2 website is to provide you with lots of news and information about the marathon event that will help in your training and in the race itself. Their training programs are a great way to get ready for race day. Visit 26.2 The Marathon website for training guides, schedules and FAQ's and check back regularly for news and training information to help you prepare for the IMT Des Moines Marathon.
United States of America Track & Field 
USA Track & Field (USATF) is the National Governing Body for track and field, long-distance running and race walking in the United States. USATF encompasses the world's oldest organized sports, the most-watched events of Olympic broadcasts, the #1 high school and junior high school participatory sport and more than 30 million adult runners in the United States.
You can now plot and save your own running/walking routes using GPS technology and satellite mapping systems with America's Running Routes. The mapping system will designate mile markers, water stops and restrooms an even automatically compile the distance of the route you create. Have fun!
The IMT Des Moines Marathon is a certified and sanctioned USATF event.
Road Runners Club of America
The Road Runners Club of America is a nonprofit organization of more than 700 running clubs and 180,000 members across the United States. The RRCA chapters organize races, have training runs, provide safety guidelines, promote children's and masters fitness running programs, and have social programs.
The IMT Des Moines Marathon is a member of the Road Runners Club of America.
Why We Run Tips For Running In The Summer Months Winter Running Tips
Marathonfamily.com
Marathonfamily.com believes it has the responsibility to deliver the highest level of information possible; for the network of people that support, cheer, and love their runners. This passion stems from founder Scott Winter’s passion for his family, running, and respect for runners.
Every runner, regardless of level, has a support network. It is MarathonFamily.com's vision to enrich the training, racing, and family experience for all involved in making it across the finish line.