RRC/DRC Half or Full Marathon Training: Summer/Fall

Ridgefield Running Company and Darien Running Company are back for 2021 with both full and half marathon supported training programs at both stores!

The 16-week full marathon program will (optionally) culminate in the Eversource Hartford Marathon on October 9, 2021. 
 The 12-week half marathon program will (optionally) culminate in the Ridgefield Half Marathon on October 17, 2021. 

Or, use our programs to aim for another fall race! We can adjust the program for any race in October or early November of 2021.

Full marathon program starts the weekend of June 19-20.

Half marathon program starts the weekend of July 24-25.

For $99 (Full) and $79 (Half) you will receive:

• An exclusive plan designed to help you finish your first full/half marathon distance or improve upon a prior time.
• Group long runs lead by experienced pace leaders Saturdays at RRC, Sundays at DRC. (You’ll be able to switch between the stores as needed.)
• Access to certified coaches
• Closed group on Facebook for support and encouragement
• Demos and events for Saturday (RRC) or Sunday (DRC) mornings, and special informational clinics just for you
• An exclusive trainee tech tee from HOKA, new design for 2021.

PREREQUISITES:

Half Marathon: You must be able to run a minimum of 4-5 miles in one workout before the program starts. THIS IS NOT A COUCH TO HALF MARATHON PROGRAM. 

Full Marathon: You must be able to run a minimum of 6-7 miles in one workout before the program starts, starting with a base weekly mileage of minimum 15 miles per week. Running a half marathon in the past 6-8 months will be helpful. THIS IS NOT A COUCH TO MARATHON PROGRAM. 

Additional Information:

• Group runs are once per week on Saturday mornings at RRC and Sunday mornings at DRC unless otherwise noted; most runs will start at 7:00 AM (some may start earlier due to heat or length of run -- you'll know in advance if the start time changes.) You can choose either long run day that suits your schedule.

• The planned route of the week will be emailed to you on a weekly basis.

• We have pace leaders available for long run paces of 8:30, 9:00, 9:30, 10:00, 10:30, 11:00, 11:30, and 12:00+ (named affectionately the "Party in the Back."). The party in the back will be doing walk-run intervals. You are not married to any one pace group. If you're not sure which pace group, go conservative (slower). You long run pace is 1:00-1:30 SLOWER than you desired race pace.

• Expect to do 3-4 runs per week (one of them being long), and cross train/strength train once per week. You will get the full plan with detailed explanations once you sign up.

• If you are in the full marathon training group, you are required to have a hi-viz vest, light-up vest, or other way to be seen on the roads, since some of the runs will start pre-dawn. A headlamp or a pop of reflectivity on your clothing is not enough.

• We'll have a fun, supportive (and optional) Facebook group available for you to join once you are in. You can find training partners and post your #proofofrun from your vacation for accountability!