What if I’m not a runner? Can I still join?

Absolutely! You don't need to be a runner to join our program. We welcome individuals of all fitness levels and backgrounds. Our coaches will work with you to develop a fitness plan that suits your preferences and helps you achieve your health and sobriety goals, whether that includes running or other forms of exercise.

Many of our runners and walkers are beginners who have never completed a training program before. Most people (even with no prior experience) can finish a marathon after they follow a structured, progressive training program, from start to finish, without falling off of the training program. (However, a solid base of 6 miles running is required for the marathon program specifically) It is a matter of dedicated commitment rather than a matter of previous experience.  We are extremely confident in our coaches, philosophies, and programs, as they are designed to be used with any ability level.  As long as you commit to the training, we will empower you to succeed.

I am a run walker and/or have used the Jeff Galloway method of training in the past. Are your programs run/walk-friendly?

Yes!  We embrace the run/walk method of training and use it extensively in our own training.  Typically we encourage people to use this method to slowly work their way up to running.  But others choose to run/walk as their permanent method, and that is okay, we will teach you the most effective to do it.

I don't know anything about running gear (shoes, socks etc.) diet, training techniques, or body maintenance. Will there be information given on these topics? 

Yes! Many of our participants are beginner-level runners and/or walkers, so don’t feel like you are the only one. We will provide clinics on all of these topics to teach you all that you will need to know concerning the information regarding training for your race. We will teach you more than most avid runners know before the program is through. Information clinics will be held throughout the training block on Zoom, and video recordings will be sent via email.

I feel like I might be very slow compared to others. Am I too slow to train for a race?

Our programs are designed to teach you to finish, not to necessarily do it fast. Don’t worry about your speed. You will be in good company as many of our runners intend to walk portions of each event.  In any given race, you will always be around people your speed. We promise!  We will work walking intervals into some of our programs. The goal is to finish an event with strength, stamina, and confidence. You can worry about a podium finish when you attempt your second (or next) event!

When does the training program start, and what if I sign up a little late?

You can join us anytime! If you’ve been running and/or walking on your own, we’ll help you build up safely to your race. However, a solid base of 6 miles running is required for the marathon program specifically. Our full and half marathon programs are 16 weeks, and our 5k-10k program is 8-10 weeks. Our goal is to keep you safe while you train, so make sure you have at least this much time to train for your race.

What if I have to miss a run or two because of my personal schedule, will I fall far behind?

Missing runs and walks is part of training and part of life.  And that's fine! Just let your Head Coach know which workouts you can’t make and she will get you all the missed information you need. As long as you make up the run or walk missed on a later date, you will be fine. If you miss several workouts and fall behind let your Coach know.  They can help you get back but it will take some serious effort.  Don't ever try to make up several runs too quickly, you will do more harm than good.  You should try to complete as many training runs as you can, however. And remember, the long run and walks are extremely important in your training.

What should I do if something starts to hurt or I think I have an injury coming on during training?

Our main goal is your safety through training, and through our registration evaluation, we will make sure you are up for the challenge.  We are proud to say our training participants don't usually suffer significant injuries.  That being said, bumps and bruises along the way are very common when training. If something comes up, let us know and you should contact your physician ASAP.   

I have questions about training. Is there someone I can talk to before I sign up?

Yes, email all of your questions to info@recoveryroadrunners.org at any time!  Our Training Program Director, Amber, will get back to you very quickly.  This is group training but we pride ourselves in the individual attention we provide every single one of our participants.