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Why I’m Joining a Marathon Training Team

November 27, 2013 By: Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC35 Comments

Well, that was fast. After just running my first marathon a couple of weeks ago, I’ve decided that I want to try again in the spring. I’m currently debating between the Rock n Roll DC Marathon or the Shamrock Marathon in Virginia Beach. I will probably do Virginia Beach because it is a spring Oiselle team meetup, but it might be nice to do a marathon at home as well. I will make my decision by the end of December (because that’s when Shamrock prices go up).

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While I haven’t solidified which race I’m doing, I know how I’ll be training. I recently signed up for Potomac River Running’s Distance Training Program. I’ve never done a formal training program before and when I started looking into it, I realized that there are numerous in the DC area. Here’s what PR’s program offers:

– 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.

– Train in comfort with some new technical gear, including a technical training  shirt you’ll receive early in the program. Attend various special in store events and get yourself geared up while you take advantage of some great savings as well.

– 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.

– Receive weekly email guidance and tips from your coaches covering everything from the week’s specific plan to suggestions on form and technique, nutrition, sleep, and more!

– Enjoy other giveaways and goodies along the way.

There are weekly long runs on Saturday mornings and an optional track workout in DC on Thursdays. The scheduling worked for me — I’m already used to doing long runs on Saturday mornings and I am generally free on Thursday evenings, which means I can make most of the track workouts as well. I’m really looking forward to the coaching aspect of the program. It will be great to have access to educated feedback as my training progresses!

Have you ever trained with a team? How’d it go?


Comments

  1. AuntJenFox says

    November 27, 2013 at 7:49 am

    I’ve been running with groups for 2years now and love it! Some of the people I’ve meet on those long runs are now friends and even though I recently moved we are still planning to meet up at races and keep connected with each other.
    When I moved I made finding a new group a priority and I’m so glad I did. Doing 20 miles with a group is so much better than by yourself. I think you’ll enjoy the experience.

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      November 27, 2013 at 10:45 am

      I’m super excited about this and think it’s going to really help improve my running!

      Reply
  2. Amanda says

    November 27, 2013 at 7:51 am

    Wow! You really are gettting right back into it! I ran with a training group. I love doing long runs with that kind of support. Makes it so much easier!
    Amanda recently posted…Half #7 Recap: Where I Dominate Everything and then My Hands Freeze OffMy Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      November 27, 2013 at 10:44 am

      Yeah…I took a week and half after the marathon to rest (no running) and now am itching to start it back up 🙂

      Reply
  3. Elizabeth says

    November 27, 2013 at 8:01 am

    Oh yeah, I knew I was hooked after my first one! Sometimes it’s hell DURING the run, and then after, you’re like, “yep, give me more!”

    That’s awesome that you’re going to train with a group. I loved running with my girlfriends.
    Elizabeth recently posted…Thanksgiving Menu!My Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      November 27, 2013 at 10:43 am

      I’m super pumped – especially because my blogger buddy Mar on the Run just signed up as well!!!

      Reply
  4. Lacey@fairytalesandfitness says

    November 27, 2013 at 8:44 am

    I ran the shamrock VA Beach Marathon this year! It was SO cold. ( it was also my 2nd Full marathon as well). Good luck with your training!
    Lacey@fairytalesandfitness recently posted…Celebrating My Birthday In Montego Bay, Jamaica. ( Where in the World Wednesday)My Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      November 27, 2013 at 10:39 am

      I heard the wind was brutal this year — thanks for the well wishes!

      Reply
  5. Michelle says

    November 27, 2013 at 9:15 am

    I always find it easier to train with people than by myself! It keeps me motivated! It sounds like this is the perfect fit for you!
    Michelle recently posted…Epiphanie Camera Bag Review and GiveawayMy Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      November 27, 2013 at 10:36 am

      Yes, so true! I’m really excited about it 🙂

      Reply
  6. Mar @ Mar on the Run! says

    November 27, 2013 at 9:35 am

    Annnnnnd, guess who will see you there?! 🙂
    Mar @ Mar on the Run! recently posted…Mar’s Holiday Gift Guide!My Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      November 27, 2013 at 10:25 am

      ahhhhhh!!!! Really?? YAY!!!!!!!

      Reply
      • Mar @ Mar on the Run! says

        November 27, 2013 at 10:37 am

        Yup! signed up a few days ago.
        Mar @ Mar on the Run! recently posted…Mar’s Holiday Gift Guide!My Profile

        Reply
  7. Stacy says

    November 27, 2013 at 9:54 am

    I’ve been training with a group off and on for about 18 months. I really like it for long runs … and because we have to sign up ahead so that they know how many people to expect (the group can get pretty large), I always feel extra motivation to get out of bed on a Saturday because I know I’ve committed. I’ve also met some great people through the group and it’s nice to then see them out at races and have their support!

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      November 27, 2013 at 10:35 am

      Yes, I’m really looking forward to a more structured training program!!

      Reply
  8. Wornout Soles says

    November 27, 2013 at 9:59 am

    I’ve always toyed with joining a marathon training team. I love the idea of having a group to motivate me and keep me accountable. But on the flip side I like the idea of having the flexibility to adjust my training as needed to keep up with my schedule.

    Maybe next year??
    Wornout Soles recently posted…The Honeymoon PhaseMy Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      November 27, 2013 at 10:28 am

      The great thing about this group is that you can work with the coaches to make any adjustments you’ll need!

      Reply
  9. Colleen L says

    November 27, 2013 at 10:00 am

    Love that your jumping back in! Can’t wait to hear how things go for you training with a group.

    I’ve only done the half as part of Rock N Roll here in DC, so I can’t speak from personal experience, but from friends who have done the full I wouldn’t recommend it. I’ve heard very few good things about it. Since there are a lot more half than full runners out there, it gets pretty lonely for the second half and sounds like there is very little crowd support after 13 as well. Good luck with whichever one you decide on though!!
    Colleen L recently posted…Footprints: Monday Morning RecapMy Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      November 27, 2013 at 10:27 am

      Colleen, thanks for weighing in. I actually didn’t love the RNR half so it makes total sense that people didn’t love the full. Your comments actually echo another blogger’s recap that I just read. I’m leaning more and more towards Shamrock!

      Reply
    • Mar @ Mar on the Run! says

      November 27, 2013 at 10:38 am

      I’ve heard this too and read some recaps which is why I went with Shamrock. I liked the RnR half but was skeptical on the full. I also now have a couple of other people signed up for Shamrock and it’s a flatter course!
      Mar @ Mar on the Run! recently posted…Mar’s Holiday Gift Guide!My Profile

      Reply
      • Lindsey says

        November 27, 2013 at 8:27 pm

        This is sad….but I honestly think that doing the Shamrock is almost easier than running a local race haha! I ran the RnR half and was super stressed out because of the metro running behind, crowds, etc. Plus, J&A just puts on an awesome race. I’ll be doing the half if I meet my 8 week training plan goals! 🙂
        Lindsey recently posted…Birthday Race RecapMy Profile

        Reply
  10. Liz says

    November 27, 2013 at 10:33 am

    You should think about Team in Training! Not only do you get to train with a team, because you are a volunteer and are raising money, you get to do it for FREE!!! It was one of the best experiences of my life and I am now recruiting people to join my TNT team for the Nike Women’s 1/2 marathon – it means free, guaranteed entry!
    Liz recently posted…Look Back: July 2011My Profile

    Reply
  11. Anita says

    November 27, 2013 at 11:09 am

    You definitely didn’t waste any time getting fired up for your next marathon … GO GIRL!

    We live in such a small area that getting together with a group for a run is difficult, long drive and ferry crossings and I haven’t trained with a group but I could benefit from the motivation and accountability that comes with training with a group.
    Anita recently posted…A Boy and His Dog – Wordless WednesdayMy Profile

    Reply
  12. Michelle @ Running with Attitude says

    November 27, 2013 at 11:21 am

    Sounds like a great program! I love that you’re already planning for your 2nd marathon – good luck with your training!
    Michelle @ Running with Attitude recently posted…Slow and steady progressMy Profile

    Reply
  13. Sue @This Mama Runs For Cupcakes says

    November 27, 2013 at 11:35 am

    Good for you!! I was going to go for a spring marathon as well, but decided not to. I really want to focus on strength training and getting strong before my next marathon cycle so I don’t get injured! Proud of you1

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      November 27, 2013 at 11:52 am

      Sue, I think that’s smart. I kinda debated for a bit, but then realized I wanted to get back out there and the timing was right for me! I’m (hopefully – if we can find our venue soon) going to be getting married in June, so I wanted a race that would be done well before then!

      Reply
  14. Shonna says

    November 27, 2013 at 11:44 am

    Great choice! I did the DTP that started in June. It ended up being kind of a bust for me since I was still on restrictions through mid-August (I wasn’t allowed to do speedwork and only short distances) but the coaches were so helpful and they provided great information and resources! I definitely want to do it again sometime when I can more fully participate.

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      November 27, 2013 at 11:51 am

      This is great to hear — thanks for weighing in, Shonna!

      Reply
  15. Betsy says

    November 27, 2013 at 12:47 pm

    I have a really hard time finding a team that I am able to train with, because of my schedule and my husbands. So frustrating. I would love to be able to try it.
    Betsy recently posted…365/326: 30 Days of Thanks Day 23My Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      November 27, 2013 at 1:58 pm

      Aw, that is frustrating! Hopefully you’ll be able to find something that works for you soon!

      Reply
  16. CK says

    November 28, 2013 at 2:38 am

    I trained for my first two races with the DCRR group and LOVED it. I loved the accountability and the pacing- I’m kind of lax about that so it was great to have people who kept me going on a plan. Plus I learned some great new routes, which is the gift that keeps on giving. I’ll be interested to hear how PRR does things- keep up posted, please!

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      November 28, 2013 at 10:20 am

      I definitely will keep y’all posted on how it goes!!

      Reply
  17. Cynthia @ You Signed Up For What?! says

    November 29, 2013 at 3:31 pm

    I love training with a group – my first marathon was with a small group, and my best half marathon was with a group. I’m very interested in marathon training with a group in the future!
    Cynthia @ You Signed Up For What?! recently posted…Friday Five: Triathlon Blogs To LoveMy Profile

    Reply
  18. Cyndi says

    December 2, 2013 at 9:37 am

    I’m doing the PR Running distance training program, as well (for a half marathon)! Will you be doing it out of the Cleveland Park/Rock Creek area or another one?
    Cyndi recently posted…brown sugar & buttered popcorn cookiesMy Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      December 2, 2013 at 9:43 am

      Yep – out of Cleveland Park! 🙂

      Reply

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