Attention, Austin runners — and walkers, and former runners/walkers, and would-be walkers/runners… Okay, just attention, everyone: If you’re looking for a great training program in central Austin that will help you reach your personal goal, whatever that might be — whether you’re wishing to try running for the first time, returning to it after a long hiatus, or itching to set a new PR in your next race — while connecting you with other athletes in a fun, supportive environment, you’ll definitely want to enter this giveaway. Running coach Ashley Thompson is giving away one free registration to a fall training program with ACT Running! The winner of this giveaway can choose one of five programs being offered this fall, as follows:
• Become A Runner (0 to 5K, two sessions offered) — This training program is for absolute beginners or for those who are returning after a hiatus of three months or longer. If you’re able to walk for 30 minutes, this group will help you Become a Runner, in ability and in spirit. By gradually increasing your distance and building walk breaks into the program, you’ll discover that not only is a 5K distance (3.1 miles) within your reach, it is enjoyable, gratifying and quite possibly addictive. By committing to meet three times a week and log in your workouts on an online training site, you will be a part of a supportive team dedicated to your success. Since this group is about completing, not competing, there will not be a specific time goal. But by the time you graduate, you will be able to call yourself a Runner! There are two different Become A Runner sessions: The first session meets Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 6:00 – 7:00 AM beginning September 3, and the second session meets Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays from 9:15 – 10:15 AM beginning September 2, 2014.
• Become A Walker — A walking group for all levels. Whether you’re returning to fitness, looking for partners to add to your routine, working your way toward becoming a Runner, or just out to socialize, join fellow walkers three mornings per week for a 20- to 60-minute walk around beautiful Allandale. We’ll warm up safely and gradually build endurance over time. Nothing melts away the miles like good conversation! Become A Walker meets Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays from 9:05 – 10:05 AM beginning on September 2, 2014.
• Intermediate 5K — For those who are comfortable with running 2–3 miles already, but would like to improve their speed and stamina. We work on your 5K training by eliminating walk breaks, increasing your distance and introducing quality runs. In other words: FUN! This group is all about comparing your times against yourself and improving with the help of a team. Workouts will be based on and adapted to each individual. NOTE: If you have never run or have not run consistently in the last 3 months, “Become A Runner” would suit you better. Intermediate 5K meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 – 7 AM beginning on September 2, 2014.
• Half-Marathon Training — For those comfortable with running 2-3 miles already but would like to increase their distance. Participants in this group will train for the Rock & Roll San Antonio 13.1 or the Decker Challenge. This 14-week program uses interval running (3-minute run : 1-minute walk) to build up to race distance. Training run paces will be approximately 10- to 13-minute miles. Participants will receive weekly training tips via e-mail, including suggested supplement training, and are welcome to participate in shorter weekday morning runs. Participants should have at least two months’ base of running 10 miles per week and should be comfortable run/walking for 3 miles. The first meeting will begin with a 3-mile run. NOTE: The 10- to 13-minute mile pace is approximately 1–2 minutes slower than your 5K pace. Please contact Coach Ashley ([email protected]) if you have questions about the training/race pace. Goal Race is not included, but a technical t-shirt is! Half-Marathon Training meets Saturday mornings (finish by 8:30 AM; starting times vary according to run distance) from September 6, 2014, through December 7, 2014.
All runs will meet at Ramsey Neighborhood Park (4301 Rosedale Ave, Austin, TX). The value of this giveaway ranges from $40 to $125, depending on the training program chosen by the giveaway winner.
About Coach Ashley:
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| Coach Ashley Thompson |
A recreational runner turned coach, Ashley Thompson’s approach to running makes the sport accessible to a wide range of people. Her passion is fostering a love of running while keeping clients injury-free. Her coaching philosophy is that less is more, and she believes in helping new, returning or long-distance runners avoid the most common mistake: doing too much, too soon. In order to do this, she guides her running groups in starting slowly, covering short distances and employing carefully timed walk breaks. In shop talk, her runners follow the rule of Training Adaptation and the Hard/Easy Principle. As a mother of two, Coach Ashley understands the challenges of fitting exercise into life. She is convinced that everyone is an athlete, and plans to help people run until they are 100 years old, rather than just blowing out spectacularly for one race. Coach Ashley follows the RRCA Coaching Code of Ethics.
Along with her ACT Running training programs, Coach Ashley also offers Individual Coaching for runners who want one-on-one coaching to help them get to the next level and reach their goal; and a Weekday Walk or Run Club for ACT Training alumni who want to maintain the progress they made in any of the training programs. The Walk and Run Clubs are also open to runners who are not alumni by special permission from Coach Ashley.
Check out the programs page for more information on all training options offered. For an at-a-glance view of upcoming training sessions, see the events calendar. And be sure to check out ACT Running on Facebook and “Like” the page for a bonus entry in the giveaway!
ACT Running
Email: [email protected]
