TRAINING CLASS DESCRIPTION
The Fall 2015 Half Marathon Class is a 12-week
program preparing individuals to participate in a
half marathon this fall. The class starts on Thursday,
September 10, 2015 at 1st Place Sports, Town Center
Store (4870 Big Island Drive) at 6:30 PM (come prepared for a short run that evening).
The class can serve as a stepping stone for those planning to complete a marathon in December or January. The target half marathon is the Subaru Distance Classic Half Marathon on Thanksgiving Day, November 26th, 2015. If not able to participate on Thanksgiving Day, a good alternate half marathon would be the Jacksonville Bank Half Marathon on January 3, 2016.
YOUR RUNNING LEVEL
Most participants will progress towards completing the entire half marathon running, but others may prefer a walk/run combination to complete the race. It is recommended that you be running or walk/running three times per week for two to three weeks preceding the class start date. Please take it slow and easy if you are not currently training.
The program will accommodate all levels of runners, so everyone is encouraged to participate in the training class. Pace groups will be formed to complete training runs at 17 minutes per mile and faster. You will be encouraged and assisted to tailor your training program to fit your specific fitness level, time constraints and running goals.
GROUP RUNS
The class will meet every Tuesday for group runs and selected Saturdays for long runs throughout the training schedule. Be prepared to train 4-5 times per week for a significant benefit. Tuesday we will meet at 6:30 PM, conduct a group discussion and depart for a training run at 6:45 – 7:00 PM. The Tuesday meeting location is on the River Walk near the Yates YMCA in Riverside, except for the first class.
We will meet Saturdays at 7 AM starting Sept. 12 and every other weekend for a long group run in varying locations throughout the Jacksonville area: Downtown, Ortega, Orange Park, San Marco and Fleming Island. Saturday group runs are scheduled for Sept. 12 and 26, Oct. 10 and 31, and Nov. 14. Being present at any particular training event or day is not a requirement to benefit from the class.
TOPICS TO BE DISCUSSED
Group discussions conducted most Tuesdays prior
to Group Runs will cover:
» Training Plan Development
» Running Shoe Selection
» Nutrition
» Running Clothing and Specialty Products
» Heart Rate Monitor Training
» Varied Training
» Cross Training
» Night before and Race Day Preparation
TRAINING CLASS COACH
The class is conducted by John and Denise Metzgar who
have led numerous classes preparing participants
for distances from the 5K (3.1miles) to the Half
Marathon (13.1 miles). They have been running competitively for more than 25 years. In addition to John and Denise there will be pace group leaders providing additional guidance and encouragement.
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Save money by registering and paying online. There is no fee for credit/debit card payment online.
ONLINE REGISTRATION:
JTC Member Non Member
Through Sept. 14th: $50 $65
Starting Sept. 15th: $60 $75
PAPER REGISTRATION ($5 MORE):
JTC Member Non Member
Through Sept. 14th: $55 $70
Starting Sept. 15th: $65 $80
For a paper registration form click HERE.
CONTACT INFORMATION
For more information continue checking online at www.jtcrunning.com, 1stplacesports.com, or e-mail John at johnmetzgar4@gmail.com (with a subject line “Half Marathon 2015”). If you need to talk to John you may phone him at (904) 716-1020. (please call in the evening between 5 and 9 PM. Leave a message if necessary) E-mail is the preferred and primary contact method for the class.
Value of JTC Running Membership
Founded in October 1975, JTC Running is Northeast Florida’s preeminent promoter of healthy lifestyles through running, fitness, and fellowship. It is both a social club with
several varying events per year and a philanthropic organization that seeks to benefit runners of all types.
Benefits:
- A subscription to “The Starting Line” - our bimonthly newsletter about the club, events, and running information.
Discounted entry fees at most JTC Running events (Gate River Run, Summer & Winter Beaches, Guana, Last Gasp)
- Access to the JTC Running hospitality tent at the Gate River Run where members enjoy refreshments, bag check, and exclusive port-a-lets.
Social events - A couple times a year we have non-running casual get togethers.
Local training runs - many of which have running mentors.
Discounts on merchandise at many sports stores and other stores in Jacksonville area - see website for complete list: www.jtcrunning.com