2021 IN-TRAINING FOR PUBLIX ATLANTA MARATHON AND HALF MARATHON

2021 In-Training for Publix Atlanta Marathon and Half Marathon

Registration opens 11/1!


The In-Training for Publix Atlanta Marathon and Half Marathon program is designed for the runners and walkers hoping to improve performance over 26.2 or 13.1 miles and those aiming to complete the distance for the very first time. The program combines structured long runs with additional mid-week workouts to help you reach your goals while training at home, at our midweek workout locations, and together at the Atlanta Track Club headquarters for critical long runs.

New for the 2020-21 program, In-Training for Publix Atlanta Marathon and Half Marathon features:

  • Certified coaches and volunteer Run Leads to guide you while keeping you accountable
  • Training grounded in science and experience guided by Atlanta Track Club's coaching philosophy
  • Digital learning opportunities most Tuesday evenings at 8:00 p.m. led by Atlanta's running experts including veteran marathon coaches and racers, medical professionals, and elite athletes
  • 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

This training program is intended for both veterans and beginners. For those attempting the distance for the first time, we recommend that marathon participants have consistently been training 15 or more miles per week and recently completed a long workout of at least 9-10 miles. We recommend that first time half marathon participants have been consistently training 10 or more miles per week and recently completed a long workout of 4 miles or more.

Note: This In-Training program does not include entry into the Publix Atlanta Marathon or Half Marathon.

In some cases, the program may be shortened for late registrants. 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

As a result of COVID, In-Training for Publix Atlanta Marathon and Half Marathon is a hybrid of our traditional training programs. It can be conducted virtually or a participant may join the in-person, midweek, small group workouts and informal long runs. Only three Saturday long runs will be conducted as a group and they will be less structured. In each case, the group workouts will be conducted exclusively outdoors and with mitigation efforts in place.

DATE & TIME

First Practice:

  • 11/23 -Marathon
  • 12/7 - Half Marathon

LOCATION

  • Anywhere

DISTANCE

  • Marathon - 26.2 miles
  • Half Marathon - 13.1 miles

COST

  • $105 - Marathon
  • $90 - Half Marathon ($30 per month)

TIMELINE

November 1

Registration opens

November 17

Marathon orientation

November 23

Marathon training begins

December 1

Half marathon orientation

December 7

Half marathon training begins

January 6

In-person midweek workouts begin

January 9

In-person group long run

January 23

In-person group long run

February 13

In-person group long run

February 28

Race day!

LOCATIONS

These will begin on January 6 with COVID mitigation efforts in place.
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.

  • Decatur, East Lake Marta Station (West Howard side), 2260 College Ave, Wednesdays - 6:30 p.m.
  • Fowler Park, Cumming, Wednesdays - 6:00 p.m.
  • Peachtree Middle School, Track, Dunwoody, Wednesdays - 5:30 p.m.
  • Piedmont Park with Coach Amy, Active Oval, Wednesdays - 5:45 p.m.
  • Piedmont Park, Active Oval, Thursdays - 6:00 a.m.
  • Riverside Park, Roswell, Wednesdays - 6:30 a.m.
  • Silver Comet Trail, Nickajack Elementary Trailhead, TBD
  • Swift Cantrell Park, Flag Poles, Kennesaw, TBD
  • More to be added soon!
  • Long Run Location: Atlanta Track Club Headquarters, 201 Armour Drive, Atlanta, GA 30324; January 9, January 23, and February 13 only.

Locations subject to change based on demand and participation.

COST

Marathon - $105.00, Half marathon - $90.00 ($30.00 per month), virtual training with in-person components

  • 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. Marathon - Tuesday, 11/17 at 7:00 p.m., Half marathon - Tuesday 12/1 at 7:00 p.m..

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 Nick Del Guercio, Atlanta Track Club, 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

  • Alissa Pallidino, MS, RDN, LD, ACSM-CPT
  • Dr. Josh Glass, CCSP, Georgia Sports Chiropractic
  • Dr. Kacy Senders, PT, DPT, OCS, Precision Performance and Therapy
  • Kelsey Smith, MS, RDN, LD
  • Dr. Perry Julien, DPM, Atlanta Foot and Ankle Center
  • Veteran Run Leads
  • Atlanta Track Club coaches
  • Mizuno
  • Fleet Feet - Decatur
  • West Stride and more!

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.

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 digital correspondence and access at midweek workouts, online educational sessions and our informal, in-person long runs.

Group Training

Are group interval/speedwork sessions included with this program?

Yes! Our midweek workouts will begin January 6 at locations around Atlanta.

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

Yes; however, they will look and feel a bit different from the past. Three informal group long runs will take place but not all paces may be supported and we will be meeting outdoors only. Many participants also meet at a variety of locations throughout the Atlanta metro area for informal group long runs and our private Facebook group and newsletter will help facilitate these workouts. When CDC recommendations change and the time is right our more structured, weekly group long runs 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 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 around the following levels:

Level I: 10 miles per week, long - 4 miles (half marathon only)
Level II: 22 miles per week, long - 5 miles (half marathon), 11 miles (marathon)
Level III: 30 miles per week, long - 7 miles (half marathon), 13 miles (marathon)
Level IV: 40 miles per week, long - 9 miles (half marathon), 14 miles (marathon)

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.

MEMBERSHIP

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

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