January 15th Preview

Cottage Grove Half-Marathon training begins this Sunday with a five-mile run. Given the conditions so far this winter, we need to preface all plans with “weather permitting.” You’ll join the marathoners, who are going eight miles this week.

The route (with an 8:00 start from the Eugene Running Company): Oakway and Coburg Roads to Ferry Street Bridge and don’t cross. Turn right onto bike path, past Valley River footbridge to "0.25" milepost (at Delta Ponds bridge). Turn AROUND there, then back the same way: past Valley River to Ferry and store. GPS distance is unchecked but close to 5.0 miles.

Bring a drink for delivery at turnaround. Weather forecast: starting temperature around 30 with little chance of rain.

WEEK ONE LESSON: YOUR PROGRAM

Question: What is the rationale behind this training program?

Answer: This half-marathon program is, fittingly, almost precisely half the one that our marathon teams follow successfully. You train as the marathoners do early in their program – except that 13.1 miles is your end point, and 11 miles is your longest training run. You also train under conditions that mimic those of the race. Our group runs are nearly flat. If you want hill training, add some to your midweek runs. Our Sunday runs are on hard surfaces, because that’s where the race is run. You can seek out softer ground during the week. You run no faster in Sunday training than you will go in the race. Practice for speed elsewhere.