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10 Saturdays • Starts August 23 • Black & Brew Lake Morton Lakeland, FL 33801 US Directions

Events

Training Only

Distance Training

$22.20 incl. $2.20 Fee Registration Opens May 1, 2025 at 8:00am EDT
Open to ages 14+.
Share your love of running with others!

DP Volunteer

$0 Registration Opens May 1, 2025 at 8:00am EDT

Description

2025 Distance Group Training 

📝 Train for a 10k or half marathon with our comprehensive training options.

 

🥇 Three levels of structured workouts designed to accommodate everyone from beginners to seasoned runners with performance goals.

 

📅 Don't miss out! This program is only offered once a year.

 

👟 Space is limited, so sign up now!

 

⏱️ Receive volunteer support during group runs, we currently have volunteers with 5k times between 22:00 - 50:00 minutes to help pace.

 

👕 Get a long-sleeved, gender-specific, technical training shirt as part of your registration.

 

🌇 Join our Saturday group runs through scenic downtown Lakeland and enjoy the camaraderie and support of fellow runners.

 

💲  Great value at only $20. This volunteer led program supports our mission to provide the highest quality activities for our running community.

The schedule is ideal to train for the Lake to Lake 10k on November 1, or several Florida half marathons the following weekends. The Distance Program kicks off on Saturday, August 23, and will meet in person every Saturday through the Lake to Lake 10k on November 1. You can participate virtually as the training plan is available digitally.

Saturday In Person Meeting Location:
Black & Brew at Lakeland Library on Lake Morton Location
100 Lake Morton Dr, Lakeland, FL 33801

The core of the group will start at 7:00 AM and will run the distance for the 10k training. Half marathoners will receive volunteer support, and each pace group will decide how to split the additional miles before or after the 10k training mileage. 


Attendance is not mandatory. In addition to the Saturday in-person sessions, there will be an online community where LRC coaches will share training information, and participants can ask questions and support each other. 

*Runners must be at least 14 years of age and have a current 5k time of 50 minutes or less to participate in this program.

 

About the LRC Distance Program

This program was written for anyone who wants to increase their endurance, wants to try and improve their performance at a 10k, 15k, or half marathon, or simply have fun with distance running. You do not have to register for a 10k or half marathon to follow this plan. You can train simply for the joy of training.

 

In this program, I use the term running to refer to running, run/walking, jogging, fitness walking, or walking. 

 

The long run for the 10k plan starts at 3 miles and gradually builds to 7 miles, the long run for the half marathon plan starts at 6 miles and build to 14 miles. If you choose the half marathon plan, you need to be able to run 6 miles comfortably.  If you want to run a half marathon later in the season, the 10k plan is a great option to start building your mileage.

 

The Lakeland Runners Club is a proud member of the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA), which is a testament to our commitment to promoting the sport of running and fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all participants. We adhere to the RRCA's best practices and strive to provide you with top-notch running experiences.

 

Your 2025 Coach

Sarah Kozul
Sarah started running in 2010 to celebrate turning 40 by training for a half marathon. Feeling joy and accomplishment in her own experience, Sarah wanted to share that and began coaching groups in 2013. She is a Galloway run-walk-run and RRCA certified running coach. She enjoys exploring new routes and has run more than 50% of Lakeland's streets. The marathon is Sarah's favorite distance and using the principles we'll cover in this program, lowered her marathon pace from 13:05 per mile at her first marathon in 2013 to an 8:44 per mile in 2018 at her 19th marathon. Sarah experienced an acute back injury at the end of 2018, and has slowly worked her way back to the marathon distance. 

Sarah's Coaching Philosophy
I blend common sense with the latest scientific research to help athletes reach their goals while staying injury-free so they can enjoy a lifetime of running.

Personalized Training
I know every runner is unique. That's why I offer a variety of training plans so you can choose one to fit your age, gender, experience, and personal goals. I stick to practical, evidence-based methods that are updated with the latest research, steering clear of fads and gimmicks. 

Flexibility and Adaptability
Life happens, and sometimes plans need to change. That’s okay! I believe in adapting your training to fit your life. Delaying a goal doesn’t mean it’s out of reach – it’s all about keeping things positive and realistic.

Holistic Approach to Success
Success is more than just numbers on a clock. I all about ensuring that running adds value to your life, enhancing your overall health and wellness. When you look back at your years of running -  it’s the joy, fulfillment, and well-being that I want you to remember.

 

Educational Topics 

Safety: guidelines for group runs and running alone.

Setbacks: prevention and comebacks 

Training Progressions: volume vs speed, pace charts, using run-walk-run

Nutrition: fueling & hydration for longer distances

How You Move: form, mobility, stretching, strength, cross training 

What You Wear: shoes, tech, apparel

Training You: differences for age and gender

Goal Setting: setting A, B, C goals

Peaking & Tapering: the hay is in the barn/you can't cram for a race

Race Instructions: minimize race day stress 

The Long Game: where to go from here

 

 

and we think you should know...

Pace groups. Depending on the size of the group and where your pace falls on the normal distribution of paces, there may or may not be someone that has the exact same training pace as you. If you want to make sure you have a training buddy - invite a friend to join the program with you! 

 

Map Skills. The route for the Saturday run will be emailed and posted in the FB group each week. While we will have volunteers scattered through the pace range, you are responsible for reviewing and knowing the route. Lakeland is a RRCA Runner Friendly Community and we will explore in all directions from the library.

 

Your coaches are running coaches. We are not doctors, physical therapists, registered dieticians, or certified personal trainers. We will give you general advice on these topics as they relate to running, but we cannot diagnose or write treatment plans for you.


Shoes. If you can't remember how old your trainers are, or you've been running consistently for 3-6 months, and haven't gotten a new pair, consider a new pair to reduce injury risk and general aches caused by worn-out gear.

 

Training Program Shirt

Group shirts will be ordered after registration closes. They should be available by mid-October for pick up in person at a Saturday group run. 

 

Weather Policy

The safety of our participants is our highest priority. Training will be held rain or shine and will not be cancelled except for cases of severe weather or unsafe road/trail conditions. Less threatening conditions may cause alterations of the course or post-event activities to ensure participant, volunteer, and community safety. We are a nonprofit organization and all net proceeds are used to further the Lakeland Runners Club’s mission in the community. As such, no refunds or credits will be given in the case of cancellation due to weather. We promise to make every effort to produce a fair, safe and exciting training program. 

Place

100 Lake Morton Dr
Lakeland Library Lake Morton Location
Lakeland, FL US 33801

Program Contact Info

If you have any questions about this program, click the button below.

Directions

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