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BEST FOR: Beginner to intermediate triathletes ready for a 70.3 (1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike, 13.1 mile run) PREREQS: The ability to swim 500 meters or yards in a pool without touching the bottom or hanging on the edge; being injury-free; and ideally, you have completed an Olympic-distance triathlon—or at least run a half marathon NUMBER OF WEEKS: 22 -
BEST FOR: Someone tackling a 10K for the first time PREREQS: Able to run/walk three or four miles comfortably; ideally have completed a 5K race and have a few months of consistent running or run/walking; if you’re a newbie to speedwork, no worries, we’ll ease you into it. NUMBER OF WEEKS: 12The Train Like a Mother 10K Run, a 12-week plan, is best for someone tackling a 10K (6.2 miles) for the first time, coming back from injury or pregnancy, or wanting to run a strong effort on 10K race day and cross the finish line with a smile on her face.
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BEST FOR: Beginner to intermediate triathletes who have their sights set on an Olympic-distance race PREREQS: The ability to swim 100 yards in a pool without touching the bottom or hanging on the edge. It doesn’t have to be pretty. (If you can’t do that but are intent on this plan, enrolling in an adult swim class and/or private lessons is a great idea.) For the run and bike portions, being injury-free is necessary. Ideally, you have completed a sprint triathlon—or at least run a 5K and 10K. NUMBER OF WEEKS: 16 -
BEST FOR: A new or returning runner trying to run the full 5K distance PREREQS: Able to run 20–30 minutes without walking at least 2–3 times per week. Race experience not necessary, but if you’ve pinned on a bib for a 5K or another race distance, cool. An injury-free body is key; if you’ve got lingering issues that are on their way out the door, be sure to keep up the physical therapy and/or foam rolling to continue to encourage their exit. NUMBER OF WEEKS: 8The 5K: Run Program is designed to train you to run a 5K race (3.1 miles of awesome!). You’ll build endurance and stamina with long runs; build strength with heart-pumping circuits and challenging, fun workouts (no, that’s not an oxymoron); and increase your speed with intervals and hill workouts.
The 5K is the most welcoming and accessible running distance. Don’t let the shorter distance fool you, though: Running (and racing) a 5K can be crazy rewarding and just wee bit taxing. The good news? Training for a 5K can be as fulfilling as training for a longer race, but with less of a time commitment on your part.
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BEST FOR: Truthfully, nearly every runner can benefit from an expert coach watching her form and offering feedback; the coach may uncover an injury-in-waiting or an easy way to increase efficiency. PREREQS: Are regularly injured;Are coming back from pregnancy, when alignment has shifted, want to increase speed, know they can be a more efficient runner, or are focused on minimizing the risk of future injury.A second set of eyes is always a good thing. whether you’re polishing up a work project or wondering if your living room should actually be painted orange.
Your running form is no exception. In fact, except for race pictures, you rarely see yourself running. While you can feel balanced and strong on the run, your body’s subtle movements, which a seasoned coach can see, may be telling a different story. If your right hip drops with every step, or your posture is too upright, or your arms are spaghetti-like, you may be setting yourself up for an inefficient run (at best) or a serious injury (at worst). -
BEST FOR: If you’ve had a situation, goal, or issue swirling around in your brain for a few months, taking an hour to talk through it is a great way to clear up the clouds and gain perspective.Maybe you’re a newer runner, and want to plot out your upcoming year of races with an experienced coach.
Maybe you’ve had a disappointing race, and you need to talk through it—and get psyched for another training cycle. Maybe you’ve had a string of injuries, and are finally ready for an in-depth conversation about how to break the cycle. Maybe you’ve got your eye on a Boston-qualifying time, and need to know how to nab that sucker. Maybe you’re thinking of transitioning from runner to triathlete—or vice versa—and want help and want help laying out the steps (and strokes!) you’ll take. If you’re in one of these—or countless other what-do-I-do now—scenarios, a Coaching Consult is the perfect next step for you. -
If you’ve never been taught how to fuel for long training runs as you prepare for a half-marathon or marathon, it’s definitely a good fit.You’ve been faithfully following the training program: putting in the miles and doing the strength circuits. You’re going to bed before 10 pm, you’ve eliminated your nightly glass of wine, and you’re even foam rolling as you watch Queer Eye on Netflix.
You’re doing everything right, so why do you lose steam during your long runs—and sometimes even your shorter ones? Chances are, it’s your nutrition. You’re not properly fueling before and after, and most importantly, during your runs. And when you don’t eat for running performance and endurance, your GI tract might revolt. Your legs might feel heavy. You might get a killer headache or you might feel nauseous. Or the running-sucks-or-maybe-I-just-suck track might play on repeat in your head. Or you simply might incrementally peter out, like a car whose gas gauge inches towards E. -
BEST FOR: Those running for the first time or returning after some time off PREREQS: Able to complete a brisk walk or a run/walk combo for a continuous 15-20 minutes. Ideally you've been working out for 20 minutes a couple times a week for at least a month, however if you don’t meet the exact qualifications, no biggie, it will still work. This program is perfect for those who’ve never run before, are coming back to running from an injury, having a baby, or other running hiatus. If you have been injured, please stay on top of any prescribed physical therapy, foam rolling and other rehab techniques so you can stay injury free. NUMBER OF WEEKS: 12The 5K is the most welcoming and accessible training cycle and race; the training program and race distance is perfect for those running for the first time or returning after some time off. As you train for your 5K, you will improve your cardiovascular fitness and overall strength with cross-training and other workouts that include hills (promise, they’re more fun than they sound!) and speedier sessions.
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PROGRAM DATES: Rolling admission. Your program begins the Monday after you register. BEST FOR: Women interested learning how to get more comfortable + knowledgeable about cycling. PREREQS: You do need to know how to ride a bike, but you don’t need to be able to ride it far. NUMBER OF WEEKS: 8 Riding a bike is fairly simple, but cycling—riding a bike for a workout—can be a little more complex. Not only do you need to be able to handle your bike capably and use your gears smoothly, you also need to navigate traffic, climb efficiently, descend safely, and give enough effort so you feel like you've had a good workout. (And don't even get us started on changing a flat tire...) If you're interested in becoming a more capable cyclist and/or want to integrate cycling into your running routine, Become a Cyclist is the perfect program for you. Coaches Jennifer Harrison and Elizabeth Waterstraat will be virtually hanging out in the back pocket of your cycling jersey, teaching you all the best tips + tricks they know as well as answering any questions along the way. In addition, your teammates—like-minded women also getting their cycling legs underneath them—will be doing the exact same workouts as as you. In other words, you may be riding solo, but you're far from alone. -
PROGRAM DATES: Rolling admission; the program starts the Monday after you register. BEST FOR: Runners looking to expand their training to the trails! PREREQS: You need to be a regular runner—at least 30-40 minutes, 3-4 times a week for at least six weeks–with no current injuries. The first week of training features a 50-minute run, as well as some hill repeats and a trail run. NUMBER OF WEEKS: 8When you’re running on dirt through trees, not on pavement through suburbia, your spirit has the opportunity to truly soar. With cars, buildings, and other distractions to a minimum, you breath in the fresh air, flow through nature, and connect with your surroundings—and yourself—on a more fundamental level.
That said, running on trails can be intimidating, especially if you’ve never done it before. Taking your miles off-road means adjusting your effort and paces; getting your body and running form ready for uneven, sometimes jarring terrain; acquiring the correct gear for more advanced trails; and having the basic skills to feel strong so you can run with confidence on all trails. -
BEST FOR: Runners who want to complete multiple events in one weekend. PREREQS: You’ve been running at least 30–45 minutes 3–4 days of the week for at least 8 weeks. You’re injury-free. You don’t need previous experience running by heart rate, but it is helpful if you have run a half-marathon at some point. NUMBER OF WEEKS: 24Disney Races are truly magical events. After all, where else can you start under fireworks, kiss Prince Charming, joke around with Donald and Daisy, and Let It Go with Elsa, then cross a finish line and receive some serious bling?
However, two to four finish lines over as many days will not be magical if you are not properly prepared. If you’re slogging through the miles and barely able to muster a smile—let alone a bicep curl—for a shot with Wreck-It-Ralph, your Dopey or Goofy extravaganza will be memorable. Just not for the right reasons. With this 24-week, hands-on program starting on July 29, 2024, we’ve got your back and are laying a white-glove-clad, oversize hand firmly on it. The training plan we’ve created emphasizes both muscular and cardiovascular endurance and time on your feet: keys you’ll need to run every mile with a smile. But it's not all about the running. We'll be sure you're fueling properly for all your long runs. We’ll make sure your hips and glutes, typically the weak spots for most runners, are rock solid. We’ll have some fun too, brainstorming costume ideas and ideas. We'll entertain and educate you with podcasts and newsletters, and, of course, hit race strategies so that you not only enjoy your Dopey or Goofy Challenge, you’ll nearly fly during each mile. The end result? You feel primed and totally ready to run either challenge: The Dopey: 5K, then a 10K, then a half-marathon, then a marathon or the Goofy: a half-marathon then a marathon—no pixie dust required. -
BEST FOR: Runners who want to complete multiple events in one weekend. PREREQS: Ability to comfortably finish a 4-mile run – your first long run is 5 miles long. That said, because of the Ramp It Up options, this program is suited to a wide range of runners, from 5Kers looking to more than double their mileage to marathoners dialing back on distance and up in intensity. A desire to complete a 10-miler injury free with your body feeling strong. NUMBER OF WEEKS: 15 Going Loony (covering 19.3 miles in 3 races over 2 days) is a delightful and doable challenge! This program is designed to get you across three finish lines feeling strong, capable and smiling. Some weeks, you’ll run five days a week, with an optional cross-training day, and other weeks, you’ll be lacing up six days. Other staples of the week: a mandatory rest day, and strength circuits. Most of the runs are at an easy pace so you can build up your cardiovascular base and not court injury. The longer runs go up to 11 miles to get you mentally and physically prepped for the demands of the distance, but a range is given in later weeks to accommodate all levels—and days where your legs haven’t shown up. About halfway through the program, we introduce workouts where you’ll run in the morning and do a brisk walk in the evening. The idea behind these workouts is to run, rest, then go again—much like you will on Saturday, when you hit a 10k, then turn around and line up for a 5k quickly thereafter.
