Not sure? Have questions?
Please review our FAQs below that can get you up to speed.
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You can contact us using the form at the bottom of the page to or simply email us at Striders@Vibha.org.
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We know this is difficult decision, that's why the Striders program offers a 2-week risk-free trial period for you to experience the training sessions with our expert Coaches, Mentors, our Strider organizers and fellow 2025 trainees. Over 97% of Striders have chosen to continue with the program.
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See our Free Info-Sessions page to about attending one.
We also have an Recording of our Virtual Session that will shed more light about the program.
We are offering a Two Week Trial for limited time for this season to help trainees ensure it is a good fit:
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If you have questions, Please reach out at: striders@vibha.org. We are here to help you in your journey in any way we can.
Frequently asked questions
Striders training program usually is a spring/summer routine. For the 2025 season, we are starting on February 15th and wrapping up on June 1st with the Dream Mile Half Marathon run.
Our structured program prepares you for the Half-Marathon from day one! Over 16 weeks, you'll have 4 runs/walk workouts per week and 2 strength training sessions. We train you on proper run posture, gear, and nutrition to ensure you complete the Half-Marathon injury-free. Coaches provide detailed emails and app resources with step-by-step instructions on mental, physical, gear, and nutrition aspects.
Vibha Striders focuses on progressive, injury-free, family-knit style group training. In 2022, we also introduced Speed Coaching to increase your running pace and efficiency, A seasoned runner / walker can benefit from the Speed training and deep understanding of the physiology to improve your running efficiency and take your running / walking progressively to new levels.
Yes, the fundamental reason all our volunteers put in hours and hours into this program is to raise funds for the cause we all are passionate about. To that end, it is required to raise your target fundraise amount mentioned during the Registration.
We have a dedicated fundraising team who schedule sessions and help setup your fundraising campaign for you that you can customize to your liking and audience and share it on various social media platforms of your choice. The team also offers individual 1:1 advise.
Most of our new Striders are new to fundraising but by the end of the program successfully reach their fundraising targets, and often go beyond. Several of our Striders have raised up to to 5x their goal.
Striders who choose to donate some of funds themselves, can also avail company-matching funds, from their own company or a friend's/fellow strider's company that offers the same, which counts towards the fundraise goal. In case you itemize deductions in your tax filing, your contribution is tax-deductible (Please consult your CPA to confirm)
We require trainees to be 18 years of age or older.
It's okay to miss a few days for unavoidable reasons. If you need to miss more, please discuss with our Coaches. Don't try to make up missed sessions by adding extra mileage. Talk to our Coaches for the best way to get back on track safely!
The Dream Mile Race is on June 1st 2025
Speed Coaching, is offered to select trainees who have been walking or running regularly already. Trainees can expect to improve their ease and efficiency of running, an increase in cardiovascular fitness and confidence, and a possible improvement in performance.
Our typical Speed Coaching session includes:
- Dynamic warmups
- Warmup run of a mile around the track
- Strideouts
- Main workout
- Cool down run around the track/on grass if available
- Stretching
Strength training focuses on bodyweight exercises for core and overall muscular strength targeted towards walkers and runners. It also covers stretching and foam rolling.
We conduct two strength training sessions per week, on Mondays and Wednesdays, over Zoom!
Absolutely, you have the option to run with your mentor group or on your own on the same days if possible. If you runs are at different days and times, you may need to ensure you are giving the right gaps per our training schedule, that will give you enough time to recover for your next running/walking/strength training session.
Over Zoom
Yes, we provide recorded videos of the strength training, warm ups and cool downs to do these on your own if you are unable to attend the Zoom/live sessions. We, however, recommend attending these so Coaches can observe and correct your form, as needed.
Our Coaches are available over email and phone for advise on any pain or injuries. Coaches will assess the injury and recommend next steps which might includes some stretches, foam rolling, recovery time off or in more serious cases seeing a doctor. Our focus is on getting every trainee across the finish line injury free but if you do get injured mid-way we will be with you through that.
We offer comprehensive nutrition and gear advice through dedicated sessions and detailed guides throughout the program!
Yes, the final Dream Mile Half Marathon, has it's own registration fee - which in the past year was $99. That fee provides you the signature Dream Mile T-shirt, a Finishers Medal, photography for the event, aide stations support and covers the cost or organizing the event. We typically get a decent Vibha Striders discount on the Dream Mile registration (however this is not guaranteed)
Vibha Striders training is designed to prepare progressively for a Half Marathon.
Many of our alumni have gone on to train for full and even ultra marathons. We strongly recommend discussing with the Coaches, towards the end of the program, about your readiness and fitness level to take on training for a full marathon after the program. We partner with other programs that train for a Full Marathon and they offer their program right after our program ends, so you can hop onto that program.
Our training schedule includes four runs or walk workouts per week and two strength training sessions. Plus, we provide nutrition and gear advice, mental resilience coaching, and recovery guidance to get you race-ready!
Our training program includes four runs or walk workouts per week and two strength training sessions. We also provide nutrition and gear advice, mental resilience coaching, and recovery guidance to ensure you are fully prepared for race day.
New participants can join our program for a two-week risk-free trial to experience the training sessions and see if it's the right fit for them. If you decide not to continue, there is no obligation to stay.
Each participant is required to raise a minimum of $1,000, which goes directly towards providing high-quality education for underprivileged children. Our dedicated fundraising team will support you throughout the process.
We offer free info sessions both in-person and virtually. You can sign up for these sessions on our website to learn more about the program and meet our coaches.
Our coaches are available to provide advice on any pain or injuries. They will assess your situation and recommend the best course of action, which may include stretches, foam rolling, recovery time, or seeing a doctor if necessary.
