Happy New Year! See below for workouts January-March 2010.

The workouts are divided into two categories: regular and novice. The latter category is intended for those in the National Marathon and Half-Marathon Training Programs who have less experience in track workouts, or for anybody else who would have difficulty completing the “regular” workouts. Also, keep in mind that the recommended number of repeats is a maximum – there is no obligation to do the full number. It is better to do fewer repeats at the recommended tempo and interval (rest) duration, than to attempt the “full” workout and not be able to keep up the pace/interval length. Those who are winding back into shape are especially encouraged to do fewer repeats and work their way back up.

As always, the workouts are subject to change due to weather conditions. On days when there is a potential of snow/ice on the track, I will check conditions during the day and, if necessary, have an advisory posted on the website on Wednesday afternoon.

Welcome to Winter Running!

This winter, our Wednesday Night program is expanding, due to the influx of participants in the Reebok Official Training Program for the SunTrust National Marathon and Half-Marathon. In most weeks, the workouts for the training group and the regular Wednesday night group will be the same. I will make adjustments as the season progresses, and obviously if the weather dictates. If it is so cold that a simple 20-minute tempo run and then a dash to the car is all we can handle, that it what we will do.

Workouts for the training program will start at 7:00. Those in the full or half-marathon training programs should be warmed up, stretched, and ready to go at 7:00.

Workouts for the "regular" Wednesday night group will start at 7:15. This should reduce congestion on the track between the two groups. But, if congestion problems remain, we will move back the training group start time to 6:45.

Please remember the Lane One Rule at all times -- run your "fast" repeats in Lane One, hugging as close to the inside line as possible. Do not run side-by-side. Leave Lane Two clear for passing at all times. Jog your recoveries in the outer lanes, or inside the track on rhe grass/turf.

The following workouts are designed for both the marathon and half-marathon. Most of the work during December and January will be done at three paces: Tempo Run Pace (TRP), Tempo Interval Pace (TIP), and Cruise Interval Pace (CIP). (These terms can be found on the McMillan Running Calculator©, accessible from this page.)

For Wednesday night regulars, TRP and TIP are 10-Mile race pace -- but as you can see from the McMillan calculator, TIP (used on shorter tempo intervals) is a bit faster than TRP (used on steady interval runs of 15 minutes or more).Cruise Interval pace approximates your pace for a 10K. For the regular Wednesday night group, weather permitting, we will throw in a couple of Interval or 5K pace workouts -- in February and March.

Many ask whether they should base their speed on their past times, or the times they are shooting for. As long as your goal pace is realistic, it’s fine to train at that pace. But be careful about over-doing things, and it is a good idea to start at the slower end of the pace ranges found in the McMillan Calculator©.

Some hints, particularly for those in the training programs: Workouts can be customized, but preferably, such “customization” should take place by varying paces. This should be done in consultation with one of the coaches. For examples, some might wish to do some faster speed (“Interval Pace”) work later in the program. This can be accommodated.

The schedule here is not set in stone, either for individuals, or for the group. Individual coaching means just that. These will be the basic workouts for the group; we will adjust as the needs of the group and weather conditions warrant. In addition, you should consult with your coaches regarding questions on the number of repeats or intensity that you should be dong.

Finally, for those who cannot make the workouts: These workouts can be done on a treadmill, or on a measured trail (preferably flat). If that is not available to you, a good all-purpose workout is Hill Repeats. Try a half-dozen repeats up a moderately steep hill of 150M to 200M in length. Run the hills up comfortably hard – not all-out. Jog down the hill for your recovery.

Everyone should begin the workouts with a warm-up jog of at least 1 mile, preferably 2 miles. Warm down should be at least 1 mile of jogging, plus some stretching.

Now, the workouts:

Remember:
Tempo Run Race = TRP = 10-Mile to Half-Marathon race pace.
Tempo Interval Pace = TIP = 10-Mile race pace or slighty faster.
Cruise Interval Pace = CIP = 10K race pace.

See you at the track!

Coach Ed