FAQ
The basics:
- 20+ weeks of training
- Main meeting place is Memorial Park
- Group runs offered on Saturday (long run), Tuesday (Track) and Thursday (Tempo)
- The other days of the week you train on your own or with friends
- Each day of training schedule has you running a specific distance and pace
- Runners choose or are placed in a pace group with a coach for Saturday long runs (see pace group options below)
- We have runners of all abilities and paces; we will find the best pace group for you!
- All important info is sent in weekly emails from the club and your coach with training tips, news, updates, events
The FAQ
Where do you meet?
Our "home base" is Memorial Park. Each Saturday we start our group long runs from the Park. Exact meeting location and time will be provided to registered runners.
When does the marathon/half-marathon training program start?
The 2024-25 marathon & half-marathon training programs start with pre-season in August, and officially start the last Saturday in August. All registered members will have receive the training schedule and be assigned a pace group in early or mid-September. You are always welcome to switch pace groups at any point in the season--it's not set in stone. Our season runs through mid-January and finishes with the Chevron Houston Marathon and Aramco Houston Half-Marathon!
New runner orientation will take place Sunday afternoon, August 25, 2024, location TBD.
What happens after that? What does the season look like?
You will be assigned to a pace group; this is a group that will train to achieve a specific marathon/half-marathon time. You will be given a schedule to follow for the 20-week season. The schedule is designed for your pace group. Each week, the schedule will indicate what you run. The schedule has you running 6 days a week! It's a lot, but is designed to get you used to running on a regular basis while slowly increasing your mileage to get you ready for race day. Each Saturday is you group long run--you will meet at our club's designated spot in Memorial Park, find your pace group, hear a few announcements from your coach, and then run the designated route with your pace group.
In September, after our Saturday runs, we usually have informative running-related seminars on topics such as injury prevention, stretching/recovery, hydration, speed work, diet, cross- training and many other topics. Professional experts will address these topics followed by a brief Q&A session.
What time do we run on Saturdays?
During the marathon & half marathon training season (September-January), group run start times vary depending upon the distance and the pace group. Expect some really mornings! The longer the run, the earlier we start. This is so we can finish before traffic gets heavy and avoid any safety issues. We generally like to finish between 8am-9am. Each week your coach will send you an email with your group's start time.
During the off-season (February-July) we sometimes have informal long runs (distances vary) meeting at Memorial Park on Saturday mornings. Best to check our Facebook site for times and distances. All are welcome!
Do you have a pace group for me? What pace group will I be in?
Yes, we have a pace group for you! Your pace group is based on your target race finish time. If you are training for the marathon, we have pace groups for a 5:00+ hour finish, 4:45 hour finish, 4:30 hour finish, 4:15 hour finish, 4:00 hour finish, 3:45 hour finish, and 3:30/3:15 hour finish. For the half-marathon, we have pace groups for a 2:30+ hour finish, 2:15 hour finish, 2:00 hour finish, and 1:45 hour finish.
Not sure what pace group is best for you? We will determine the best one for you based on your running experience, any recent race times, and your comfort level.
What time are Track and Tempo workout sessions?
During training season, track workouts will be on Monday or Tuesday mornings and evening at the Memorial Park track, which is across the street from the Tennis Center. Pick the time of day that suits you! Warm up a easy mile before arriving. If you can't come, please do the workout on your own. Remember parking can be challenging at Memorial Park so arrive early! Track will start in September and run through December. Exact meeting times provided to registered runners.
During training season, Tempo (formerly Hills) workouts will be on Thursdays mornings and evenings at Eleanor Tinsley Park (at Buffalo Bayou Park on Allen Parkway). Pick the time of day that suits you! If you can't come, please do the workout on your own. Tempo workouts will start in September and run through December.
What should I do during the week?
Group workouts are offered on Saturday, Tuesday (track) and Thursday (tempo). You will train on your own during the week. You schedule will indicate they type of run and distance for each day. None of the group workouts are required per se, but if you can only attend one, attend the Saturday group long runs.
Should I consult my doctor before starting this running program?
Not a bad idea! If you are brand-new to running, or have had medical issues in the past, let you primary care physician know that you are going to be training for an endurance race, and ask if they have any specific medial advice for you. You can show them a copy of your schedule and let them know that you will be training under a specific program suitable for all types of runners, with a measured increase in mileage each week.
What groups is the club affiliated with?
RHC is a member of the Road Runners Club of America and the Houston Area Road Runners Association (HARRA), an all volunteer, nonprofit organization of runners dedicated to provide, support and advocate for the running community of Southeast Texas. They were founded in 1993 to promote running as a competitive sport and a healthful exercise in the greater Houston area. They put on some cool races, like the Tour de Bayou series, so be on the look-out for an RHC team forming for that! And members are encouraged to volunteer to help in local races.
We are always looking for clubs with whom to run, partner, hang out and spread the joy of running! If there is a club you like or would like to know, let the RHC manager know and maybe we can plan a joint event.
I like to do other kinds of exercise besides running (i.e. cross-training). Will this interfere with my training program?
Not at all! Cross-training is an important part of any fitness program. The reason to do a bit of cross-training is to help strengthen parts of the body that help your running. Most kinds of other fitness can help (spinning = cardio; yoga = recovery, core work = strength, etc.) Whatever you do now and want to continue during the season is possible. But please start a cross-training routine earlier in the season rather than later. Don't expect to take up power-lifting or roller-blading or hot yoga hone you are 3 weeks out from the marathon/half-marathon and think it will help! It will not. It will most likely cause injuries right before your race. So keep it simple, consistent and familiar.
If this program suitable for beginners? How about "veterans" (i.e. those who have been running a long time)?
Yes and yes! RHC is suitable for all types of runners, from the very new to those how have run multiple endurance races. The training schedule is designed to give runners a plan for crossing the finish line. If you are not sure of your ability, then you will be placed in the 5:00 hour marathon pace group or 2:30 hour half-marathon pace group. These are great for beginners--you start at a reasonable pace, learn a lot about running, and run with an experienced and supportive coach. After you try the pace group, you are welcome to move to another pace group it you think it will suit you better.
How will I benefit from a training program? Why join a club?
A training program will help you immensely. The schedule is a an easy plan to follow; you get out of it what you put into it. You don't have to scour the internet or thumb through running manuals to find a plan or wonder if it's right for you. We provide everything you need! Our training plan is designed to get you to the finish line of your race. Many Runner's High Club members are surprised at how quickly they increase the distances they can run; starting at one or two miles and increasing to 20+ mile runs in just a few months. Many of these runners are training for their first marathon or half-marathon.
Joining a club is a great way to learn more about running, find like-minded people who share your interest in the sport, and always to have someone to run with! Training for an endurance race on your own is difficult, but training with a group makes it easier. When you hear that alarm go off early Saturday morning, and you think, Do I have to? Know that there are others who will be there to run with you! And you will make some great friends. You will never be lacking for a running buddy!
