Distance Training Program

Has a marathon, half marathon, or other distance event 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 or half marathon. 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!

Winter/Spring Distance Training Program (DTP) Overview

The PR Training Programs' Winter/Spring Distance Training Program is geared toward the Rock & Roll USA Marathon and Half Marathon in March (formerly the National Marathon.) The program is also appropriate for other spring marathons including Shamrock, Country Music, and Boston. The program provides everything you could need for a great race experience and is designed for both for new and experienced runners! The first group runs are informal on 12/4, with training schedules beginning the week of 12/5.

We know there are many group training options available in the DC Area; our goal is to provide the best experience and greatest value -- thanks to our partnerships with Potomac River Running Stores, and various other vendors, we've created a great package of benefits for all participants:

- Receive expert coaching from our knowledgeable coaching team -- our track record speaks for itself -- we've helped thousands of runners complete endurance events or complete them faster, achieving personal bests, Boston Qualifiers, and more.

- Try out some technical socks during your training to avoid those unnecessary foot problems that distance running can cause-- we'll provide you with a FREE pair of tech socks (brand TBD) so you can test them out!

- Train in comfort with some new technical gear, including a technical training LS shirt you'll receive early in the program, and a TECHNICAL JACKET you can earn through attendance. (Note, all jackets may not be identical :), but they will all be FREE to you as you participate!)

- Attend seminars offered by leading experts on topics ranging from running technique to nutrition to race day strategy

- Track your progress through our FREE online log

- Enjoy other giveaways and goodies along the way

Details

ALL training sites will begin with an informal first day run on SUNDAY, December 4. (With so many folks racing 12/3, we decided to avoid that start date!)

Going forward starting the weekend of 12/10, the Program meets weekly on Saturday or Sunday mornings (see details based on your location). 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. Optional Wednesday evening track workouts are planned for at 6:30 PM in Arlington (at W-L HS, track access for DC participants is here), and Reston (at South Lakes HS) during the winter months. (Workouts may be moved to alternate locations and may not carry forward after HS sports begin in near the end of the program in the spring.) Participants are also welcome and encouraged to attend any weekly group run offered on various weekday evenings at various Potomac River Running Store locations (also at 6:30 PM.) Also, note that 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 $149 for the session. This cost includes 16+ weekly coached weekend morning sessions, optional weekly track workouts as scheduled and available, and a Participant Pack including a technical shirt, socks, nutritionals, and other giveaways and social activities. Active participants the Distance Training Program also receive an ongoing 10% discount on all purchases at Potomac River Running Store, discounts on entry to all =PR= owned races, and access to our interactive website including training log.

Upcoming Session and Registration Information

There are three available training sites for the Winter/Spring Distance Training Program. All training runs begin December 4 and then continue (on either Saturday or Sunday depending on location) thereafter. Optional track sessions begin Wednesday, 12/7.

DC-based DTP Session: Meeting at Pierce Mill off Rock Creek Parkway. Runs will take place in Rock Creek, the C&O Canal, and Beach Drive, with a few "field trips" built in for variety. The location is Metro-accessible via the Cleveland Park stop (and a 10 minute walk) and also has available parking. In past years, many carpools have formed. The DC location is convenient for runners from DC, Arlington, Alexandria, and Maryland. Following the 12/4 SUNDAY session, all sessions SATURDAYS AT 8:30 AM. (Session time may move earlier as program progesses to accomodate longer runs, but is a bit later to allow Metro access and warmer temps during the winter!)

Reston, VA-based DTP Session: Meets at the =PR= Reston Store in Reston Town Center. Runs on the W&OD with occasional "field trips." Location is convenient for suburban runners from Reston, Burke, Vienna/McLean, and Loudoun County. Following the 12/4 SUNDAY session, all sessions meet SATURDAYS at 8:30 AM. (Session time may move earlier as program progesses to accomodate longer runs.)

MD-based DTP Session: Meets at various locations in Montgomery County, including Carderock, Lake Needwood, Capital Crescent Trail. Sessions meet SUNDAYS at 8:30 AM. (Session time may move earlier as program progesses to accomodate longer runs.) Note: There is no one main meeting spot for this group -- coaches will confirm which trail you'll run through weekly email communications.

Registration

To register for this and all =PR= Training Programs, click HERE. (Note that if you are a returning participant, you can use your existing login information.)

Note: We prioritize your safety and seek to maximize your learning and development as an athlete as you participate in the Distance Training Program and all group training programs from =PR= Training. Thus, depending on the situation, we may require that participants leave their iPods behind while in class. The final decision is made by each session's coach, but the overall program philosophy is that if you can't hear traffic, your coach, or your peers, at worst you are at risk, and at best you aren't getting everything you could from the program.