The DC Road Runner Club (DCRRC) is for the first time this summer offering simultaneous 10-mile and 10K training programs to area runners. The programs officially kicked off on Saturday, July 12, 2008 at Gotta Run running store in the Pentagon Row shops of Arlington, VA.

Club President, Ed Grant, commented on the new opportunity for runners this summer. "Never before have we had so many great coaches and so much to offer runners who are interested in becoming distance athletes."

Registration is still open for both programs which will last 12 and 14 weeks respectively. The programs are led by the club's Vice President for Training Programs Peter Lamberton, who has compiled a team of ten volunteer coaches of various pace levels to assist and encourage novice runners as they progress through the program.

The 10-Mile Group is training for October 10-mile regional races including the Army Ten-Miler on Sunday, October 5, 2008 and the Lower Potomac River Ten-Mile Run on Sunday, October 12, 2008. The 10K Group is training for the Rediscovery 10K on Sunday, October 19, 2008.

Registration for the training programs is $40 which goes toward DCRRC program expenses but does not include registration to the races. To participate, runners need to be able to run three miles or longer for the 10-mile program and two miles or longer for the 10K program. The club also recommends if those considering the training have not done running or strenuous activity in summer heat before, that participants get a doctor's approval before signing-up. Those runners interested in the training should identify their 10-mile or 10K race, register for the race and then register with DCRRC for the training. You can sign up for these runner training programs by visiting the Programs section of the DCRRC Web site, coming to Gotta Run at 8:00 am on Saturdays, August 19 and 26 or e-mailing Peter Lamberton.

The programs will start with low mileage and break participants into pace groups based on their three mile and two mile times. Each week, participants will meet on Saturday mornings at various area locations in Arlington, VA and Washington, DC to participate in a group long run. They will receive coaching information during the week as well as have the opportunity to participate in DCRRC's Wednesday night track workout and other programs.

"We are excited to get more folks into running. It's a great chance to teach them proper technique for achieving their goals while enjoying a sport they can potentially do for life," remarked Grant.

DCRRC web site