January 8th Preview

Here we go again, into the 13^th year of this marathon training. It can include a “midterm” race , the Cottage Grove Half on March 11^th. Next Sunday you’ll be joined by half-marathoners when they begin training aimed specifically for the Cottage Grove race.

Meet at the Eugene Running Company for an 8:00 a.m. start. Lindsey Taylor (who coaches a separate training group on Saturdays) opens the store by 7:45.

The route: Oakway and Coburg Roads to Ferry Street Bridge and don’t cross. Turn left onto bike path, to Autzen footbridge and across. Turn right, past Ferry Street, to Valley River footbridge and across. Turn right, back to Ferry Street and store. GPS distance is 6.95 miles.

Bring a drink for delivery at about 3.5 miles (Skinner Butte playground). Weather forecast: starting temperature in 30s with rain likely.

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.