The Washington DC Marathon Launches 2nd Annual Marathon Training Program
The national capital area is full of ambitious people with high expectations, big dreams, and, not surprisingly, very busy schedules. So how do they expect to take on the daunting goal of training for a marathon, and fit a 20-week training commitment into their lives? They join the Washington DC Marathon's training program.

Beginning the first weekend in November, the Washington DC Marathon Training Program will provide participants with flexible workout options, locations, and a variety of coaching resources to get them off the couch, trained, and ready to run the 26.2 miles of the Second Annual Washington DC Marathon scheduled for March 23, 2003.

"This is a great way to meet other runners training for the same event and receive instruction and encouragement from a staff of experienced marathon coaches," remarked Paul Friedman, program director and head coach of the Washington DC Marathon Training Program. Friedman has directed the Montgomery County Road Runners Club First Time Marathon Training Program since 1995 and has completed over 40 marathons and 1 ultra marathon.

Geared for all types of runners, the program features coached weekend runs, offered both Saturdays and Sundays at four separate locations around the Beltway. Participants may choose to attend whichever session is most convenient, and can switch between different locations. Besides the coached weekend long runs, the program includes weekly and monthly running goals for beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels.

"We realize that work and family commitments come up. Balance is important," said Angela Casey, spokesperson for the Washington DC Marathon. "Our goal was to create a training framework so that even if people travel or are out of town for extended periods, they still have access to coaching, and continue to learn and stay motivated. Last year almost 600 people participated in the program and we expect many more to join this year," she added.

Participants receive weekly e-mails from the head coach, and have access to a secure area of the marathon website for updates, additional training tips, and educational materials. A private online bulletin board is also available for trainees to post messages, schedule mid-week runs and otherwise communicate with each other. Students can also choose to attend monthly running seminars, covering topics such as finding the right shoe for your foot, injury prevention, stretching, sports massage, physical therapy, and nutrition for the endurance athlete.

There is a single flat registration fee of $150 for participation in the training program. No other fees or requirements are necessary. All members of the marathon training program receive a program manual and schedule, access to online resources, a training t-shirt, a smart ID tag, and a team singlet, which the participant is encouraged to wear on marathon day.

For more information, please consult the Washington DC Marathon webpage at www.washingtondcmarathon.com. Then click onto the "training" portion of the site.