As the Sioux Falls Marathon approaches, scheduled for September 20, 2026, excitement is building among participants and spectators alike. Among the runners preparing for the event is Jill Waggoner, who will compete in the half marathon. This marks Waggoner's third attempt at the 13.1-mile challenge, and she is determined to make this race a memorable one.
Waggoner has been diligently training at the Sanford Fieldhouse, where she has access to a range of resources and support through the Sanford Run Project. This initiative selects participants who exhibit optimism, outgoing personalities, and clear race goals, providing them with personalized training assistance. Jenny Dalland, an athletic trainer involved in the project, explained the selection process, emphasizing the importance of choosing someone who embodies the spirit of the program.
One of the key benefits of Waggoner's participation in the Sanford Run Project is the opportunity to work closely with sports dietitians, strength coaches, and athletic trainers. Waggoner recently completed a workout on an anti-gravity treadmill, a unique piece of equipment that utilizes air pressure technology to reduce the impact on runners' joints. This innovative training method allows athletes to run in a less weighted environment, decreasing the force exerted on the ground during their workouts.
Training for a half marathon is no small feat, and Waggoner acknowledges that the additional support she is receiving has been invaluable. "I've never really incorporated strength training into what I've done before," she shared. "Adding that twice a week, I have noticed the difference in the two months I've been doing it and being able to feel stronger, which I think has helped my running and my endurance." This newfound strength is crucial as she approaches race day.
Dalland highlighted the importance of cross-training in distance running, particularly regarding recovery. She noted that many athletes overlook the significance of recovery during their training, especially as they near race day. "Recovery is essential. Cross training should be a way to help alleviate the muscles, help you feel more refreshed so you can better prepare for the race," Dalland explained.
With race day drawing near, Waggoner is focused on the final preparations. She expressed gratitude for the various resources and technologies available to her through the Sanford Run Project. "It really plugged into a lot of different people, services, and really cool technology to help me become a stronger runner, learn more about myself and reduce the risk of injury during my training and running," she said.
Looking ahead, Waggoner has even more ambitious plans, as she aims to run her first full marathon, a grueling 26.2 miles, in October in the Twin Cities. The Sioux Falls Marathon serves as a critical stepping stone in her journey as a runner, and with the support of the Sanford Run Project, she is poised to tackle the challenge ahead.
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