2021 VIRTUAL IN-TRAINING FOR PUBLIX ATLANTA 5K BEGINNERS PROGRAM

2021 Virtual In-Training for Publix Atlanta 5K Beginners Program

Registration opens December 1st! The Virtual In-Training for Publix Atlanta 5K Beginners Program is designed for participants hoping to finish their first 5K, the Publix Atlanta 5K! The program is intended for both runners and walkers and combines structured workouts while training at home, at satellite locations and together at the Atlanta Track Club headquarters for two critical workouts. It is free to all those who have a valid 2021 Atlanta Track Club Membership but is limited to the first 50 registrants. If you are not yet a member, you can join here for just $35 as an individual!


New for the 2021 season, the members-only Virtual In-Training for Publix Atlanta 5K Program 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
  • 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 virtual training program is intended for beginners. While participants do not have to be consistently exercising prior to the program, all participants must be cleared by a medical professional that they are well enough to train.

Note: This In-Training program does not include entry into the Publix Atlanta 5K. Register for the race here. We encourage you to make sure you have a valid 2021 Atlanta Track Club Membership before you register for the race to ensure you received the lowest price for the event. 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 5K Beginners Program is a hybrid of our traditional training programs. It can be conducted virtually or a participant may join us for satellite midweek workouts and two Saturday long workouts conducted as a group. These group workouts will be conducted exclusively outdoors and with mitigation efforts in place.

DATE & TIME First Practice: 1/11 LOCATION Anywhere DISTANCE 5K - 3.1 Miles COST FREE - Members

TIMELINE

December 1

Registration opens

January 10

Orientation

January 11

Training begins

January 13

Midweek workouts begin

January 23

In-person group workout

February 13

In-person group workout

February 27

Race day!

LOCATIONS

  • Midweek Workout Locations: Piedmont Park, Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. and two other locations based on proximity to participants beginning January 13
  • Long Workout Location: Atlanta Track Club Headquarters, 201 Armour Drive, Atlanta, GA 30324; January 23 and February 13 only.

COST

Members - Free! (virtual training with in-person components). Limited to 50 participants.

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. Sunday, 1/10 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

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.

Coaching

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 the two group long workouts and the midweek workouts for in-person conversations. Your coach will also be available through email 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 online educational sessions and our informal, in-person group workouts.

Group Training

Are group interval/speedwork sessions included with this program?

No. Our midweek interval workouts are not yet appropriate for beginners. However, at three of the locations around Atlanta we will have a Run Lead to guide a beginners midweek run/walk.

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

Yes; however, they will look and feel a bit different from the past. Two informal group workouts will take place on Saturdays in addition to the midweek group workouts at three locations. We will only be meeting outdoors. Many participants also meet at a variety of locations throughout the Atlanta metro area for informal group workouts 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 workouts 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.

Where should I run or walk?

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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