Take a walk on the WILDSTRIDE!
Happy Cat Fitness often attempts to promote strength training alongside running and hiking. Let's combine the two! The event will combine bodyweight strength exercises with hiking/running intervals. There will be two distance options, the Hikestrong 10k and Hikestrong Half. It will feature 6 low impact, bodyweight, basic strength challenges like squats, lunges and push ups.
The course is a 2.2 mile trail loop with beautiful scenery, some hills and a few short uneven/technical sections. The main part of the trail is a crushed rock surface.
The Half Marathon will feature 6 loops, 6 strength stations to be performed at the start of each loop (50 reps of 1 exercise per station). The 10k will have 3 loops, 3 stations. You can perform 50 reps each of 2 exercises per station OR 50 reps of the first 3 exercises only (Squats, push ups lunges) per station, your choice! Racers can run or walk. Modifications will be given for the strength exercises, and no equipment is needed. Participants are encouraged to push themselves by wearing a weighted vest/rucksack for the hikes and/or exercise stations as well!
WHY? My hope is that racers will not only train for the hike/run, but also the strength exercises (these will be announced ahead of time). This therefore, will encourage folks to start incorporating cross training into their workouts. The race will be challenging for sure, but you can do more than you think!
HOW? Choose your distance & commit. I will post & email workouts leading up to help you with training! The Half (13.1 miles) will have a 5 hour cutoff and you can downgrade to the 10k mid race if you need to (but we will try and push you to keep at it!)
WHAT'S INCLUDED? This race is noncompetitive (except with yourself!) All racers who complete the challenge will receive a finisher award and an official time. The course will be clearly marked, and we will create a fun, inclusive environment for all. Light refreshments will be served, including water & electrolytes. Qualified fitness professionals will be on hand to help you with your form to keep you safe and motivated! Parking is included in the registration fee. T-shirts and merchandise will be available to purchase at checkout (or later up to 3 weeks prior to the event). T-shirts are not included in the race fee! Cutoff to order a T-shirt is March 23, 2026.
As the owner of Happy Cat Fitness, I have been a Personal Trainer and Group Fitness instructor since 2010. I have selected exercises that can be modified and mimic functional activities so the event can be accomplished at any fitness level. Will it be easy? NO! With training, commitment and consistency I know you can do it!
Here is a video explanation with exercises and the modifications: https://youtu.be/qT54M9LJQy0
Here is an example of the race format:
50 reps of a strength exercise (i.e. squats, lunges, push ups...)
2.2 mile Hike/Run loop
50 reps of a different exercise
2.2 mile Hike/Run loop
50 reps... YOU GET THE IDEA!
Here are the exercises for the WILDSTRIDE race (more information about modifications are in the videos on happycatfitness.com):
50 of each exercise
SQUATS
PUSH UPS
LUNGES
BEAR CRAWL (or mountain climbers)
IN AND OUTS (or standing knee to elbow march)
BURPEES (step or elevated step burpees)