Description
Fartlek University: Fall Distance Training
More Than the Miles
Train with a plan. Learn the why. Find your community.
September 21 – December 13
At TCMA, we believe running is better together. Fartlek University blends community, coaching, and a training approach that makes running both effective and fun—rooted in the original meaning of “fartlek,” or speed play.
Our 12-week Fall Distance Training Program is designed to meet you where you are and help you progress from there. Whether you're building consistency, preparing to run longer distances, or ready to improve your half-marathon performance, you'll have the structure, support, and community to help you train with purpose.
What’s Included
Wednesdays at 7:00 AM or 6:00 PM — Quality Workouts
Progressive, structured workouts designed to improve the components of running performance, including aerobic capacity, lactate threshold, running economy, speed, and fatigue resistance. Choose the morning or evening session that works best for your schedule.
Saturdays at 8:00 AM — Supported Long Runs
Progressive group long runs focused on building aerobic endurance, durability, and confidence over distance.
Group workouts take place at various locations throughout Tacoma.
Your Complete Training Plan
Your training extends beyond the workouts we do together. You'll receive a comprehensive 12-week training plan with structured workouts and guidance for the entire week, giving you a clear progression to follow from start to finish.
Program Includes
- Two coached group workouts per week
- A comprehensive 12-week training plan
- Personalized training paces
- Online training platform and community support
- Daily text/email workout reminders
- Weekly coaching education that teaches you the why behind your training
- 25% TCMA race discount for Defiance, Wicked Fast, Tacoma City Turkey Trot, and Santa Runs Tacoma
- VIP Race Day Experience at Santa Runs Tacoma
- Limited group size for a more personalized training experience
Choose Your Training Path
Choose from three training paths designed for different experience levels, goals, and training needs:
Fundamentals — Build consistency and confidence through a gradual progression.
Base Building — Develop aerobic endurance and progressively build toward longer distances.
Performance Half Marathon — Take your training to the next level with more advanced, performance-focused training.
Not sure which path is right for you? Training paths are flexible, and adjustments can be made with coach guidance throughout the program.
Find your path. Train with purpose.
Spots are limited to maintain a high-quality training experience.
Membership Levels
* Training Focus: Build consistency and aerobic endurance while gradually increasing running volume and intensity.
* Long Run Progression: Begins with run/walk intervals and progressively builds toward steady aerobic runs up to 6 miles.
* Great For: Building toward a 10K distance by the end of the program.
* Starting Point: Able to comfortably run/walk for 30 minutes.
* Training Focus: Aerobic development with one weekly speed-focused workout and progressive long runs.
* Long Run Progression: Begins at 4 miles and gradually builds to 12 miles.
* Great For: Building toward a half marathon, developing a stronger aerobic base before spring marathon training, or maintaining consistent structured training without higher overall volume and intensity.
* Starting Point: Running consistently 2–3 times per week for at least two months and ready to begin the program at approximately 10 miles per week.
Training Focus: More advanced, performance-focused training designed to improve lactate threshold, fatigue resistance, race-specific fitness, and your ability to sustain faster paces. Includes 1–2 quality workouts per week, with some secondary quality work incorporated into long runs.
Long Run Progression: Begins at 6 miles and progressively builds to 14 miles.
Great For: Experienced runners looking to sharpen their half-marathon fitness, improve performance, and continue progressing beyond foundational training.
Starting Point: Running consistently for at least two months, averaging approximately 15 miles per week, and comfortable running 6 miles.
Experience: Previous half-marathon experience is recommended. If you're newer to the distance or prefer a more gradual progression with less overall volume and intensity, consider the Base Building path.
Contact Form
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Location
PO Box 593
Tacoma, WA 98402 US
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