Distance Training Program

Has a marathon been on your "life list" of things you must do?  Have you completed a long distance race before and gotten the bug?  Do you seek a new challenge for your current stage in life?  Completing an endurance event can be a life-changing experience.  Doing it with others sharing that common goal can make the experience even more powerful.  And doing it with the support and guidance of an experienced coach makes it much more realistic and manageable.

With the right program design, a good dose of personal commitment and discipline, and a little bit of luck, virtually ANYONE can complete a marathon, half-marathon, or 10-miler.  Whether you are a novice athlete or an experienced runner, a Distance Training Program can help you get to the finish line, and/or get there faster than you have before or thought you could!

Distance Training Program (DTP) Overview

The PR Training Distance Training Program is appropriate for new and experienced runners preparing for a race of ten miles or more.  The roughly 20-week program (depending on your goal race) includes a weekly long run; frequent seminars on training and racing-related topics like Hydration and Nutrition, Appropriate Pacing for Optimal Results, and more; and a week-by-week schedule outlining proposed weekly training volume and training for days you run on your own. 

The summer program will begin in June and is geared toward the Army 10-Miler and the Marine Corps Marathon in October, but can be modified for other fall races.in November and be geared toward the National Marathon and Half-Marathon, Boston Marathon, and other spring endurance races. 

Details

The winter program meets weekly on Saturday or Sunday mornings (see details based on your location) from June 12 through October 31.  Participants also receive guidance on what to do on their own for days the group does not meet, and can attend an a variety of group runs throughout the week.  Runners with an aggressive time goal may choose to pair the DTP with a Running 201 program. (Participants in any Individualized Training Program may always run long runs with the DTP at no additional cost.)

The weekend sessions are most important, and are focused on improving your long run.  You will gradually increase your run volume, being careful to run at a pace that will maximize your body's ability to recover and to use energy efficiently (some initial testing during the first sessions will provide guidance on this pacing, or you may be interested in Metabolic Testing (ask about special rates for participants) if you choose to train with the help of a heart rate monitor.)  Some sessions will also focus specifically on your goal marathon pace.

The program cost for the =PR Training= Marathon/Distance Training Program is is $125 for the session.  This cost includes weekly coached weekend morning sessions and a Participant Pack including a water bottle, technical shirt, and other giveaways.  Active participants the Distance Training Program also receive a 10% discount on all purchases at Potomac River Running Store and access to our interactive website including training log.

Upcoming Session and Registration Information

DC-based DTP Session:  Meets SATURDAYS at 6:30 AM, at Pierce Mill off Rock Creek Parkway. Runs will take place in Rock Creek, the C&O Canal, and Beach Drive.  Location is convenient for runners from DC, Arlington, and Maryland.

Reston, VA-based DTP Session:  Meets SUNDAYS at 6:30 AM, at =PR= Reston Store. Runs on the W&OD with occasional "field trips." Location is convenient for suburban runners from Reston, Burke, Vienna/McLean, and Loudoun County.

To register, click on Join Us.  You can register online regardless of your payment method.