Running is a simple sport, right? You just put on your shoes and go! And I’m guessing you’ve probably said or heard that before. Well despite what many people think, running isn’t always that simple. I mean, the act of running is simple in theory – one foot in front of the other…repeat. But the execution of running and more importantly, staying healthy and training for a goal race, is what can be complex. But it doesn’t have to be.

Training programs have been designed specifically for the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run to eliminate the guesswork and complexity so that you can focus on your training. More on that below in a bit. But first, let’s talk about why you should join a training program in the first place.

Why Join A Training Program?

There are likely countless ways to effectively train for the ten mile race distance. Search online for a 10 mile training programs and boom – instant training plan! So why join a training program? You see, one of the difficult parts of training lies in the execution of a given plan. The reason runners frequently find themselves in trouble is because they don’t know how to execute the plan they’ve elected to follow. And there lies the element of complexity in running and where the true value of a training program comes into play.

A training plan is just a bunch of numbers on a spreadsheet. What separates the ability of the plan to effectively prepare a runner for a race lies in how the runner executes the day to day training. How does the runner make adjustments when life gets in the way? What does the runner do when their left hamstring is tight following their weekly tempo run? What should the runner do if they miss training for a week after being sick? These are all common issues that come up over the course of a training cycle. Each one is an opportunity to derail you from your goals if not effectively managed.

Like I said, the act of running is the simple part – the execution of a training plan is what gets you to your goal race confident and prepared to chase down that finish line. And that’s where the training program comes into play as you’ll be under the watchful eye of an expert to help guide you along the way

Joining a training program will not only prepare you for the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run, but it will enable you to understand what it feels like to be coached as a runner.

A Good Running Coach
Will Help You Run A Great Race

A good coach is someone who will guide you and help understand how to execute a training program, help you identify what you want to accomplish, and work towards achieving your goals. A good coach is someone who believes in you and encourages you. A good coach is someone who not only pushes you to be your best, but who also advises you to listen to your body and to honor recovery at the appropriate times. A good coach is someone who has been there – who knows what it feels like and is someone who wants to help you. A good coach celebrates your victories as though they were his own, and then inspires you to work even harder to surpass your personal best and give you the confidence to keep going and never give up.

These are just some of the benefits that come along with a well-coached training program.

Training With Others Provides
Motivation And Support

Last and certainly not least, being part of a training program has the potential to bring fun, motivation, and lasting friendships. And speaking from personal experience, you’ll find it comforting as part of a training program to learn the power of strength in numbers.

The group of amazing dedicated runners I work with through =PR= Training Programs show up in the middle of winter when it is dark, cold, dumping rain, or windy (or sometimes all of the above!) and nobody thinks twice about coming (well, maybe just a bit), because they all know each other will be there, no questions asked. If I ever need motivation or inspiration, I think about all the great runners that make up our program. I feel honored to be a part of such a great training program.

At the end of the day, we all want to get to the start line excited, motivated, and ready to achieve the goal we set out for when we signed up to race.

CUCB Training Programs

I strongly urge you to join one of the training programs tailored for the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run, whether you’re local to the DC area or live elsewhere.

The in-person =PR= training programs start the weekend of January 21 and include training sites in DC/Arlington and Reston. The programs include weekend group runs and optional weekday group runs and/or workouts.  You can get more information and register here.

The free virtual training programs presented by Under Armour start January 24, and are offered at three different levels. You can get more information and register here.

The guidance and coaching you’ll receive through these programs are designed for beginner, intermediate, and advanced runners, so regardless of your goals or motivation, you’ll find the right program for YOU.

Have you had success with a training program?