"...A Standard of Measure..."
Quick Links to:
· Quick Description of Programs
· Vision and Details of Programs
· 10 Common Questions about training for a 1st Marathon
Quick Description of Training Program:
♦ Designed for the "True" Beginner to Recreational Athlete
♦ Absolute beginners are our specialty, Runner, Walker and everything in between
♦ Advanced programs available for return runners
♦ E-Training Program Remote Training Option
♦ Saturday Morning Long Runs
♦ Free weekly track works, speed work
♦ Free "goodies": Team Shirt, Team Water Bottle and TEAM window Sticker
♦ Monthly Training Schedule and Support
♦ 24 hour/ 7 day a week access to your Coach
♦ TEAM Racing Uniform- "Cool Max material" - no cheap cotton "stuff " with our program
♦ Informational and Inspirational Seminars: on Shoes, Weight Loss, Injury Prevention, Nutrition, Goal Setting,and much more...
♦ Running and Walking Form, Supplements, etc)
♦ Discounts at most Local Retail Running / Triathlon Stores
♦ VIP Group Instruction, Socials, for Race Weekend
♦ The best time of your your Life!
1st Marathon was created to teach all people the special art and proper technique of running and finishing a marathon road race. The marathon has always had a special place of reverence in the social conscience. Many view the marathon as the "ultimate" test of will,… a metaphor for life itself. Perhaps that is why so many people are in awe of those who are able to conquer it.
Though one of the most feared events in all of athletics, the marathon is actually one of the easier recreational sports to train for….provided one has enough time, knowledge, and desire. Here then is the vision of 1st Marathon…Utilizing knowledge, time and motivation we will train anyone and everyone who has the desire, to run and finish a major marathon road race.
Our programs are flexible, allowing even the busiest people to train around today’s hectic personal schedules. Targeting a major marathon road race, our programs about 20 weeks in duration. Training consists of once per week group runs, usually lasting 1 to 2 hours on Saturday mornings at a selected site. Prior to the group runs, we conduct a half hour informational and inspirational seminar on topics related to training. Monthly personal training schedules are distributed at our Saturday morning meetings to our participants to "be run on their own". These individual weekly runs are 3 to 4 times per week and are based on "time running" not distance. There is no need for participants to map out training distances for themselves. Our coaches are always accessible throughout the entire program to help all individuals with their training. The entire program is progressive in nature. Over 20 weeks, 1st Marathon will gradually and properly train participants to run and finish a major road race.
1st Marathon was designed for the "every man and woman" with a vision to help people achieve the ultimate…run their 1st marathon. Though many of our participants have run marathons before, the program is designed to accommodate all skill levels, with a focus on the beginner to intermediate. We intend to be the most successful, fun, safe, and inspirational marathon training program in the country. Our participants will be our testimonial.
I have never run/walked competitively before, can I really train to run/walk my first marathon?
Many of our runner/walkers have never been avid runners before. Most people even with no prior experience can finish a marathon provided they follow a structured, progressive training program start to finish, without falling off of the training program. It is a matter of future commitment more than a matter of previous prowess.
I don’t know the first thing about running, diet, shoes etc., and don’t want to look foolish in trying this. Will any advice be given regarding these topics?
Yes! Most all of our participants are beginners to novices at running/walking, so don’t feel like you are the only one. We provide seminars on all of these topics and have experts come in to teach you all that you will need to know concerning the information regarding training for a marathon. We will teach you more than most avid runners know before the program is through.
I feel that I am very slow. What if I can’t keep up with the rest of the group?
Our programs are designed to teach you to finish, not to necessarily do it fast. Don’t worry about your speed. You will be in good company as many of our runners intend to run/walk the marathon. The goal is to finish a marathon, and that is lofty enough. You can worry about breaking world records when you attempt your second marathon!
Oh, by the way, how long is a marathon? Can I do a half marathon?
A marathon is 26.2 miles long. And yes, most of the marathons we train for have a ½ marathon run the same day. Either distance is a remarkable accomplishment.
How long is the training program?
The training program is 20 to 25 weeks long depending on which marathon you decide to train for.
How often do we meet?
As a group we only meet once a week! We meet every Saturday early in the morning (times change depending on the time of year and avaialble light - but we usually try to meet as early as we can start - sign up for our weekly E-newsletter to get a weekly confirmation on where and what time we will be meeting) at a selected site to run/walk a distance. We start at 2 miles and work up to 20 miles over the 20 weeks. At each meeting we will have a brief seminar on a topic related to training for a marathon and then we run/walk. It is usually over in 1 to 3 hours, depending on how far we are running/walking that day.
That can’t be it, what about the rest of the training?
You’re right! At the Saturday morning runs, we will give you a weekly running/walking training schedule to be run on your own. You will typically be required to run/walk 3 to 4 days per week. Aside from our Saturday Morning "Long Runs"...all of your weekly run/walks are based on "time" not distance. This makes it very convenient to train, in that you don’t have to map out distances. You can fit the training into the most hectic of schedules, because you can run anywhere and anytime you can fit it in.
What if I have to miss a Saturday or two due to schedule conflicts?
That is O.K., just let your coach know which meetings you can’t make and he/she will get you all the missed information you need. As long as you make up the run/walk missed on that Saturday, you will be fine. You should try to attend as many Saturday run/walks as you can, however.
Do I have to wait to get my questions answered on Saturdays? Are coaches only available then?
No! We pride our programs on the fact that our coaches are always accessible to your questions. You can call us, fax us, e-mail us etc., throughout the week. Someone will get a hold of you as soon as possible. This is a group training program, but we are always available for individual needs and questions.
Why should I do this?
People run marathons for a lot of reasons. Some do it to test themselves. Some do it to get in shape. Some do it for another person or cause dear to them. Some do it as a vacation get away! Some have no idea why they are doing it, but do it nonetheless! The one common thing we can promise is that it will change your life… in a way that will make your life so much more enjoyable, regardless of the reason you started in the first place. Ask someone who has done it and check out our runner testimonials. They will tell you, it is an accomplishment you remember for a lifetime.
Still Have Questions?
Phone us: 480.358.0488
E-mail us:
Coaching Questions - brian@1stmarathon.com