Photo by Flickr user Elvert Barnes. License.
Trudging through the heat and humidity all summer long may be challenging but is essential in preparing for 26.2 miles this fall. But you don’t have to go through it alone! In fact, there are several marathon-training programs (many that target the Marine Corps Marathon or other fall marathons) to help guide you to a new PR when the weather is crisp and cool again.
D.C. Road Runners: Fall Marathon Training Program
Cost: TBA
Start date: 6/27/15
Details from DCRR’s website: “The Fall Marathon Training Program is an 18-week program geared towards Marine Corps Marathon (or any fall marathon of your choosing). The program begins on Saturday, June 27. Registration opening soon!”
Capitol Hill Running Club: Marine Corps Marathon Training Program (only open to Capitol Hill staffers)
Cost: FREE
Start date: 6/10/14
Details from a CHRC leader: "Program run by Marines and an opportunity for those with no interest in the marathon to get some shorter group runs during the week (with long runs on Saturdays)."
Montgomery County Road Runners Club: Experienced Marathon Program (only open members of club)
Cost: $100
Start date: 5/30/15
Details from MCRRC’s website: “This program is open to runners who are experienced in long distance running and marathons. There are no criteria for speed and we welcome runners of all paces. Historically, the marathon times range from 2:45 to 5:00. In order to be ready to handle the training schedule for this program, at the time the program begins in late May, runners must have a strong and consistent mileage base of at least 35-45 miles per week in order to be able to safely build to the suggested peak mileage of 55-65 miles per week, and should be able to comfortably run 12-14 miles as a long run. If you have any questions about your suitability for the program, please contact the program director prior to registering. The first group long run is 14 miles. The long runs build to 20-22 miles, with either 4 or 5 20-milers before taper begins, depending on the marathon date.”
Pacers: Distance Training Program 12 Week Session
Cost: $160
Start date: Open Enrollment
Details from the Pacers website: “Great for intermediate runners at 15K, 10 mile, or half marathon distances, also good for advanced marathoners with a strong base of approximately 12 miles. Pacers Running Training Program provides each runner with an individualized training schedule built from their personal running history, and designed to help any runner to meet their goals and be their best runner. Our dedicated coaches are there to help runners of all ages, shapes, and sizes meet their running and fitness goals. Sessions are always open, so sign up anytime to start training.”
Pacers: Distance Training Program 18 Week Session
Cost: $190
Start date: Open Enrollment
Details from the Pacers website: “Great for first time marathoners starting from a low mileage base, or seasoned 10 mile, half marathon, and marathon runners looking to really improve upon previous performances. Pacers Running Training Program provides each runner with an individualized training schedule built from their personal running history, and designed to help any runner to meet their goals and be their best runner. Our dedicated coaches are there to help runners of all ages, shapes, and sizes meet their running and fitness goals. Sessions are always open, so sign up anytime to start training.”
=PR=: Summer/Fall Distance Training Program
Cost: $159
Start date: 6/15/15
Details from the =PR= website: “The =PR= Training Programs' Summer/Fall Distance Training Program has tracks for the marathon and half marathon/ten miler distances. The program gears toward major local fall races including the Army Ten Miler and Marine Corps Marathon, but also typically includes many runners preparing for earlier or later races including Chicago, Steamtown, Baltimore, NYC, Richmond, Philly and others. The program provides everything you could need for a great race experience and is designed for both for new and experienced runners. Kickoff events will be held the week of 6/8 and the first group runs are informal on the weekend of 6/13-6/14, with training schedules beginning the week of 6/15 and the first "official" group long run the weekend of 6/20-21. The program continues through the end of October (and coaches make modifications/distribute additional suggestions and extension plans for runners with goal races in November.)”
Did you miss out on the MCM lottery? There's still numerous MCM Charity Partners with fundraising requirements that offer guaranteed access into the race. Here are a few:
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Muscular Dystrophy Association
The Children's Inn at NIH
Girls on the Run
Back on my Feet
In addition to the abundance of fall marathon training programs, there are several groups that meet on the weekends for long(er) runs. No need to suffer through a humidity long run alone!
Capitol Hill Running Club: Marine Corps Marathon Training Program (primarily for Capitol Hill staffers)
Cost: FREE
Start date: 6/2/15
Details: Marathon training provided by Marines, but also an opportunity for anyone with an interest in running any distance.
DC Capital Striders
Location: Dupont Circle fountain
Day: Saturday
Time: 8:00 or 9:00 am
More Information
DC Front Runners
Location: 23rd/P St NW
Day: Sunday
Time: 9 am
More Information
Moms RUN This Town
Location: NOVA (several various locations)
Day: Saturday and Sunday
Time: Varies
More Information (enter your location to find a chapter near you)
Washington Running Club
Location: Georgetown (3300 block of M Street, NW)
Day: Sunday
Time: 8 am (7 am in the summer)
More Information
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