The calendar depicting the running schedule is the same schedule that will appear in the log book. It is a bit misleading in that it seems to indicate that new runners will have to run 4 miles on their first night. I am the first to agree that this would be too aggressive for someone who has never run before. I'll try to clarify the schedule:
This year a change in the log book is to post workouts using miles. In past years, the workouts were posted as minutes, i.e. R 30 minutes R/W 20 minutes.
(R) workouts are for the experienced runners. Those who run year round would fall into this category. The first night calls for a 4 mile run for this group. Expect a gentle warmup of 5-10 minutes of easy jogging, then 20-30 minutes of running at the group pace, then a cooldown of 5-10 minutes, for a total workout time of approximately 40 minutes.
(R/W) denotes those who will be doing the run/walk program. Walkers would fall into this category. This will probably be the largest group in Abe's Army. First night calls for 1-2 miles. Expect to walk most of this. Some groups may intersperse some short running after a warmup, between 1-3 minutes of running at a time. The pace of these running intervals will depend on the group's assigned pace. Expect a workout of approximately 30 minutes on the first night.
The megagroup workout is not posted on the calendar, but will fall somewhere in the middle, probably around 3 miles for the first night. This does not mean that you will have to run the entire three miles! We'll have leaders at all different paces to offer encouragement and help you along. Depending on your pace, you can expect a workout between 30-40 minutes.
I hope this helps, please continue to post concerns and comments.
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12 comments:
Will any of the Tuesday runs include hills or tempo? Or do you plan on just keeping those runs easy to moderate pace?
Hi Joy - Good question. I looked ahead on the schedule and it does not appear that any of the Tuesday night sessions include formal hills or tempo runs. It will be up to the leaders of the individual groups if they would like to incorporate a tempo run or hill workout into the Tuesday night sessions. So much depends on the group itself; there will be some groups who are ready to run hills early in the program, and others who will need more time before incorporating these workouts into the group runs.
We changed the workout a bit this year so that the recruits' longest (or almost looks like) run of the week will be on Tuesday nights. So keep that in mind also. We wanted their longer runs to be with a group and where they can get advice.
I am glad to hear that there will be some flexibility in the schedule, however I guess I'm still looking for a little more. I have never enjoyed interval training and as a new runner last year, learning how to breath and pace myself properly was really important. I'm still a little uneasy about insisting that my group run/walk 3 miles as this is still a lot for a new runner. I don't want to be a rebel or make my group members feel distrustful of my leadership, but I am wondering if it might be ok to stick more to our group's schedule last year of an all running group starting at about a mile and increasing 1/2 mile or so each week. ???
Why would we need a group for experienced runners? I thought that the program was meant for novice runners. I think the advertising for the program is a little misleading if this group is in fact for people running year round. And 8 miles? Why would anyone need to train up to 8 miles for a 10K unless they are trying place? I thought most runners signing up for this program were just aiming to finish the race.
I agree. I was a new runner last year and my goal was not to be a marathoner, but just to finish the race! It was a great goal, fun, laid back, and most importantly, it got me back again this year. However, I encouraged others to join me this year who are also new to running and will be in the "large group", but three miles??? Come on! Most people are lucky to be able to walk to their car after work, let alone run/walk for miles right off the bat. Also, that predisposes you for injuries. It almost seems like Abes Army is wanting to have a lot of people drop out. If you have experienced runners who are running 8 miles in that short amount of time, then they need to form their OWN group, and leave Abe's Army for the novice! Forgive me if I'm wrong, but I thought the goal of the Abe's Army was to encourage the NON-runner to want to become a runner and then to be more involved in SRRC, thereby increasing your MEMBERSHIP. It'll be interesting that first week . . .
Well, first of all let me say don't get too worked up before the first run. We aren't going to push you too hard the first night.
Second, the purpose of Abe's Army is to get new runners involved and into the habit of running. But its also intended to get runners who are only able to go shorter distances to be able to make it through 10K.
And third, a lot of training plans have you cover a greater distance than the race, at least for shorter distances. Most marathon training plans don't have you train up to 26 miles because of the greater risk of injury trying to make it up to 26. But for shorter distances (5K, 10K, halfs) you frequently go a few miles beyond the distance.
Like I said, don't worry about it too much. We'll all get through it together.
See you there.
Maybe Abes does actually serve two purposes. One for the new runners and one for the repeat runners that want to improve on their 10k time from previous years. A friend recruited me a few years ago. Never ran a 10k before. I loved the group running and the building of mileage. This will be my 3rd year of doing abes and still looking forward to the group run. I don't think I would go to Lincoln park on my own and run the course. So yes, it is a great program for new runners but also is an excellent program for others who want to improve their 10k times.
See you all there next Tues. New and old.
Kim Noonan
And don't forget that it is a time to encourage each other and lift of the program. Trusting your training program and sticking with it is important. Trust those who put it together as well-they have been doing this for years and it has been very successful! There will also be tips on stretching and weight training. If those tips are followed then there will be much less of a chance of injury. Most injuries are b/c of a lack of these two things. This will be a great time of learning and encouragement for all of the runners and walkers.
See ya Tuesday!
I agree with those that are disappointed. It appears that Abe's is no longer focusing on beginners. The miles seem very intimidating and many people are upset over seeing what is being recommended. Everyone that I have spoken with are already very discouraged.
I just decided to run Abe's Amble for the very first time. Is it too late to join the training group? I recently found out about your group.
Hi Rey - Thanks for your interest in Abe's Army. Currently the program is full. There is a waiting list if you would like to be placed on it. Email me directly if interested.
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