What is offered in the program? The training program is for individuals who want to challenge themselves to complete a goal event or simply want the consistency to train with a team along with the support of a coach.  Our team motto is “Any Distance, Any Pace." We have beginners who are just starting out, those who have been running or walking for decades and everyone in between.   We train for any distance from 5K (3.1 miles) to half marathon (13.1 miles) or marathon (26.2 miles), and beyond.   We have team members of every pace, both walking and running.  Our goal is to provide support and help you achieve your running/walking goals, whether or not that may include an event.

What do I get with my membership? The tangible things you get are: $10 coupon to be used towards team gear or at Playmakers; ability-appropriate calendar; coaching support; an invitation to attend group training sessions; training-related clinics; and a weekly team newsletter. The intangible things you get are hard to measure, but are what is most important about the program --- support, sharing of a common goal, and camaraderie, are just three of the things commonly mentioned as valuable by team members.

Do I have to train for the race events listed?  No, we recognize that one of the important aspects of getting out and training is to have a goal.  We’ve chosen suggested events that a number of Team members will be working toward, but you are free to pick a different race event.

How often does the Team get together to train, and where? As a team member you are welcome to attend any of the training options, both “formal” and “informal.” The formal training sessions are on Saturdays and are organized by the coaches, with a sign-in sheet, course map, pace groups with pace leaders, and coaching support.  The informal training opportunities will be offered throughout the week and will have a coach on site as a greeter to check members in. There will be no aid stations or pace leaders.  Refer to the “Club Page” for training dates and locations.

How far do people usually go? What’s the pace? Will I be last?  We have a wide range of abilities --- from 7:00 minute/mile runners to 20:00+ minute/mile walkers.  Team members use an array of training calendars.  At the training sessions, as well as during races, Team members go their own pace and distance.  At your first few training sessions, we will help you connect with other Team members who have a similar pace and goal.  Chances are you won’t be last, but in Team Playmakers we are proud of the fact that we truly welcome ALL abilities! Our motto is, “Any Distance, Any Pace."

Will I get help with my running or walking form? Playmakers offers FREE weekly Good Form Running, Good Form Walking, and Stretch, Strengthen and Roll classes. For dates, times and to register, go to: playmakers.com, click on “Good Form” and choose your option.  You will be directed to Playmakers online event calendar.   

How is Team information disbursed? Coaches send a weekly email that shares a variety of information: Updates on what’s happening; calendar of upcoming events; nutritional information and an inspirational idea for the week.  If you do not receive an email on Monday, please notify Kate at: katej@playmakers.com or Cindy at cynthia@playmakersfitnessfoundation.org.

What if I can’t come to every training session? While we encourage Team members to attend formal  and informal training sessions , we realize life happens and sometimes you can’t make it.  We have noticed that Team members who get the most out of the Team experience are those who are able to train on a consistent basis.  

What about cross training? Some of the calendars have cross training days.  Cross training can be almost anything that’s not running for runners and not walking for walkers.  You could lift weights (high reps, light weight), swim, and bike, do yoga, and runners could walk. It’s inserted into the calendar to give your walking or running muscles a day of rest.

Is it okay to juggle the training distance days around? Flip-flopping Saturday and Sunday can work well for folks, as well as mixing up the mileage for the mid-week runs.  If you’re training for a distance event it is important to have appropriate rest days during the week. And it’s also essential that you get in your long distance mileage for the week. The long run/walk is the cornerstone of a distance athlete’s training.

Can I walk some and run some during the training and races? Many runners take planned walking breaks during their runs (walking at regular intervals often allows a runner to stretch their distance.) Walkers may also choose to run a bit during their walk to use different muscles. The only time a walker isn’t allowed to run is in a race with a “walking only” division.

What should I do if I get injured?  With the first twinges of training-related pain you should visit the Free Playmakers Injury Clinic, held every Wednesday, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., at Playmakers. Physical therapists and MSU Sports Medicine professionals are on hand to help you get back on the road to healthy training. The Clinic is free for anyone (you don’t have to belong to Team Playmakers to visit the Injury Clinic.)

Do I get any individual coaching?  Coaches are responsive with email and will get back to you with any questions. If you’d like to meet with a coach about your training, you can schedule a time to meet one on one to discuss your training goals. This is also the perfect time to discuss how to adjust any of the training calendars to fit your goal race.

Who should I contact with questions?
Kate Johnson at: katej@playmakers.com or Cindy Eiseler at: cynthia@playmakersfitnessfoundation.org.

* Good Form Clinics and Injury Clinics will resume when local and state health guidelines allow.