2020 VIRTUAL IN-TRAINING FOR FALL HALF MARATHONS

2020 Virtual In-Training for Fall Half Marathons

The Virtual In-Training for Fall Half Marathons program is designed for the both the beginner and experienced runner or walker hoping to improve performance over 13.1 miles or finish for the first time. Designed to fit your racing calendar, the program will guide you toward a course best at the event of your choice. The 14 week* program combines structured long runs with additional mid-week workouts to help you reach your goals while training at home.

New in 2020, the Virtual In-Training for Fall Half Marathons features:

Certified coaches and volunteer Run Leads to guide you while keeping you accountable
Digital learning opportunities most Tuesday evenings at 8:00 p.m. led by Atlanta's running experts including veteran marathon coaches and racers
Additional customized training levels to meet your fitness and experience
Deals and discounts from running specialty stores and sponsors
Daily text/email reminders of workouts powered by Final Surge
Online platforms to build community and camaraderie

Note: This virtual training program does not include entry into a fall half marathon.

*In some cases, the program may be shortened. Please email training@atlantatrackclub.org if you are interested in training with Atlanta Track Club but need to reduce the length of the program. Training Program Policies

DATE & TIME

14 weeks before your fall half marathon

LOCATION

Anywhere

DISTANCE

Half Marathon - 13.1 miles

COST

$105 ($30 per month)

May 23

Registration opens

July 2

Orientations begin online at 8:00 p.m.

July 5

Training begins for earliest races

September 3

Final orientation

September 6

Training begins for latest races

September 15

Registration closes

LOCATIONS

*When CDC recommendations for limiting gatherings expire, these group workouts may resume*
Wednesday Workout Locations: Participants can attend any of the Wednesday locations. Please see newsletter for the specific details. Participants should arrive 15 minutes early to warm up and stretch.
Cheney Stadium, Track, Atlanta, Wednesdays - 6:00 a.m.
Peachtree Middle School, Track, Dunwoody, Wednesdays, 6:00 p.m.
Piedmont Park, Active Oval, Wednesdays - 6:00 p.m.
Swift Cantrell Park, Flag Poles, Kennesaw, Wednesdays - 6:30 p.m.
Tucker High School, Track, Tucker, Wednesdays - 6:00 p.m.
More to be added soon!

COST

$105.00 ($30.00 per month), virtual training only

Refund Policy: Virtual training registration is non-refundable and non-transferable

BENEFITS

14-week training program
Tiered online training log to meet your goals and provide daily reminders of workouts
Weekly In-Training Newsletter with training tip video content and articles
In-Training for Fall Half Marathons private Facebook group
Online education including certified coach and Run Lead "ask me anything" sessions
Online presentations by our guests including time for questions and answers on various educational topics including proper footwear, apparel, nutrition, goal setting, injury prevention, recovery and more
Run Lead and coach to check in on your progress at regular intervals

PARTICIPANTS

The program is open to all runners and walkers that are training consistently.

Level I: beginner runners and walkers 9:00-18:00 minutes per mile including intervals attempting to finish their first half marathon
Level II: runners and walkers 7:00-16:00 minutes per mile including intervals currently completing 15 or fewer miles per week attempting to finish their first half marathon or improve upon an earlier performance
Level III: experienced runners and walkers 7:00-16:00 minutes per mile including intervals currently completing 16-30 miles per week focused on improving on an earlier performance or being at their best on race day
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 dedicated to being at their best on race day

ORIENTATION

We will kick off the program with an hour long online orientation in which Coach Amy will discuss the program's routines and expectations, explain Final Surge and its benefits, and answer your training questions. 8:00 p.m. on Zoom three days before your program begins.

COACHES

Amy Begley, Atlanta Track Club, Lead Coach - In-Training Programs, Lead Coach - Olympic Development Team, 2008 Olympian - 10,000m Eric Heintz, Atlanta Track Club, Director - High Performance Patrick Peterson, Atlanta Track Club, Olympic Development Team Athlete, Assistant Coach - In-Training Programs, Lead Coach - Youth Programs

Coaches' Profiles

EDUCATIONAL TOPICS

Footwear
Nutrition and hydration
Injury prevention
Prehab/rehab
Recovery
Goal setting
Race day nerves
Course strategy
Sports bra basics
Heart rate training and effort-based training

GUESTS AND SPEAKERS

To be announced soon!

Frequently Asked Questions - Virtual

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.

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 will look after your training and keep you accountable, it is not a personal coaching program with unlimited access to the coach.

Are there opportunities for interactions with coaches?

Yes! Tuesday evenings often 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 workout locations for in-person conversations. Your coach will also be available through email any time and in certain circumstances by phone.

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

No, but you do you have unlimited digital correspondence and access at midweek workouts and online educational sessions.

Group Training

Are group interval/speedwork sessions included with this program?

Yes! Although current CDC recommendations do not permit gatherings such as our midweek workouts, when the time is right we will begin to meet again.

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

No; however, many participants meet at a variety of locations throughout the Atlanta metro area for informal group long runs. When CDC recommendations change and the time is right they will begin again.

General

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

A day or two after you register, complete your survey questions, and accept your invitation to Final Surge, a coach will upload your training plan. Our coaches review each individual registration for the participant's experience, current training, goals, and preferred level before manually implementing the plan that best fits your unique needs.

What weekly mileage and long run will I begin with at the start of the program?

To maximize your benefit from the program, it is encouraged that all participants be actively training prior to the program beginning. The first week of prescribed training will be at the following levels:

Level I: 11 miles per week, long - 4 miles

Level II: 19 miles per week, long - 5 miles

Level III: 30 miles per week, long - 7 miles

Level IV: 37 miles per week, long - 10 miles

What happens if my scheduled race is cancelled or postponed?

If your goal race is postponed or rescheduled to a later date in the fall or winter, In-Training will shift your training program to accommodate the new date. If your goal race is postponed to 2021 or canceled entirely, participants may continue the their training program or transfer to a 5K/10K plan for the remainder of the training program. Refunds will not be offered for postponed or canceled goal races.

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.

BECOME A MEMBER

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2020 VIRTUAL IN-TRAINING FOR FALL HALF MARATHONS