Group Training Programs – 6 Ways Runners and Walkers Can Benefit
Joining a group training program for preparing you to run or walk a marathon, half marathon, or other-distance race requires more than paying your registration fee — if you want to get the most out of the program, that is. Here are six ways to do just that.
Arrive early for group program’s workouts. Arriving early for a group run or walk will let you find a convenient parking space. It also will let you mingle with coaches and other members, from whom you could learn things and with whom you could develop friendships that you otherwise would not be able to do by arriving late or just in time for the start of the seminar or workout.
Pay attention to announcements made by your program’s organizer and coaches before group workouts.
Your group program’s organizer and coaches are runners or walkers, too. So they appreciate that you want to “hit the road” as soon as you arrive at your program’s meeting location. But they also have important information to share before workouts, such as where the dangerous intersections are, where there are tripping and water hazards, and the latest problem that many members are having and how to avoid it. So pay attention to their announcements as if you life depends on it — because it very well could!
Smile, and laugh.
Seriously, do you want to approach another runner or walker who looks surly or never smiles or laughs? No? The Law of Attraction tells us that like attracts like. So, if you want to attract happy members to your side during group workouts, then smile and laugh before, during, and after those workouts!
Get to know your program’s coaches.
Your program’s coaches have a lot to share, given all the races that they have run, all the injury-prevention and injury-recovery techniques that they have tried, and all the athletic fads that they have followed. Unfortunately, they have relatively little opportunity to share all this knowledge and wisdom through the “official channels” of email messages and pre-workout announcements. But you can still tap this knowledge and wisdom to your benefit by getting to know them outside these official channels.
Learn the names of fellow members.
Just as you want others to remember your name, make an effort to learn the names of fellow members of your group training program. This is a good exercise for your memory, and it may help you to create new friendships, too!
Ask others about upcoming races.
Ask coaches and fellow members about upcoming races for which you are considering registering. What they tell you could be vastly different — and more valuable — than what you read online or in magazines.
What do YOU do to get the most…? Please leave a comment here. Thanks!
