Winter Marathon/Distance

Has a marathon been on your "life list" of things you must do?  Have you completed a marathon 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, half-marathon, or 10-miler.  Whether you are a novice athlete or an experienced runner, a Marathon or 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 Marathon/Distance Training Program (MDTP) Overview

The PR Training Marathon Training Program is appropriate for new and experienced marathoners.  The 18-week program (which may extend longer, depending on your goal race) includes a weekly long run; frequent seminars on training and racing-related topics like Hydration and Nutrition, Appropriate Training Pacing, and more; and a week-by-week schedule outlining proposed weekly training volume and training for days you run on your own. 

The fall/winter program will begin in November and be geared toward the National Marathon and Half-Marathon, Boston Marathon, and other spring endurance races.  Registration for this program will open in late October.  Training locations are slated for RESTON, ROCKVILLE, and FALLS CHURCH.  We are the official Training Program for the National Marathon at these sites -- National Marathon participants can register directly via the National Marathon.  Runners training for other spring races can register directly with =PR= Training Programs.

Already done the marathon or not quite ready to toe that line?  Not to worry, the program is appropriate for half-marathon and 10-miler goals as well.  Come out and train with us for your spring distance race goal!

Details

The winter program meets weekly on Saturday or Sunday mornings (see details based on your location) from November through March/April.  Participants also receive guidance on what to do on their own for days the group does not meet, and can attend an OPTIONAL weeknight training session if it fits into your schedule.

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 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 is $125 for the session.  This cost includes weekly coached weekend morning sessions and a Participant Pack including a water bottle, technical shirt, and other giveaways.  Active participants the Marathon Training Program also receive a 10% discount on all purchases at Potomac River Running Store and access to our interactive website including training log.

Upcoming Session and Registration Information

Winter Marathon/Distance Training Program:  November 14/15 - your race (no later than April!) 

Falls Church Session:  Meets SUNDAYS at 7 AM, at =PR= Falls Church/Tysons Store (some sessions may rotate throughout the program)

Reston Session:  Meets SATURDAYS at 7 AM, at =PR= Reston Store

Rockville Session:  Meets on SUNDAYS at 8 AM, initial sessions at Lake Needwood access to the Rock Creek Trail (some sessions may rotate throughout the program)

To register, click on Join Us.  You can register online regardless of your payment method.