In-Training for 2024 Publix Atlanta Marathon and Half Marathon

In-Training Badge

Registration for this In-Training program is closed

There's nothing quite like the marathon and half marathon. Endurance events for athletes who like to take on big challenges. Combine that with the energy and hospitality of a city like Atlanta and the result is a marathon and half marathon you don't want to miss. Whether you're stepping up to the marathon or half marathon distance for the first time, checking Atlanta off your marathon or half marathon bucket list, or taking on the four event challenge that is the Ultimate Peach Series, In-Training for Publix Atlanta Marathon and Half Marathon will help you prepare for the 13.1 or 26.2 miles that are the 2024 Publix Atlanta Marathon Weekend.

The 2023-24 In-Training for Publix Atlanta Marathon and Half Marathon Program features:

  • Training grounded in science developed by Atlanta Track Club's High Performance Team
  • In-Training Certified Coaches to coach and mentor you throughout your training
  • In-person and virtual/remote training options
  • Small group workouts throughout the city during the week and larger long workouts on Saturdays
  • Course preview runs to prepare you for race day
  • Online learning opportunities most Tuesday evenings at 7:30 p.m. led by Atlanta's running and walking experts including veteran coaches and racers, medical professionals, and elite athletes
  • Customized training levels to meet your fitness and experience and prepare you for the Publix Atlanta Marathon or Half Marathon
  • Daily text/email reminders of workouts powered by Final Surge
  • Online platforms to build community and camaraderie
  • In-Training shirt (only virtual participant shirts will be mailed)

This training program accommodates both advanced and beginner athletes. For those attempting the distance for the first time, we recommend that marathon participants have consistently been training 15 or more miles total 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 total per week and recently completed a long workout of 4 miles or more.

In-Training for Publix Atlanta Marathon and Half Marathon can be completed virtually/remotely or a participant may join the in-person, midweek, small group workouts and Saturday long workouts. In-person sessions begin Wednesday, January 3rd for midweek workouts and Saturday, January 6th for long workouts.

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.

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

Training Program Policies

Distances
  • Marathon - 26.2 miles
  • Half Marathon - 13.1 miles

Cost

Marathon

  • $145 - In-Person athlete
  • $130 - Virtual/remote athlete

Half Marathon

  • $135 - In-Person athlete
  • $120 - Virtual/remote athlete


Program Schedule

Late September 2023

Registration opens

November 19

Marathon orientation - online at 7:00 p.m.

November 20

Marathon training begins

December 3

Half Marathon orientation - online at 7:00 p.m.

December 4

Half Marathon training begins, Marathon registration closes

December 18

Half Marathon registration closes

January 3

In-person midweek workouts begin

January 6

In-person long workouts begin

February 3

2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Marathon watch party and potluck following practice

February 10

Course preview field trip, Home Depot Backyard

February 25

RACE DAY!

LOCATIONS

Saturday Workout Location:

  • Atlanta Track Club Headquarters, 201 Armour Drive NE, Atlanta, GA 30324 - 7:15 a.m.
  • Course preview field trip, Home Depot Backyard, February 10 - 7:15 a.m.

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.
  • Azalea Park, 203 Azalea Drive, Roswell, GA 30075 - 6:15 a.m.

Locations subject to change based on demand and participation.

COST

Marathon

  • In-person athlete - $145.00
  • Virtual/remote athlete - $130.00

Half Marathon

  • In-person athlete - $135.00
  • Virtual/remote athlete - $120.00

    NEW IN-TRAINING REFUND POLICY

    In-Training registration is non-refundable unless you purchase Refundable Protection when you register for In-Training. If purchased and you're unable to start the training program for one of the covered reasons, Refundable Protection enables you to receive a 100% refund of your registration fee (minus processing fees and donations) within 10 business days of submitting a claim. Please read and learn what specific events are covered by Refundable Protection here.

    Note: Refundable Protection is only applicable if the qualifying event (illness, injury, etc.) occurs before the first day of training. If the qualifying event happens on or after the first day of training, the athlete is not eligible for a refund. The first day of training is the Training begins date under Program Schedule above; not the first in-person practice.

  • This training program does not include entry into the Publix Atlanta Marathon or Publix Atlanta Half Marathon.

BENEFITS

  • Scientifically grounded 14-week marathon training program or 12-week half marathon 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 starting January 1
  • In-Training for Publix Atlanta Marathon and Half Marathon private Facebook group
  • Online education sessions with time for Q&A every Tuesday evening starting January 2. 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.

PARTICIPANTS

The program is open to all runners and walkers including run-walk-run athletes and beginners.

  • Level I: beginner runners and walkers 9:00-18:00 minutes per mile including run-walk-run whose primary goal is to complete the race (half marathon only)
  • Level II: runners and walkers 7:00-16:00 minutes per mile including run-walk-run currently completing 15 or fewer miles per week
  • Level III: experienced runners and walkers 7:00-16:00 minutes per mile including run-walk-run currently completing 16-30 miles per week
  • Level IV: advanced runners 5:00-10:00 minutes per mile currently completing 31 or more 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.

  • Marathon orientation - Sunday, November 19, 2023, 7:00 p.m. via Zoom
  • Half marathon orientation - Sunday, December 3, 2023, 7:00 p.m. via Zoom

COACHES

Bob Wells, Manager & Coach - In-Training, Atlanta Track Club
In-Training Certified Coaches and Run Leads
Eric Heintz, Director - High Performance, Atlanta Track Club

Tuesday Night Education Session Topics*

  • adidas running shoe overview and guidance
  • Anatomy for runners
  • Foam rolling essentials
  • Heart health for endurance athletes
  • In-Training workouts explained
  • Mental preparation for the marathon and half marathon
  • Nutrition and hydration
  • Prehab/rehab, injury prevention
  • Recovery
  • Strength training
  • The science behind running shoes

* Partial list of past topics, subject to change.

Guests & Speakers*

  • Alissa Palladino, MS, RDN, LD, ACSM-CPT
  • Atlanta Track Club In-Training Certified Coach Run Leads
  • Bob Wells, Manager & Coach - In-Training, Atlanta Track Club
  • Dr. Chris Stanley, PhD, CMPC, Sports Psychologist
  • Eric Heintz, Director - High Performance, Atlanta Track Club
  • Dr. Ingie El-Khashab, Active Ankle & Foot Care
  • Dr. Jonathan H. Kim, MD, MSc, FACC, Director of Sports Cardiology, Emory University
  • Dr. Kacy Seynders, PT, DPT, OCS, Precision Performance & Physical Therapy
  • Kelsey Pontius, RD, LDN, CSSD, U.S. 2020 & 2024 Marathon Olympic Trials Qualifier
  • 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 all events and programs including In-Training. 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.

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 one-on-one 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. Finally, there are plenty of opportunities at the Saturday long workouts to talk with coaches or Run Leads. 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?

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 workouts 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.

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: 15-22 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.

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