No matter the pace, races have become a fun way to meet people, share a goal, and get some exercise all at the same time.
Autumn and early winter are the best time of year to take on a challenge due to the combo of summer fitness gained by training in heat coupled by the cooler temperatures that boost your training efforts. Lots of 5K, 10K, Half and Full Marathons are on the horizon and now is the time to sign up and get training.
To keep you motivated, consider what works for you - want to travel someplace new? Or prefer to sleep in your own bed before your big day? Want to raise money for your favorite charity?Whatever you prefer, picking and sticking with a group to hold you accountable and share the smiles with will make the journey easier to accomplish.
Here are some realistic training schedule lengths to get you to that starting AND finish line with a smile on your face.
If you can walk and/or run for 30 minutes, a 5K and 10K race can be a great goal to reach with 6-9 weeks of consistent training.
Looking at a Half Marathon? Start with a base of 4 miles and depending on experience level, look to put in 4-5 months of solid training. Full Marathon training should start with a solid 9 mile base and, again considering experience, allow 4-6 months devoted to consistent training.
Find a group and schedule that works with your lifestyle. You'll want to have a plan that won't cause you to fail or find excuses. This should include a long run, 2 shorter distance but faster/more intense effort days, several easy recovery days and/or off days.
Now grab a friend, find a race, and discover what you are capable of!
Here is a sampling of walking and running groups in the Dallas and Fort Worth Area. All are focused on helping folks like you become better selves, testing their bodies, joining the community of fellow athletes, and just having fun!
Train Pegasus:
This group of runners was formed and is led by "Fonz" and meets weekly at a variety of locations in Dallas. Training is year round and folks compete in a variety of races. Their creed is a group of runners in pursuit of PRs, BQs, and most importantly - having fun and bringing the running community together! Through their shared passion, camaraderie, and accountability, they strive to improve continuously. Private coaching is also available. Take a peek at their website and to get more information @trainpegasus, www.trainpegasus.com
Maggie Riba/Riba Runners:
Meeting at White Rock Lake in Dallas, Maggie is currently coaching groups for Half and Full Marathon distances in scheduled for early Fall thru December. She also offers group coaching for Spring Races with training starting each January. A long time coach and marathoner herself, she has proven that anyone can walk or run a Half or Full Marathon with consistent training. Her program meets on Tuesdays/Thursdays/Saturdays at White Rock Lake. She incorporates exercises and stretching instruction to help keep you injury free. She also offers personal training opportunities. For more information contact Maggie at mribster1@gmail.com
Shirley Dornback/Run with Shirley:
White Rock Lake is also the training site for this group. Shirley is a self proclaimed non-athlete who decided to join her sister-in-law back in 2005 and run a Half Marathon, and never looked back. She now encourages walkers and runners of all levels to set some goals that scare you a little and feel the empowerment that seeps into other areas of your life. Group meetings every Saturday at White Rock lake. Current training is targeting the BMW Dallas Marathon in December. Training continues year round. Monthly personal coaching plans are also available. Check out her offerings on her website www.runwithshirley.com
DRC/Dallas Running Club:
This all volunteer lead group meets year round for a variety of race distances and abilities to get you ready for your next race. All coaches are RRCA certified that keep you accountable and motivated. They believe that training for your next race is key to avoiding injury, conditioning your body, and preparing your mind. View their training options at www.dallasrunningclub.com/training
Dallas Run Clinic/Steve White PT, DPT, OCS:
Steve recognizes that running, like life, has its ups and downs and he wants to help smooth that journey out for you. He enjoys troubleshooting runners across the injury to performance spectrum. His declaration is to get you running and keep you that way! There's always something we can do to improve your situation. He is trained and specializes in Physical Therapy (Virtual and in Person), Run Analysis, Personal Coaching and Training Plans. His Clinic is located at 6500 East Mockingbird, Suite 101 (Hillside Plaza Building). He can be reached at via his website: https://www.dallasrunclinic.com/
FORT WORTH
Cowtown Trailblazers
In Fort WorthThe Cowtown Trailblazer Fall/Winter program is off to a great start! Beginner and seasoned runners alike train in-person on Saturday morning long runs and Tuesday speed workouts. The 6-month training program slowly increases weekly mileage to allow for adaptation. You'll enjoy the camaraderie of many other runners and soak up the knowledge from Head Coach Gary Anderson, Training Coordinator Tamara Ogle, and their 25 plus pace coaches. The current weekly mileage is very low, so it is the perfect time to join us...it is definitely NOT too late!! https://raceroster.com/events/2024/90126/the-cowtown-trailblazer-winter-2024-training-program.
Find all the information on their website: https://raceroster.com/events/2024/90126/the-cowtown-trailblazer-winter-2024-training-program
Jerry's Running Club
Based in Fort Worth, Jerry Johnson has been coaching beginners to seasoned walkers and runners in distances from 5K-marathons. You'll find programs that run all year long for all paces. Saturday morning workouts start at The Trailhead at Clearfork and weekday workouts at TCU track and The Trailhead at Clearfork. Current session ending will be ending on August 31. Website will be updated soon for fall offerings. For more information visit the website. https://runsignup.com/Club/TX/FortWorth/JERRYSRUNNINGCLUB
18th Annual Fort Worth Half and Full Marathon, November 10, 2024 - Free Training Programs
Looking to blaze your own trail and just looking for some solid free training programs? Fort Worth Marathon has partnered with RunRelated and Strava to bring you a variety of 16 week training programs with guidance from seasoned coaches and veteran runners. Workout schedules started on July 22 so jump on in! You'll access these free workouts once you signup for the race https://fwmarathon.athlete360.com/.
For more personalized training programs and advanced coaching reach out to info@runrelated.com
