June 7th Preview

For marathoners, it's our official and traditional start of the next training cycle on Sunday -- at seven miles. Halfers continue upward with that same distance.

We'll take the first our our two "field trips" of the summer, this one to the Dorris Ranch path in Springfield. Start time is 7:30.

The route is simple: from the trailhead parking lot (with restrooms and water fountains there),  "0.0" milepost to "3.5" and back. 

No drink service on course because there are no access points by car. This could be a concern because the forecast calls for a starting temperature in the 60s, rising quickly toward the day's high near 90. If worried about running dry, tank up before starting or carry a drink.

A gentle reminder that this new training season carries a new fee. You can pay at the store whenever it's open, or hand it to me.

WEEK ONE LESSON: YOUR PROGRAM

Question: What is the rationale behind this training program?

Answer: The weekly long runs are designed to take you far enough to complete the marathon. Our teams have a near-perfect record of finishes, 99-plus percent, for runners who started their marathon. The training distances have needed no changes since this program started in 2005. You also train under conditions that mimic those of the race. Most of our training routes are flat, so if you want to run some hills do so during some of your midweek runs. Our weekend runs are on hard surfaces, because that’s where the race is run. You can seek out softer ground during the week.