Do you like to run but still find it challenging to go out and get your run in on your own? If you join our group, you just might find yourself looking forward to your run—when you run with us, it’s also your time to wind down from work, school, or whatever, and enjoy the company of friends. As a bonus, running with a group will almost always increase your pace over running by yourself.
Coach Paul has designed a marathon program to optimize club members’ talents and give them the greatest chance to run to the best of their abilities on race day. This general program is designed for runners who want to improve their speed and endurance. However, we recognize that not everyone is training for a race or that some people don’t have the time to commit to a multi-week training program. The training program we use can be modified to account for runners with less time or who are new to running.
See below for a sample April training week schedule. Please note that all runners have the option to do less than the group workout on any given day. The mileage below reflects the average workout week for the experienced runner. Beginners in the group will tend to run less mileage, and there are always route cut-offs available for runners looking for less distance.
If you are planning to train for a marathon you do not have to start marathon training on the date we do. Join us anytime. We do recommend, however, that you consider joining us immediately so you can develop your base.
Monday:
4-7 miles easy for Grandma’s runners as a recovery from Saturday’s 25k race. Boston runners do a short speed workout. All runners warm up together to lake Harriet where Boston runners will begin their workout. Shorter routes are available for anyone else joining us—today and always.
Tuesday:
7-9 miles speed workout for Grandma’s group. Boston group does 5-7 miles easy in prep for Monday’s marathon. Calhoun and Isles. Shorter routes are available for others joining us.
Wednesday:
Good chance for runners to get an extra run in, especially if they miss one this week. Runners should otherwise consider cross-training on their own. Good day for non-Boston runners (due to race day coming up) to add in strength training.
Thursday:
7 miles easy for Grandma’s, 5 miles with some speedy pick-ups for Bostoners. Shorter routes are available for others joining us. Uptown afterwards. Tonight we’re sending our Boston runners off in style!
Friday:
Rest or cross-train.
Saturday:
16-18 miles for Grandma’s. Route is skirting Lake of the Isles, getting on Greenway Trail to the river, going south along river to Minnehaha Pkwy and then the wooded parkway to the lakes and home. Boston runners will run 3-4 miles easy in Boston. Non marathoners will have options to do distances between 7and 18 miles.
Sunday:
Three miles or cross-train. Boston group can do 2-3 miles, walk some, or just rest because their race is tomorrow!
