Runners preparing for the reincarnated DAM to DSM 20-kilometer road race on June 1 will have access to training videos aimed at helping people run their best race. The videos are being produced by a fitness trainer who has worked with elite world-class athletes, among them several top Wimbledon tennis competitors in England.

Kieron Vorster, a South Africa native who now lives in London, first traveled to Des Moines last fall to visit his brother, who is a youth soccer coach. During his visit, he learned about the DAM to DSM race through Sandy Peddicord, a former corporate communications and public relations manager with EMC Insurance Group, which is the title sponsor of the race (Peddicord’s son is coached by Vorster’s brother).

Vorster spent the past several months planning a series of videos detailing the importance of good nutrition and proper hydration, as well as factors such as recovery time, getting proper sleep and ways to mentally prepare for a 20K race. He returned to Des Moines recently to record the videos for the DAM to DSM social media sites.

The videos, which will be free for race participants, are among several “touch points” that race organizers hope will make the event a continuing success, said Michael Zimmerman, DAM to DSM race director. For instance, each year a portion of the registration fees will go toward a project to improve the Saylorville Dam area. This year, the funds will go toward constructing new volleyball courts at the recreation area.

“So we’re taking the impact that we’re having to motivate and engage the community in a broader way,” Zimmerman said. “I think Kieron doing videos for us is just another way to do that.”

Taking a longer view of healthy lifestyles, Vorster is also working on producing some videos that target the obesity epidemic, among them some quick-meal ideas that can be easily prepared at home. A vast majority of American parents have admitted they frequently pick up dinner at the drive-thru because they think they don’t have time to cook. Those videos will be completed within the next couple of months, he said.

“I think people underestimate the power of food,” he said. [Good food] helps you sleep better; it gives you the energy you need. And if you stop [eating junk] you’ll start feeling better within yourself as well.”