2022 In-Training for the Invesco QQQ Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon

In-Training Badge

Atlanta's Thanksgiving Day tradition continues in 2022! Whether you're training for a personal best or celebrating an annual tradition with family and friends, Atlanta Track Club's In-Training for the Invesco QQQ Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon program is designed to meet your needs while training in-person or at home. The 12-week program combines structured long workouts with additional midweek workouts to help you reach your goals with the support of a community or without having to leave your neighborhood.

In 2022, the In-Training for the Invesco QQQ Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon program will feature:

  • In-person and virtual options
  • Certified coaches to guide you while keeping you accountable
  • Online learning opportunities on Tuesday evenings at 8:00 p.m. led by Atlanta's running and walking subject matter experts followed by Q&A
  • Small group workouts throughout the city during the week and larger long workouts on Saturdays
  • Additional customized training levels to meet your fitness, experience, and goals
  • Individualized workouts to prepare you for the Invesco QQQ Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon
  • Daily text/email reminders of workouts powered by Final Surge
  • Online platforms to build community and camaraderie
  • Two Saturday field trips to run through different parts of Running City USA
  • In-Training shirt for both in-person and virtual athletes. Only virtual participant shirts will be mailed.

This training program is intended for participants aiming to complete the Invesco QQQ Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon within the course limit of 3.5 hours or approximately 16 min/mile. We recommend that training participants be able to maintain 16 min/mile for at least 3-5 miles at the start of training. First time half marathoners and advanced runners are welcome!

Note: This training program does not include entry into the Invesco QQQ Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon.

Training Program Policies

Distances

  • Half Marathon

Cost

  • $135.00 (In-Person)
  • $115.00 (Virtual)

Program Schedule

June 24

Registration opens

August 28

Orientation - online at 7:00 p.m.

September 5

Training begins

September 7

In-person, midweek workouts begin

September 10

In-person, Saturday, long workouts begin

September 19

Registration closes

September 24

No in-person practice

October 15

No in-person practice

October 16

Optional Field trip, PNC Atlanta 10 Miler

November 5

Field trip, location TBD

November 24

RACE DAY!

Locations

  • Saturday Workout Locations:
  • Atlanta Track Club Headquarters, 201 Armour Drive - 7:15 a.m.
  • Saturday locations may rotate throughout the city to provide a variety of settings for long runs
  • Wednesday Workout Locations: In-person participants select one location during registration. These locations are subject to change based on participation.
  • Pending participation - Riverside Park, Roswell, Wednesdays - 6:30 a.m.
  • Pending participation - Decatur, East Lake Marta Station (West Howard side), 2260 College Ave, Wednesdays - 6:30 p.m.
  • Pending participation - Peachtree Middle School, Track, Dunwoody, Wednesdays - 6:00 p.m.
  • Piedmont Park with Coach Bob, Active Oval or Dockside, Wednesdays - 6:00 p.m.
  • Cheney Stadium with Coach Bob, Thursdays - 6:30 a.m.

Cost

$115.00, virtual option
$135.00, in-person option

  • Refund Policy: Training registration is non-refundable* and non-transferable.
    • *Refunds are for medical reasons only and must be submitted with a physician's letter prior to the close of registration. A $25.00 processing fee will be retained.
  • This training program does not include entry into the Invesco QQQ Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon.

Benefits

  • 12-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 Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon private Facebook group
  • Online education sessions with time for Q&A every Tuesday evening starting September 6th. 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.
  • Run Lead and coach to check in on your progress at regular intervals

Participants

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

  • Level I: beginner runners and walkers 9:00-18:00 minutes per mile including intervals focused on completing the race
  • Level II: runners and walkers 7:00-14:00 minutes per mile including intervals currently completing 15 or fewer miles per week
  • Level III: experienced runners and walkers 7:00-14:00 minutes per mile including intervals currently completing 16-30 miles per week
  • 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

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. Sunday, August 28 at 7:00 p.m. on Zoom.

Coaches

Bob Wells, Atlanta Track Club, Manager & Coach - In-Training Programs | Eric Heintz, Atlanta Track Club, Director - High Performance | Amy Begley, Atlanta Track Club, Lead Coach - Olympic Development Team, 2008 Olympian - 10,000m

Tuesday Night Education Session Topics

  • adidas running shoe overview and guidance with Fall 2022 updates
  • Anatomy for runners
  • Foam rolling essentials
  • Goal setting
  • In-Training workouts explained
  • Mental preparation for the half marathon
  • Nutrition and hydration
  • Prehab/rehab, injury prevention
  • Recovery
  • Strength training
  • The science behind running shoes

Guests & Speakers

  • Alissa Palladino, MS, RDN, LD, ACSM-CPT
  • Amy Begley, Atlanta Track Club, Head Coach - Elite
  • Bob Wells, Atlanta Track Club, Manager & Coach - In-Training
  • Eric Heintz, Atlanta Track Club, Director - High Performance
  • Dr. Kacy Senders, PT, DPT, OCS, Precision Performance and Therapy
  • Dr. Kayla Balcom, PhD, Sport Psychologist, Balcom Psychological Services
  • Kelsey Smith, MS, RDN, LD
  • Nick Del Guercio, adidas Running Specialist
  • Veteran Run Leads and more!

Become a Member

Did you know as a member of Atlanta Track Club you receive a discount on events and programs. 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. Training plans are also made available as PDF documents.

Do I have to type my workouts into Final Surge?

No, the platform will sync with your watch to allow for a seamless 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 and Run Lead will look after your training and keep you accountable, it is not a personal one-on-one coaching program with unlimited access.

Are there opportunities for interactions with coaches?

Yes! Tuesday evenings 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 and Saturday 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 have digital correspondence, the online education sessions, and in-person access at midweek and Saturday workouts.

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 runs 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?

A day or two after you register, complete any required 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.

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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