Our Marathon-preparation “In six months until the Mainova Frankfurt Marathon” has been the talk of the town for quite a while. The Team from project manager Petra Wassiluk prepares runners for the oldest German city-marathon. We talked with the 2-time Olympian in long-distance running (1996, 2000) over requirements, time-management, benefits, numbers and reasons for the participation on the project.
Hello Petra, which Olympic participation meant more to you? Was it your first in Atlanta or 4 years later in Sydney?
It was definitely, the games in Sydney in 2000. The was an absolute dream for me. The games in 1996 in Atlanta came as a big surprise for me, that I was lucky enough to qualify for it. After that, came 4 hard years of highs and lows and then came finally Sydney – my dream come true, the land, the people and the games itself.
Now, you are since over a decade in the organization team of the Mainova Frankfurt Marathon and have through your career, ex. as projectmanager and are still with dealing with running. How did you happen to get involved in the Marathonproject?
Through Dieter Bremer, the founder of the Marathonproject. He accompanied me when I was an active athlete and guided me through my weight training. Already as when I was active, I already a trainer in Darmstadt, after I ended my career, I became fully dedicated to the organization in Frankfurt.
What is fuels you from year to year to stay busy with your trainer team and your group?
My motivation is my love for running and the enjoyment to bring others nearer to the sport itself.
What was your most memorable moment by the Marathon-project?
From my point of view, there wasn’t a most memorable moment. More importantly, is that it brings myself enjoyment and the feeling of being proud, that over a 14-year timespan, I have already trained over one thousand participants and motivated them to be more active. To overcome the fears and worries of participating in a marathon, is one of the most important points.
What benefits do you get in this year’s packet for the price of 350 €?
An accompanied 6-month trainings packet in the group at the Landessportbund Frankfurt and in Kalbach. Also, on 4 days of the week is the opportunity to take part in the trainings sessions of over 2 hours. Here, you will be trained from a trainer to improve your running technique and your core muscles. In addition, there is a trainings-platform in which there are extra functions such as a Media-library and a participant-trainings diary that is offered. Also, monthly trainings-plans in accordance to the different trainings groups and customized to the specific trainings goals. On the 3 seminar days that are offered, performance diagnostics feedback, video analysis both with shoe and barefoot, static analysis, nutrition presentations, presentations to the topics running technique and training, including shoe suggestions and much more. Together a 2 ½ hour and a 3 ½ hour run in lead groups with drink breaks in the summer and an accompanied participation by the half marathon in Neu-Isenburg am the 17th of September and a 10 km run in Obertshausen on the 30th of July.
Are there any requirements for the participations in the project? When yes, what are they?
You have to be able to run at least 60 minutes in a pace between 7 to 8 min. per kilometer. In addition, to running 2 times a week on their own, the participant should train one time a week with us. We are a group of adults from beginners and first-time participants to advanced and intermediate runners, that would like to progress and repeat and book the training on a yearly basis.
The Marathon-preparation carries the name, “in 6 months to Mainova Frankfurt Marathon”. Is 6 months really enough to prepare for a marathon?
When the basic requirements are met, stays on top of the training 6 months long, runs 3 to 4 times a week, goes to the trainings sessions offered and has no major health problems, the 6 months is enough.
How high is the success percent of the project participants?
We have a 95% success rate of marathon finishers, which is for us a very high success rate which we can be more than happy about.
Name us 3 reasons why a person should participate in the marathon project.
- Running experts help you to reach your goal.
- Running together in a group makes it that much easier.
- Running better with the team of Mainova Frankfurt Marathon supporting you.
Do you have any nutrition tips?
A healthy and balanced diet are the essentials to be health long-term and perform at a high level. The menu should consist high in fiber, vegetables, fruits, dairy and health fats. Fish, meat and eggs should be occasionally planned in the diet. When in training you should only use known products. Whomever prepares for a marathon, should be informed about the correct carbohydrate amounts.
What should you pay attention to when in the sense from shoes/outfit?
The competition shoes should not worn-in but not worn-out and the socks should be worn the day before the competition. Furthermore, the toenails should be cut and the critical areas should be with band-aids protected. Only then, can you prevent blisters from appearing due to painful friction. In reference to the clothing, you should have worn your outfit by a long-distance training to test the suitability for yourself. A participant must always be prepared for the weather. This means: for a warm day running in a singlet (armless-shirt) and a light hat for sun-protection and for colder weather, a comfortable breathable shirt is recommended.
