Half Marathon Program
Registration for the 2011 Half Marathon Program is now open!
MCRRC’s Half Marathon Training Program is designed for runners who are accustomed to running middle distances and who want to prepare for their first distance event or improve upon their past half marathon performance. The 16-week program targets the Parks Half Marathon which takes place, Sunday, September 11, 2011.
Registration for the 2011 Summer Half Marathon Program is now closed. If you were unable to join us this season, please check back next April when registration for the 2012 season will begin.
Running and Racing Prerequisites
This Half Marathon Program requires a commitment to 5 challenging workouts (3 running/ 2 cross-training) per week. With that in mind, each HM registrant should currently be running at least 14 miles per week with a 6+ mile long run each week. They should be running at this level for 2 months prior to the start of the program. These mileage requirements will allow for a safe transition into our training.
We will also need a current race time (spring 2011) prior to the start of the program so that you are placed in the appropriate pace group. Parks Half Marathon has a time restriction of a 12:36 pace so please be aware of this as we want all our participants to be able to finish whichever goal they set.
NOTE:The program directors reserve the right to refuse admission to the program or to dismiss any individual from the program who they believe is unsuited for running a half-marathon, is unable to meet the demands of the training schedule or is disruptive to other program participants. The program directors also reserve the right to limit the number of participants in the overall program or in individual pace groups.
Orientation
Tuesday, May 17, 2011, 6:30 PM, Montgomery College track, Rockville Campus. Please come to the track bleachers dressed to run, as we will do a 3 mile running "tour" of the hills and track immediately following orientation. Map to locate the school.
Workout Schedule
Weekly Tuesday Workouts
Participants will meet Tuesdays at 6:30 PM at Montgomery College, 51 Mannakee Street Rockville, MD 20850. These workouts will focus on building leg strength and speed through running intervals as well as hill workouts. The schedule will also include a couple of trail runs at Wheaton Regional Park.
Saturday Long Runs
Our long runs will help develop endurance and will take place Saturday mornings though there many be a few exceptions. Distances will increase and then taper as the program progresses. The location and starting times for the Saturday long runs vary.
Pace Groups
Your pace group assignment will be based on the current race time that you enter upon registering. For our purposes, a current time would be one you got sometime in the 3 months prior to the program start. If you have no recent race time, you will be asked to do a 3-mile time trial at the May 25, Tuesday evening workout.
Inclement Weather Policy
This is an "all weather" running program. If it rains, expect to get wet. If it’s hot, expect to sweat, dress appropriately (NO COTTON shirts or long pants) and prepare by hydrating properly. Bring hydration with you to every run. The program directors reserve the right to cancel a workout in the event of extreme weather. Cancellations will be posted on the group Yahoo site 24 hours prior to the planned workout so you may more easily adjust your schedule and complete it on your own if need be.
Program Fee and Volunteer Requirement
The program cost is $60 and includes a training shirt and training log. While it is still our target race, registration for Park's Half Marathon is no longer included in the registration fee. We will however provide a link for discounted registration for the race later in the season.
MCRRC is a volunteer organization, as are all its programs, including the Half Marathon Program. To continue to promote volunteerism, our participants will also be expected to volunteer in at least one club race or event. We will make you aware of those opportunities as they arise.
NOTE:MCRRC membership is required before joining the HM Training Program. See About MCRRC for more information and to join.
Communications
We use our Yahoo! group, HM Yahoo site to post our schedule, training program and tips, announcements, and discussion topics. As this is our only means of communicating with everyone, you must join this group to participate in the program. Click the HM Yahoo site link above and read the instructions to join. The following will be necessary when you register, 1) your full name 2) current e-mail address and 3) an indication that you are a member of both MCRRC and the 2010 Half Marathon program. When you send the e-mail to the Yahoo site to request admission to the group, put your full name in the text of the e-mail so our administrator can quickly admit you. Any further inquiries about these instructions can be directed to pollysue@yahoo.com.
2011 Program Staff
Head Coaches
Pace Coaches
- Mayra Fairburn
- Paul Foster
- Bonnie Gitlin
- Jeff Gitlin
- Laura Hurst
- Howie Phillips
- Ed Walters
- Wanda Walters
Administrator
- Wanda Walters
Safety Coordinator
- Patricia Maloney
Questions? Contact: Mary at speedplay@comcast.net OR Noelle at bodybynoelle@gmail.com
