Ready to kick off your training journey? Registered group members should plan to join us Wednesday, 4/9, at Fleet Feet Poughkeepsie for our kick-off. We'll begin with a group run at 6:00 p.m. and then hold our official kick-off session at 7:00 p.m. At the kick-off, we'll cover everything you need to know about the program, from the training plan and strength training to injury prevention tips. 💪 We'll be sending out all the details, including your training program, via email by Sunday, 4/6, so please register with an email address you check regularly to stay up-to-date! 😉

Our training program will provide you with a weekly running/walking plan to achieve your goals. But you won't be doing it alone! Our program includes regular meetups with coaches, mentors, and other participants for added support, accountability, and camaraderie.

• Run/Walk #1: Wednesday evenings at 6:00 p.m. at Fleet Feet Poughkeepsie 
• Run/Walk #2: Saturday mornings at 8:00 a.m. at the Morgan Lake Dutchess Rail Trail entrance 
• Strength Session: Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. at Gold's Gym in LaGrange. No Gold's Gym membership is required! These 30-minute sessions use bodyweight and resistance bands (provided by us!).

But there's so much more included in this fantastic program! 👇

• 💰 $5 discount code for the 2025 Big Run 5K or 10K registration
• 👕 Custom Fleet Feet racing tank or tee (see Team Spirit section below!)
• 👟 Demo runs with top brands like Brooks, Feetures, and Currex to try out the latest running gear!
• 🩹 Injury prevention workshop with Feldman Physical Therapy
• 📱 Private Facebook group for support, motivation, and community! 🤝
• 🧘‍♀️ Complimentary informational sessions, like Yoga for Runners!
• 💖 Lifelong running buddies!

Will I be too slow?
This is the most asked question; the answer is a resounding NO! Our training groups are open to all levels and abilities, including walkers and those who want to begin a running routine. We have people of all paces participating, from sub-10-minute to 15-16++ minutes per mile pace. The large majority of our 5K participants seem to fall into the 12-13-minute pace range. We encourage runners and walkers to pair up with a partner who is at a similar pace.  

What if I can’t make it to the group runs?
That’s ok. Come to as many as possible, but don’t let the group run schedule deter you from joining the program. Our training groups are typically around 20-30 runners, and it would be impossible to find a single day and time that works for every single person. Don’t think that you won't get value from the program if you can’t do it to every session. We've had runners in the past who didn’t make it to any group sessions but still found great value in the coaching/group dynamic, had a great experience, and successfully completed the race.  

What if I want to train with the group but doing a different race?
This is absolutely fine, but you will be responsible for modifying your training plan to meet your specific needs. If your schedule is ahead of the group’s, we also ask that you don’t encourage other runners to run longer distances than what is prescribed in their training plan.  

Will the group runs happen in bad weather?
Yes, generally speaking, with the exception of unsafe conditions such as lightning. We will always keep the group posted about the status of our group runs.  

Is individualized coaching available?
While we do our best to respond to and accommodate everyone's needs, please remember that this is group training. We do not currently offer one-on-one training. 

What if I change my mind about training? Can I get a refund?
Unfortunately, once the training program is shared with participants, we are not able to offer refunds. If a unique circumstance prohibits you from completing the program (e.g., an injury), we can offer you a spot in a future training program. Any refunds before the training program is shared would not include any applicable Run Signup fees.