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!

Summer/Fall Distance Training Program (DTP) Overview

For marathoners, the PR Training Programs' Summer/Fall Distance Training Program is geared toward the Marine Corps Marathon on October 28, but is also appropriate for other fall marathons including Chicago, Steamtown, New York, Philly, etc. If you have a half marathon or 10-miler in your sights, the program can prepare you for halfs as early as VA Beach, as well as mid-fall races like Baltimore and the WW Bridge 1/2.  Army 10-Miler is the prime 10-miler target, though we can modify a schedule as needed for other goal races.  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 the weekend of 6/16-6/17, with training schedules beginning the week of 6/18.

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 SS shirt you'll receive early in the program.

- Attend seminars offered by leading experts on topics ranging from running technique to nutrition to race day strategy, and hear great info each week in your weekly update from your coach.

- Track your progress through our FREE online log.

- Enjoy other giveaways and goodies along the way.

Details

The program will be available in ARLINGTON, ASHBURN, DC, RESTON, and ROCKVILLE on either Saturday or Sunday morning depending on location. All training sites will begin with an informal first day run the weekend of JUNE 16-17. All sites will meet at 6:30 AM for the first weeks. This time may move earlier during the hottest days/longest runs.

In addition to the weekly group long run, participants also receive guidance on what to do on their own for days the group does not meet.  Optional evening track workouts are planned for at 6:30 PM in Arlington on Wednesdays (at W-L HS, track access for DC participants is here), at 6:30 PM in Ashburn on Thursdays (at Stone Bridge HS), and tentatively at 6:30 PM in Reston on Thursdays (at South Lakes HS, pending track availability due to potential construction) during the summer 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 fall.)

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.)  You may also choose to pair the DTP with a Running 101 or Running 201 program, and save $25 off your registration for the DTP when you are also registered for one of these sessions. 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 $159 for the session. This cost includes 19+ weekly coached weekend morning sessions, optional weekly track workouts as scheduled and available, and participant benefits including a technical shirt, socks, nutritionals, and other giveaways and social activities.  Active participants in the Distance Training Program also receive special promotions from 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 five available training sites (note the addition of ASHBURN and ARLINGTON for Summer 2012!) for the Summer/Fall Distance Training Program. 

Arlington-based DTP Session:  Meeting initially at the =PR= Arlington Store in Ballston, weekly runs thereafter will meet there, in Blumont Park, or in Rosslyn Center (thereby giving us some variety in terrain.)  The early morning start time means metro is not a good option, so we encourage carpooling! Location is convenient for runners from Arlington, Alexandria, DC, Falls Church, and Vienna/McLean. Sessions meet SATURDAYS at 6:30 AM (Session time may move earlier as program progesses to accomodate longer runs.) Note: if the Saturday session is not convenient, consider the Sunday program in DC.

Ashburn-based DTP Session: Meeting at the =PR= Ashburn Store at 20630 Ashburn Road (a few minutes from Rt 7 or Route 28) in Ashburn. Runs will take place on the W&OD trail -- the access point is just a few minutes from the store lot. Runs on the W&OD with occasional "field trips." Location is convenient for runners from Loudoun County. Sessions meet SUNDAYS at 6:30 AM (Session time may move earlier as program progesses to accomodate longer runs.) Note: if the Sunday session is not convenient, consider the Saturday program in Reston.

DC-based DTP Session: Meeting at 33rd and K Street (Water Street) underneath Whitehurst Freeway, just before the start to the Capital Crescent Trail under Key Bridge. Because sessions begin before Metro service begins, in past years, many carpools have formed. The DC location is convenient for runners from DC, Arlington, Alexandria, and Maryland. Sessions meet SUNDAYS at 6:30 AM. (Session time may move earlier as program progesses to accomodate longer runs.) Note: if the Sunday session is not convenient, consider the Saturday program in Arlington.

Reston, VA-based DTP Session: Meeting 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, Chantilly, Centreville, and more. Sessions meet SATURDAYS at 6:30 AM.  (Session time may move earlier as program progesses to accomodate longer runs.) Note: if the Saturday session is not convenient, consider the Sunday program in Ashburn.

MD-based DTP Session: Meeting at various locations in Montgomery County, including Carderock, Lake Needwood, Capital Crescent Trail. Location is convenient for northern DC and Montgomery County residents. Sessions meet SUNDAYS at 6:30 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 and your initial welcome email will confirm the meeting place for 6/17.

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.)