2023 In-Training for Fall Marathons

In-Training Badge

Registration for this In-Training program is closed.

The 2023 fall marathon season is fast approaching! Whether you're training for a personal best in Berlin, going after a Boston qualifying time in Chicago, aiming to finish your first marathon in New York, or you want to maintain your fitness through the fall season, Atlanta Track Club's In-Training for Fall Marathons program is designed to help you succeed. The 14-week program combines structured long runs with additional midweek workouts to help you reach your goals with the support of a running community or without leaving your neighborhood. You pick the marathon, we help you prepare!

In 2023, the In-Training for Fall Marathons program will feature:

  • In-person and virtual options
  • Certified coaches to guide you while keeping you accountable
  • Online learning opportunities on Tuesday evenings at 7:30 p.m. led by Atlanta's running and walking subject matter experts followed by Q&A
  • Small group workouts throughout the city during the week and larger long runs on Saturdays
  • Additional customized training levels to meet your fitness, experience, and goals
  • Individualized workouts to prepare you for the marathon of your choice
  • Daily text/email reminders of workouts powered by Final Surge
  • Online platforms to build community and camaraderie
  • Two Saturday field trips to run through different parts of Running City USA
  • In-Training shirt for both in-person and virtual athletes. Only virtual participant shirts will be mailed.

While there are no specific event course limit paces for this training program because they vary by target marathon, we recommend that training participants be able to maintain 14 min/mile for 10-13 miles at the start of training. This program is not intended for beginners.

Note: This training program does not include entry into the marathon for which you are training. There are no in-person training sessions during the months of June and July. All in-person training sessions begin in mid-August regardless of goal marathon.

Training Program Policies

Distances

  • Marathon

Cost

  • $160.00 - In-person athlete
  • $145.00 - Virtual/remote athlete

Program Schedule

May 15

Registration opens

June 18

Orientation, September marathons, e.g., Berlin - online at 7:00 p.m.

June 19

Training begins, September marathons, e.g., Berlin

July 2

Orientation, October marathons, e.g., Chicago, Marine Corps - online at 7:00 p.m.

July 3

Training begins, October marathons, e.g., Chicago, Marine Corps

July 30

Orientation, November marathons, e.g., New York City, Chickamauga - online at 7:00 p.m.

July 31

Training begins, November marathons, e.g., New York City, Chickamauga

August 9

In-person, midweek workouts begin

August 12

In-person, Saturday, long runs begin

August 14

Registration closes

September 2

Labor Day Weekend, no in-person practice

September 16

Field trip, Location TBD

October 21

No in-person practice

October 22

Optional field trip, PNC Atlanta 10 Miler

Locations

Saturday Workout Locations:

  • Atlanta Track Club Headquarters, 201 Armour Drive NE, Atlanta, GA 30324 - 7:15 a.m.

Saturday locations may rotate throughout the city to provide a variety of settings for long runs

Wednesday Midweek Workout Locations:

In-person participants select one location during registration.
  • Agnes Scott College Track, South McDonough Street, Decatur, GA 30030 - 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
  • Cheney Stadium with Coach Bob, 741 Connally Street SE, Atlanta, GA 30315 - 6:15 a.m.
  • Peachtree Middle School Track, 4664 North Peachtree Road, Atlanta, GA 30338 - 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
  • Piedmont Park with Coach Bob, Dockside (or Active Oval), Atlanta, GA 30309 - 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
  • Riverside Park, 575 Riverside Road, Roswell, GA 30075 - 6:15 a.m.

Locations subject to change based on demand and participation.

Cost

In-person athlete - $160.00
Virtual/remote athlete - $145.00

  • Refund Policy: Training registration is non-refundable* and non-transferable.
    • *Refunds are for medical reasons only and must be submitted with a physician's letter prior to the close of registration. A $25.00 processing fee will be retained.
  • This training program does not include entry into the marathon for which you are training.

Benefits

  • 14-week training program
  • Online training platform that provides training plan, daily email and optional text reminders of workouts, workout sync and analysis, communication with coach
  • Weekly In-Training newsletter with training video content and articles
  • In-Training for Fall Marathons private Facebook group
  • Online education sessions with time for Q&A every Tuesday evening starting August 8th. Curriculum curated by Atlanta Track Club coaches. Content created and delivered by Atlanta running and walking subject matter experts.
  • Educational topics include running and walking anatomy, apparel, footwear, goal setting, hydration, injury prevention, nutrition, recovery, sports psychology, and more.
  • In-Training Office Hours. In-Training Office Hours give athletes the opportunity to schedule 15-20 minute 1:1 meetings with Coach Bob to review and discuss their training.

Participant Athletes

The program is open to runners and run/walk interval athletes but is not intended for beginners or dedicated walkers

  • Level II: runners and walkers 7:00-14:00 minutes per mile including intervals currently completing 15 or fewer miles per week
  • Level III: experienced runners and walkers 7:00-14:00 minutes per mile including intervals currently completing 16-30 miles per week
  • Level IV: advanced runners 5:00-10:00 minutes per mile pace currently completing 31+ miles per week and at least one speed work session or tempo run per week

Orientation

We will kickoff the program with a 60 minute online orientation in which Coach Bob will provide an overview of the program, explain Final Surge and its benefits, and answer your training questions.

  • Orientation for September marathons is Sunday, June 18 at 7:00 p.m.
  • Orientation for October marathons is Sunday, July 2 at 7:00 p.m.
  • Orientation for November marathons is Sunday, July 30 at 7:00 p.m.
  • All orientation sessions will be presented via Zoom

Coaches

Bob Wells, Atlanta Track Club, Manager & Coach - In-Training Programs | Eric Heintz, Atlanta Track Club, Director - High Performance | Amy Begley, Atlanta Track Club, Lead Coach - Olympic Development Team, 2008 Olympian - 10,000m

Coaches' Profile

Tuesday Night Education Session Topics

  • adidas running shoe overview and guidance with Fall 2023 updates
  • Anatomy for runners
  • Foam rolling essentials
  • Goal setting
  • In-Training workouts explained
  • Mental preparation for the marathon
  • Nutrition and hydration
  • Prehab/rehab, injury prevention
  • Recovery
  • Strength training
  • The science behind running shoes

Guests and Speakers*

  • Alissa Palladino, MS, RDN, LD, ACSM-CPT
  • Amy Begley, Head Coach - Elite, Atlanta Track Club
  • Atlanta Track Club In-Training Certified Coach Run Leads
  • Bob Wells, Manager & Coach - In-Training, Atlanta Track Club
  • Eric Heintz, Director - High Performance, Atlanta Track Club
  • Dr. Ingie El-Khashab, Active Ankle & Foot Care
  • Dr. Kacy Seynders, PT, DPT, OCS, Precision Performance & Physical Therapy
  • Meaghan Muller, MS, LPC
  • adidas Running Specialist

* Partial list of past guests and speakers, subject to change.

Become a Member

Did you know as a member of Atlanta Track Club you receive a discount on events and programs. Join today to begin receiving discounts and the many other benefits of membership!

Join Today

Frequently Asked Questions

Technology

I am not technologically savvy. Will I be trained on how to use all of the digital tools in the program?

Yes! Orientation, online videos, downloadable documents, and more will take you through the process step-by-step to maximize your experience.

Do I have to type my workouts into Final Surge?

No, the platform will sync with your watch to allow for a seamless experience.

Customization and Coaching

What do you mean by customized or individualized coaching?

The program offers a variety of training levels based on mileage, experience, and goals. The program also provides the tools to customize your paces for easy runs and walks in addition to harder workouts such as tempos and speedwork. Participants have the ability to move training days based on their work and life schedules. While a certified coach and Run Lead will look after your training and keep you accountable, it is not a personal one-on-one coaching program with unlimited access.

Are there opportunities for interactions with coaches?

Yes! Tuesday evenings feature online education sessions including opportunities for questions and answers. Coaches and Run Leads, experienced volunteers who assist with the program, are also present at midweek and Saturday workout locations for in-person conversations.

Will I be able to schedule weekly one-on-one calls with my coach?

Yes! Athletes have the opportunity to schedule 15-20 minute 1:1 meetings with Coach Bob to review and discuss their training.

Group Training

Are group interval/speedwork sessions included with this program?

Yes! The in-person program features group workouts at various locations throughout the city.

Are supported, group long runs sponsored by Atlanta Track Club included with this program?

Yes! The in-person program features supported long runs and workouts.

General
Once I sign up for In-Training how long does it take before I receive my plan?

Your training plan is added to your Final Surge training calendar a few days before your first day of training. This process is initiated with a Coaching Invitation. The Coaching Invitation email is sent the week before your training begins and will come from Notifications@FinalSurge.com. Once an athlete accepts the Coaching Invitation, their training plan is added to their training calendar within 24-48 hours.

How do I determine my paces for workouts, training runs or walks?
There is a two step process. First, In-Training utilizes an Indicator Run or recent race result to determine your current fitness. An Indicator Run is a race effort that acts as a starting point for the program. In-Training then uses a proprietary pace calculator to derive your training paces in order to maximize your benefits from the program.

Where should I run?

Runner and walkers have individual likes and dislikes for training locations. While Atlanta Track Club can recommend popular locations throughout the metro Atlanta area, it is important to find safe routes near your neighborhood to maintain consistent training. Shaded streets with sidewalks and few intersections are best or dedicated paths devoted to pedestrian traffic. Using tools such a RunGo, MapMyRun, and gmap-pedometer can be useful in determining good routes. We also encourage talking with Run Leads and other participants for local recommendations.

I did not reach the prescribed mileage for a day or week. Should I adjust my paces or workouts?

You do not. Most of your workouts are for a specific amount of time and the mileage is an estimate. If you are over or under by a small amount it is okay. Consistency of effort and training are more important. Some days, specifically your longer workouts, the total mileage is the priority. These are typically your Saturday workouts.

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