Half & Full Marathon Training Program

Get ready for a fall or winter half or full marathon!

NEW FOR 2024: Group training focus! This program will offer a structured training plan and use the City of Oaks Half/Full Marathon, Battleship Half Marathon and Richmond Half/Full Marathon as goal races, but plans can be tailored to accommodate other goal races as well! Training programs will begin in July and continue through November 2024.

We will focus on safely and effectively building a mileage base for completing a half or full marathon and the program will include pace groups for training, while creating a supportive group for accountability, camaraderie, and to hep you achieve your goals! There will be options to accommodate both beginner and intermediate training goals.

Our training program is designed to provide the structure necessary for improvement and flexible enough to help you achieve your personal goals. Training is crafted to fit your training/race goals and life schedule and will be adjusted or modified as necessary throughout the program. The program will include two organized runs/workouts per week (Tuesday and Saturday) in order to enhance your training regime. The workouts are focused on building strength, endurance, and developing pacing skills.

TRAINING PLANS:
All participants will receive a complete and detailed plan to get you to your goal race. Weekly running plans and pacing guidelines based on your current fitness level and goals, and a training calendar that includes information on your weekly workouts that are adjusted to accommodate your racing schedule. The program is designed to let you stay in control of your schedule and goal events while we provide guidance, structure, and encouragement.

Looking for a more individualized, tailored plan? We can do that too!
If you are looking to take your training up a notch with a more individualized, in-depth training plan please reach out! We will set up a time to meet with you 1-on-1 to talk about your race goals and what you are looking for in a training plan. Note: This option is appropriate for people who have completed a half or full marathon previously and would like to achieve a specific time goal (PR), or if you have an earlier race date and training needs to start before the official training program kick-off date. This option is available as an add-on to your registration ($50.00).

GROUP TRAINING FORMAT: 
We will train in a group atmosphere on Tuesday evenings (6:15pm) and Saturday mornings (6:15am). It’s much easier to get your runs in when you’re looking forward to seeing other participants and know they are there waiting for you! Our program emphasizes fun, camaraderie, and a supportive, educational environment. Most runs will start from Bull City Running (both South Durham and Downtown Durham locations), we will utilize local trails such as the American Tobacco Trail, Woodcroft, Duke East and Ellerbe Creek trails, but we will also venture out to other local trails and routes for some variety on Saturday long runs.


SUPPORT AND INFORMATION:
Coaches are always accessible and we will provide you with helpful information and feedback throughout the training program.  We will add you to Final Surge, a training platform for you to track your training during the week and communicate with coaches. We encourage you to share your training as well as any cross training activities. Our coaches will be able to see and respond to the comments you share after a run, including pace information after a workout, which will help keep us updated on your progress and suggest adjustments if needed. We will hold monthly "office hours" and schedule local fitness/wellness experts to share information before/after our group runs that will help to address your concerns, compliment your training program, and keep you injury free!

OTHER BENEFITS: 
All participants will receive a t-shirt and a standing 10% discount on all regular priced items at Bull City Running Co. during the entire training program (excludes GPS watches and other electronics).

Please feel free to email us with questions!