2020 VIRTUAL IN-TRAINING FOR FALL MARATHONS

2020 Virtual In-Training for Fall Marathons

The Virtual In-Training for Fall Marathons program is designed for the experienced racer hoping to improve performance over 26.2 miles. Designed to fit your racing calendar, the program will guide you toward a course best at Boston, Chicago, Marine Corps, New York City or any marathon throughout the fall. The 16 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 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

We recommend that participants have consistently been training 15 or more miles per week, recently completed a long run of at least 7-10 miles and previously completed a marathon. While virtual In-Training for Fall Marathons is not intended for beginners, Atlanta Track Club does offer a first marathon program during In-Training for Publix Atlanta Marathon.

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

16 weeks before your fall marathon

LOCATION

Anywhere

DISTANCE

  • Marathon - 26.2 miles

COST

  • $120 ($30 per month)

PROGRAM SCHEDULE

May 23

Registration opens

June 4

Orientations begin online at 8:00 p.m., 3 days prior to training

June 7

Boston Marathon training begins

June 21

Chicago Marathon training begins

July 5

Marine Corps Marathon training begins

July 12

New York City Marathon training begins

August 8

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

$120.00 ($30.00 per month), virtual training only

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

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

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 II: 22 miles per week, long - 9 miles
Level III: 30 miles per week, long - 11 miles
Level IV: 40 miles per week, long - 14 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 marathon training program, transfer to the half marathon 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.

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