Distance Training

Distance Training Program

Join the hundreds of runners Fleet Feet Sports has trained towards a half or full marathon. Whether its your first one or 100th, this program has helped many Rochestarians towards their long distance goals.

This Distance Training Program is for anyone who is currently a runner who has already completed a half or full marathon or is currently at the 5K/10K level and wants to jump up to the next level by completing a half or full marathon. Fleet Feet Sports is now hosting the training program for the Rochester Flower City Half Marathon to be held on April 25th in Rochester, NY.  This program is the Official Training Program for the Rochester Flower City Half Marathon.

Our next session begins January 18th through April 25th for the 1/2 marathon Program.  For training towards a full marathon in Spring the Program will end May 16th/23rd.

A current running base as low as 10-15 miles per week is recommended for this 1/2 program and 20-25 miles for the full marathon program. Included is a detailed training plan for the Flower City Half Marathon and a Spring Distance event of your choice.

New this season we are also adding Coached Tempo Workouts, so you can practice speed workouts with a coach and the group.

The program will also include, but not be limited to:

• A stretching workshop to educate on proper stretching techniques
• A nutrition workshop to educate on fueling for an event
• Orientation Workshop at Fleet Feet on Wednesday, January 27th at 6PM
• Group training opportunities every Saturday, with pace groups.
• Group training and COACHED Tempo Workouts
  • Thursday, Feb. 25th at 5:45PM
  • Thursday, March 18th at 5:45PM
  • Thursday, April 15th at 5:45PM
• A coupon booklet with up to $75 worth of savings in footwear, apparel, accessories and nutrition products
• A Free Yoga Class with Molly's Yoga Corner

We have 5 versions of the program:

• Beginner Half Marathon - for the person who has never done a half and has a lower base mileage (Fee $85)
• Advanced Half Marathon - for the person who has already done a half and wants to get better at it or someone who already has a good running base (Fee $85) 
• Beginner Marathon - for the person who has done a half marathon but never has done a full marathon (Fee $85)
• Advanced Marathon - for the person who has done a marathon and wants to get better at it (Fee $85)
• Platinum Marathon - for the person who has qualified for Boston or is close to it.  This program will have a more hands on coaching with Mark Andrews.  He will provide you specific workouts based on your ability level.  The fee for the Platinum Program is $200.

The program is not limited to these activities and will be a great start to your distance quest.  Program Fee is just $85.  The Platinum Program is $200.

Free Info Sessions will be hosted to learn more about this phenomenal program. Free Information Meeting dates are:

• Monday, January 4th at 6PM at Fleet Feet - RSVP here
• Monday, January 18th at 6PM at Fleet Feet - RSVP here

If you are unable to attend any of these sessions you can download this registration form and mail it in or drop off at Fleet Feet with cash or check payment

This is our 6th season, and we couldn't be more excited to provide this great opportunity for you.

The program is very flexible, in that you can alter it towards your busy lifestyle. Its transportable, such that you do not need to be in Rochester to follow the program. The program is safe and easy to follow. All you need is a desire to do the distance and the commitment to do the workouts. The program runs twice a year, once in January, then again in May. 

Testimonials:

"Fleet Feet welcomed me to Distance Training last winter, when I was 66. I was grateful for the flexible schedule design and the encouragement, but especially for giving me some honest feedback exactly when I needed it. That feedback allowed me to create and follow a realistic plan, one that encouraged me to meet my personal goal of running 26.2 miles, in my own time and place (along the Canal). FF had room for my quirkiness; i.e. no. wardrobe pressure, no impossible-for-me speed drills, flexible time and place workout suggestions. They cheered me on until I reached my own goal.. That success made me want to continue. When I look at the weekly e-mail, it seems to me that FF opportunities are endless. I’m left believing that if I can do it, anyone who wants to, can. Thank you, Fleet Feet. Judy Halley"

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"By following the Fleet Feet Advanced Distance Training Program, in my 6th marathon I finally broke 4 hours and set a 27 minute PR. More importantly, the friends I met though the Program have become my 'Running Group', helped propel me to even greater accomplishments (PRs across the board at age 41 in my 18th year of running) and make Saturday long runs, which I used to dread, something to look forward to!" by Steve Levitsky

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"Fleet Feet's Distance Training Program was an indispensable part of my preparation for my first half marathon. Without this program I never would have persevered through the training or finished the race. The program's upbeat and knowledgeable coaches made all the difference. And for Fleet Feet, it's not over 'til it's over: they even had a cheering squad at several places along the race route to help keep the momentum going until the finish line." Gratefully, Karen Morris

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"In the spring of 2006, I ended up at Fleet Feet, trying to find a fix to a knee tendonitis problem. I had decided to run my first half marathon for my 45th birthday, while trying to ward off heart disease which is prevalent in my family. While getting fitted for shoes and inserts, I learned about the Distance Training Program and signed up. I had tried to do some training on my own, but willfully admit I was totally clueless.

13.1 miles seemed pretty daunting, but as Ellen broke down the program for us and told us what we could expect over the coming weeks and months, a lot of that trepidation melted away. I now had a “team” of experts who would help get me to my goal and do it correctly and safely. Turns out there’s more to proper distance training than throwing on any old pair of running shoes and heading out the door. This is where my “team” came in. I had no idea what role nutrition played before, during and after a run, or what my options were. I was never one for stretching, but yeah, it makes a difference if done right. And yes, strength training really has a part in running. They gave us a schedule specific for our distance and experience, and I tried to follow it pretty closely. Granted, life and obligations sometimes got in the way, but I worked around it the best I could.
So now, 3 half marathons and 4 full marathons later (the first of which I trained through the program again) I still rely on much of what I learned, which is this:

1. You will get out of it what you put into it. It is totally up to you.
2. You will have plenty of help and resources along the way including the staff at Fleet Feet and all the runners who frequent the place, and there are a lot of us!
3. Runners love to talk about, well, running. Do not hesitate to discuss any issues with others in the program or other runners you meet up with. Its likely they have, or know someone who has been in the same situation or dealt with the same issue.
4. Take advantage of the group runs! I was never a big group runner, but kind of forced myself to do it. You will get through a tough workout with a lot of like-minded people. Personally, I made a great group of friends, which in turn has added a whole new dimension to my running.
5. Snow, wind, ice, rain and heat will become something you talk about on your long runs, not something that keeps you from doing them. With the proper equipment, you can and will want to get that run in. They will teach you everything you need to know to have fun out there!

My running group consists of people in all walks of life, ranging from mid twenties to mid fifties. Our little group continues to expand all the time. I met many of them through the training program. I came in with some pre-conceived notions about who a runner is. I continue to be amazed everyday at who the runners really are. We’re heading to Pittsburgh in May for our next marathon, the more the merrier!" by Kathy Reardon

Feel free to contact us for info.