Training in Tilden Park
Sometimes we want to go home and veg out after a long day instead of going for a long run in the rain. Sometimes we want to push snooze and forget that 6:30am track workout. That’s why we say if you have the opportunity to train with friends, do it! Group training can motivate and empower and just get your butt out the door.
Training for the June 5 See Jane Run “I Run for Chocolate and Champagne” Race in Alameda, CA starts now. Some women who’ve done the program never thought they could run 13 miles. Many told us they wouldn’t have had the courage or confidence to sign up for the half marathon on their own. “I cannot believe I went that far,” one told us. “I think it’s so smart that your program has the group doing this run now, so we know what not to do and what to expect,” she said.
Oakland Coach Anna Gunn says that every woman finds herself a partner or a small group who’s at her level, whether she’s a walker, jogger or all out runner. They support and push each other during the longer Saturday runs and sometimes meet up during the week for their two recommended shorter workouts. “Like See Jane Run, we want to see women get fit, succeed and have a good time. No one has to worry about being last,” Anna says. She and Coach Jennie Votel bike the course during the group runs, keeping tabs on everyone and offering water stations along the way. “We’re there to support you and get you through it,” Anna says. We love that she and Jennie are waiting at the end of the course with Gatorade, Luna bars, bananas and chocolate milk.
While training with See Jane Run you’ll also meet with a nutritionist to learn what to eat to fuel your workouts, get a customized shoe fitting to find the best model for your foot and have the option to get in a couple of track workouts before the long runs. “Some of the ladies are into it — The ones who want to build speed,” Anna says. Midway through training See Jane Run stores host a Gear Up clinic with storewide discounts to get you outfitted and pumped for the big race.
You can ask lots of questions and meet the coaches during the kickoff meeting. (That’s tonight at 6pm for Oakland!) You’ll get a training calendar at the first group run. (That’s this Saturday March 19, at 8am for you Oakland ladies.) Anna’s team will start with a three-mile run, but more experienced runners can always run longer. Over the next 12 weeks your team will slowly build mileage until you’re up to 13 miles for the half marathon!
The larger the group, the more supportive partners you’ll find who run at your pace on the longer runs — So invite your friends, we say! See Jane Run will give you all a push, whether at the back of the pack or the front.
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