If I know anything about runners it is that they are always looking into the future and imagining the Next Great Race. That is the race where their training will converge on the day of perfect weather and the competition will be at its strongest, but still two strides behind.

What runners are not good at is seeing clearly all the miles between today’s jaunt and that Next Great Race. Thus the reason for this informational session

What: How To Plan Your Running Year: Information & Answers
Speakers: Dorcas DenHartog & Tim Smith – UVRC’s coaches
When: Tuesday, Feb 25, 7:00-8:00pm
Where: Howe Library, Meyer Room (lower level), Hanover

We will be talking about planning your running year, starting with identifying running goals and goal races (which don’t have to be the same thing). We will talk about “macrocycles” (the season long cycles) and “microcycles” (weekly cycles) and describe why we train in different ways.

Running consists of hard days, easy days, recovery days and rest days. We have interval workout and repeat sessions. We run threshold paces and marathon paces. And when we can, we cross-train.

There are people who are obsessively guided by heart-rate monitors, those who follow their VO2-max, and those who run as the muses lead them. There are “Tempo” runs, hill runs and “Long Slow Distance” (LSD), all of which serve a real purpose.

This can be a bit overwhelming, and most certainly confusing. So how does one decide, while lacing up your winged-running shoes, what are you doing today? Does it really get you ready for that Next Great Race?

Come and join us and we will try to demystify the gentle art of training.

And bring all your questions!