Fuel your performance with a FREE hills training program offered by the IMT Des Moines Marathon, Des Moines University, and Fitness Sports.

The best part: The program incorporates the IMT Des Moines Marathon hills into YOUR training. Join us each Thursday in September on the Des Moines University campus in Des Moines.

Each session includes training and pre-run and cool-down stretching techniques offered by the Des Moines University Running and Cycling Clinic. Then, join members of the IMT Des Moines Marathon Pace Team presented by Fitness Sports for a guided warm-up and run through the marathon course hills between miles 3 and 8. Get one-on-one advice and support from certified physical therapists and Des Moines University and Fitness Sports experts.

It’s an excellent opportunity to tour the DMU Running and Cycling Clinic and learn about running analysis, runner strength, plyometric training, mobility, and more. Newcomers are just as welcome as avid runners. If you desire to be active, become a more efficient runner, and meet others, this program is for you!
*All training runs start and finish at Des Moines University.
** Participants will be asked to sign a liability waiver before participating in the group run.
***Parking is available in the DMU parking garage or the southeast parking lot. Please see the map below.***

INTRODUCTION TO HILL TRAINING
While training for a race, we all want to avoid injuries and be as fast and efficient as possible. Pain and injuries among runners are often due to multiple factors but commonly include less-than-ideal movement patterns or a mismatch between the body’s capacity and the training load.
During the four-week program, you will learn how wearable motion analysis technology can assess movement posture and efficiency to identify problems and specific training strategies to build your resilience as a runner.
Week One; September 8
Location: DMU Physical Therapy Clinic – 8th floor, DMU Clinic building
6:00 p.m.
Hill Training Techniques – Brandon Wheat, DPT’23
Running any distance is an accomplishment, but the added challenge of multiple hills between you and the finish line can make even the shortest race seem daunting. Adapting the proper mindset and running form can allow you to conquer the hills while keeping the fuel tank full. This session will cover ways to change one’s perspective regarding inclines and provide education on the proper running form to allow maximum performance during and after the hill.
6:15 p.m.
Hill training with the IMT Des Moines Marathon Pace Team presented by Fitness Sports
7:00 p.m.
Des Moines University Recovery Zone
Treat yourself following the training at the Recovery Zone. Enjoy access to Normatec Compression devices and self-massage tools, or get stretched out by a DMU student.
***Parking is available in the DMU parking garage or the southeast parking lot.

Week Two; September 15
Location: Olsen Center
6:00 p.m.
Driving Your Way to the Finish Line: The Importance of Hip Drive – Kyle Hauser, DPT’24
The hip drive is a vital aspect of running that is often overlooked, especially at the end of a long run. The hip drive will power you to finish strong when the finish line is in sight, and the legs feel like Jell-O. A training program emphasizing hip strength is critical to maintaining an efficient form that conserves energy and saves wear and tears on the hip joint. This presentation will cover the importance of hip drive in marathon runners, introductory biomechanics of the hip, exercises to target hip musculature, and various cues to focus on throughout the marathon to help emphasize hip drive.
6:15 p.m.
Hill training with the IMT Des Moines Marathon Pace Team presented by Fitness Sports
7:00 p.m.
Des Moines University Recovery Zone
Treat yourself following the training at the Recovery Zone. Enjoy access to Normatec Compression devices and self-massage tools, or get stretched out by a DMU student.
***Parking is available in the DMU parking garage or the southeast parking lot.

Week Three; September 22
Location: DMU Physical Therapy Clinic – 8th floor, DMU Clinic building
5:30 p.m.
DMU Clinic Physical Therapy Open House – 8th floor, DMU Clinic building
6:00 p.m.
Putting Your Best Foot Forward: Running Gait Analysis – Ty Kloft, DPT’23
Gait is a subtle component of running that warrants review, even for experienced runners. An optimal running form translates muscular forces into efficient movements to cover the distance with less energy and tissue stress. In other words, an optimal form allows you to give your maximum effort in the race without wasting energy. This presentation will cover the running gait cycle, components of gait analysis, and common gait abnormalities using motion sensor technology.
6:15 p.m.
Hill training with the IMT Des Moines Marathon Pace Team presented by Fitness Sports
7:00 p.m.
Des Moines University Recovery Zone
Treat yourself following the training at the Recovery Zone. Enjoy access to Normatec Compression devices and self-massage tools, or get stretched out by a DMU student.
***Parking is available in the DMU parking garage or the southeast parking lot.

Week Four; September 29
Location: DMU Physical Therapy Clinic – 8th floor, DMU Clinic building
6:00 p.m.
The “Core” of Running Problems: Developing the Runner’s Core – Lauren Mach, PT, DPT, ATC
Most athletes are efficient in the plank, but do you have what it takes to conquer the side plank test? Find out with the side plank test, learn the benefits of developing a solid core, and gain advanced strategies.
6:15 p.m.
Hill training with the IMT Des Moines Marathon Pace Team presented by Fitness Sports
7:00 p.m.
Des Moines University Recovery Zone
Treat yourself following the training at the Recovery Zone. Enjoy access to Normatec Compression devices and self-massage tools, or get stretched out by a DMU student.
***Parking is available in the DMU parking garage or the southeast parking lot.

For more information, visit the IMT Des Moines Marathon website at desmoinesmarathon.com or email info@desmoinemarathon.com.