January 3rd Preview

Here we go again! On the 11th anniversary of this team's founding, we start another round of marathon training. These next four months target the Eugene race on May 1st.

A formal half-marathon group for Eugene will start later. However, runners aiming for the new Cottage Grove Half are welcome to train along with the marathoners for the next two months. There's no extra charge for joining early.

Start Sunday at 8:00 at the Eugene Running Company, with the store opening about 15 minutes earlier. This is a good time to thank Bob Coll and crew for hosting us the entire history of the team.

This Sunday's distance is seven miles. Because of recent flooding in Alton Baker Park (and the ever-present winter threat of more), we'll avoid that area. The route: Oakway and Coburg Roads to Ferry Street Bridge and don't cross. Turn right onto bike path, to Valley River footbridge and across. Turn left, to playground. Turn AROUND there and come back the same way: Valley River, Ferry and store. GPS distance is exactly 7.00.

Bring a drink for delivery at halfway. Weather forecast: temperature in 20s with freezing rain possible. The only reason we ever postpone or cancel is when the footing is dangerously slick. That's always a last-minute call, which I can't make until that morning.

WEEK ONE MARATHON 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.