Runners of all levels gearing up for Summerlin’s second half marathon

Thirteen isn't always considered a lucky number. But certain Summerlin residents are sure it's a winner.

They are training for Summerlin's next half marathon -- 13.1 miles -- planned for April 14. It is scheduled to start and finish at the JW Marriott, 221 N. Rampart Blvd.

This is only the second year the Summerlin Half Marathon has been held. The inaugural event saw just under 600 runners. The number has doubled for this year, according to Desert Sky Adventures, the company coordinating the event. It is owned and operated by ultramarathoners Molly Sheridan and Cynthia Ganey.

Besides producing the event, Desert Sky offers proper training regimens so runners can recover easily from long-distance running and avoid injury.

The training began in January. About two dozen people signed up. Individuals train on their own during the week, then meet for a group training session early each Sunday. The sessions include pointers and encouragement. Mostly, they are a chance to run together through the streets of Summerlin or near Red Rock Canyon.

"A lot of people that I've coached have done a half marathon without proper training," Ganey said. "They may have finished it, but they felt horrible afterwards, and some had injured themselves."

Ganey's first marathon was more than seven years go in San Diego.

"I had no intention of running because I was always a fast walker," she said. "I was so naive at that point. I thought you could only just walk it or just run it. I didn't know you could do a combination of both."

Now, the combination run/walk is something she teaches. The plan is to build endurance and not worry about speed.

Those new to the sport have to be taught also how to hydrate, fuel and recover properly, Ganey said. The last one includes stretching, consuming protein within two hours to help build muscle and, sometimes, icing the joints.

Sandy Scamman, a personal trainer associated with the Las Vegas Athletic Club, is part of the team and provides the runners with cross training.

"I can encourage them to stay strong through their core, and pelvic mobility is really important," she said. "I do movements that will prevent injuries."

The Sunday runs challenge the runners but let them achieve the goal at their own pace. This day, the goal was five miles. At the end, runners returned to the starting point at Hills Park, arriving one at a time to the sound of applause from fellow runners. They didn't appear to be out of breath. Instead, they glowed.

Those in training ranged from the novice to well-established runners.

Sonika Bisht of The Lakes area did her first 5K in August, followed by another in November. A morning person, she gets up at 5 a.m. to run. She had a problem with her left ankle and learned she didn't have the proper shoes. One pair of properly fitting running shoes later, and she hasn't looked back.

Shyam Sundar of Spring Valley said he loves hiking and has done 5Ks before. He signed up for the half marathon after hearing Ganey, a co-worker, talk so enthusiastically about it.

That enthusiasm spread. Sundar's wife, Lakshmi, joined the group a week after him.

"She saw me running, and I was all excited, and I was going out and buying all this gear, and I think that motivated her," he said. "Besides, entering the holidays, we had been eating a lot. I think that's one of the other motivations."

Sundar said advantages were shedding stress and sleeping better.

Shauna Martin, a first-time runner, motivates herself by reaching goals. This day, the goal was light poles.

"I go, 'just three more light poles,' " she said. "Then, when I get to the end (of the three light poles ), I tell myself, 'Do one more.' "

Five years ago, Bambi Bryant decided to run a 5K. She liked it so much, she progressed from there. Since then, she has completed two Las Vegas marathons.

"The first marathon that I ran was for cancer," she said. "I have two really dear friends with cancer; one of them just passed away this week. What motivates me is just, it makes me feel good. And it's long-distance runners like these guys (who) really inspire me."

With running comes dietary changes. Bryant said she swaps a protein shake for one of her meals and is "always eating salad."

Dr. Bill Andrews is a molecular biologist and a consultant for Desert Sky. He has been on "The Today Show" to discuss anti-aging. He is an avid runner and often joins the group for the fun of it.

At well over 6 feet tall, it's natural for him to take long strides. Andrews returned to the park after the five-miler appearing amused.

"Some car was following me, and he came up beside me and said, 'You're going 12 miles an hour' ... I don't think anybody can run that fast," Andrews said.

Will Summerlin see a full marathon anytime soon?

Nikkole McCartin, director of marketing for Summerlin, said she was unsure of "when we want to take something like that on. From what Cynthia tells me, the half (marathon) is the most popular race and the fastest-growing. So we want to do what caters to those runners, and it's a little easier to coordinate 13 miles in the community than coordinate 26."

Registration is $95 for those registering by April 12 and $100 for those registering at the packet pickup and expo, if spots are available. The packet pickup and expo is set from noon to 7 p.m. April 13 at the JW Marriott.

For more information or to register, visit desertskyadventures.com/summerlin.

Contact Summerlin/Summerlin South View reporter Jan Hogan at jhogan@viewnews.com or 387-2949.