Sports Backers Half Marathon
Training Team
August 4 - November 10, 2012

It turns out one really is the loneliest number… especially when you’re training for a half marathon. So join up with other motivated runners as you embark on a 14-week program that prepares you for the Nov. 10 American Family Fitness Half Marathon, a companion race of the Anthem Richmond Marathon. Our training teams have an incredible corps of experienced coaches, as well as dedicated SAG support for those long Saturday runs, and we even offer informational clinics to keep you up-to-date on the latest in gear, nutrition, injury prevention and more. Did we mention this might be the coolest way to meet people in Richmond? Okay, so we don’t have proof, but we can guarantee you’ll end up with a few more pals than you had before.

Here is what some of last year’s participants had to say about the program:

This journey has been remarkable for me and I couldn’t have done it without the support & encouragement of the Half Marathon Training Team. You all are so motivating and inspiring!!! I love how there has NEVER been a doubt that we would do it!
– Gail Schechter

I am one of one the ones who never thought I could run 13 miles. I am a believer now thanks to the Half Marathon Training Team and the coaches’ enthusiasm.
– Coleen Hillen

The coaches were informative and inspirational, and their presence was always encouraging. I look forward to now continuing my running pursuits as a fitter, more accomplished, far more confident runner!
– Kara Ritter

Cost

Through July 31 $135
August 1-18 $150

Cost Includes:

  • 14-week training program (begins Saturday, Aug. 4) with a detailed written schedule.
  • Personal guidance from a team of experienced coaches.
  • Organized and supported group runs each Saturday
  • Teams built around experience and ability, so you’re running with others of similar pace.
  • Sports Backers HMTT t-shirt and technical race shirt.
  • 2012 American Family Fitness Half Marathon entry and all associated race benefits (including participant shirt).
  • Access to clinics on nutrition, running attire and other related topics.

Registration

  • Online through Saturday, August 18.
  • Sign up in person at one of the informational meetings listed below.
  • Print out an entry form (available soon) and mail it in with payment.

Please Note:

  • Entry fees are non-refundable and non-transferable, no exceptions.
  • Already signed up for the half marathon and want to participate in the training team? No problem! Send a check made out to Sports Backers for the difference in price between the training team fee and your half marathon entry fee you’ve paid for the event. Just indicate if you’d like to train with the novice or intermediate group, your typical pace/mile and your most recent 10k time.
  • Once you have registered for the training team, there will be no refund of entry fees if you are unable to complete the program.
  • If you choose to run the HCA Virginia 8k, rather than the American Family Fitness Half Marathon, you will be charged the event’s standard $10 fee to switch races.
  • All training team fees must be received by August 18 in order to participate in the program.

 

Schedule

Informational Meetings

You do not need to attend a meeting in order to join the program.

Location Date Time
West End American Family Fitness Wed, July 11 6:30 p.m.
Sports Backers Stadium Thurs, July 12 6:30 p.m.
West End Aermican Family Fitness Tues, July 17 6:30 p.m.
Sports Backers Stadium Thurs, July 23 6 p.m.
Midlothian American Family Fitness Thurs, July 26 6 p.m.

Group Runs – What to Expect

The first day (Saturday, August 4), there will be a brief introductory meeting at a.m. The following week, teams will head out between a.m. In cases of extrememe heat… teams will meet 30 minutes earlier than their scheduled time and will be notified of that change via email.???

Requirements

  • You should be able to comfortably finish three miles (primarily running) prior to the start of training.
  • The American Family Fitness Half Marathon has a 4-hour time limit, which would require running a good portion of the 13.1 miles.
  • There is no “walking” group for the training team.
  • You must be 18 years or older to join the team.

Head Coach

Veteran coach Ro Gammon will again lead the Sports Backers Half Marathon Training Team. Ro has been the popular head coach of the Half Marathon Training Team since its inception and for the Midlothian YMCA 10k Training Team since 2001. She also served as a Marathon Training Team coach for 8 years. She is a certified personal trainer and running coach and has served as an Educator and Coach in the Powhatan School System for 34 years.

Entry Confirmation click here

When

Sat, August 04, 2012

Where

City Stadium

3201 Maplewood Ave.

Richmond, VA 23221