(Note the event date here is not significant.  We've chosen to put the last day of the training program 16 week series so that the system will prompt expiring members before the end of the program to renew their membership while registering for the program.) 

Program Overview

This will be a 16 week affordable training program to help new and veteran runners complete the half and full marathon distances in a fun, social, non-competitive atmosphere. We want to motivate and encourage runners to complete the training and distance runs and get to the starting line injury-free. Group runs help participants stay accountable to their program. 

16 weeks of training for only $30, and it’s only available to DRC members!  Participants receive the training schedule, a long sleeve DRC Distance Team tech shirt, organized runs with your pace group every Saturday morning, and a social group run every Wednesday night (great for speedwork or hill training. 

Runs will begin at the DRC clubhouse or within a few miles of the clubhouse.  Routes will vary depending on distance and start location.  Coaches pick their own routes for each run.  We have coaches to advise every pace, from <7 minute per mile runners to 12:00 minute per mile and slower.  Saturday runs start at 7 am, and Wednesday runs start at 7 pm.  We run in all types of weather but not when there is lightning close by.

Program closes on January 8 or when the cap of 300 participants is reached, whichever comes first.  You must sign up online for the program.

Program Costs and Registration Details

We are providing this very low cost program only for DRC members, so that once you are active, you stay active year-round with us.  The only requirement for this program is that must be a member of the Dallas Running Club through to the end of the program (April 25).  If your membership would have to be renewed to join the program, you will be prompted while registering.

You must register online for the program by January 8.  The program is limited to 300 participants.

Program Benefits

Participants will receive the following benefits:

• Training Schedule
• Long sleeve DRC Distance Team tech shirt
• Organized runs with your pace group every Saturday morning (7 am)
• Social group run every Wednesday night (7 pm)

Should I Do This Program?

If you are asking yourself if you are ready to tackle a half or full marathon, please refer to these guidelines.  These are specific for our 16 week program to make sure you are established enough in your exercise routine to tackle your goal while not compromising your health.

Half marathon training: at program start, participants should already be able to complete a 3-5 mile run or walk and are running or walking at least 30 minutes a couple times a week.

Full marathon training: at program start, participants should already be able to run or walk for 90 minutes continuously, or at least about 7 miles.

Both new and veteran runners and walkers are welcome as long as they meet the guidelines above. Please consult your doctor before starting any new training program.

Pace Groups

We have to say that our pace groups often grow into tight-knit families!  You’ll have a great time running with other people your pace and learning from each other’s experiences.  Our pace groups are a speed range of a minute per mile, with pace leaders assigned for every 20-30 second pace range in that minute. 

Communication

Pace leaders will use RaceNation ( www.racenation.com ) as the primary means to communicate news, routes, encouragement, and training tips to the program participants.  It is the program participants’ responsibility to set up a RaceNation profile if they haven’t already and join the appropriate pace group.

Contact Us

Read through this whole page but still have a question?  Email Greg Hall at greg@dallasrunningclub.com 

Kickoff Meeting for the Training Program

Date: January 7

Time: 7 pm

Place: Winfrey Point at WhiteRockLake.  To get to Winfrey Point: From the intersection of Buckner Blvd and Garland Rd, go south on Garland Rd for 0.6 miles. Take a right on Emerald Isle (Barbec’s restaurant is there at the turn) and go approx. 0.5 miles. Take a left on Winfrey Point Drive at the dead-end, just past the ball fields on your left. The building at the top of the hill is Winfrey Point.

At the meeting, we will give an overview of the program.  We will review runner etiquette and safety.  We will also take any questions about the program.  

Club Race + Time Trials for the Training Program

Date: January 3

Time: 8 am

Place: Winfrey Point at WhiteRockLake.  To get to Winfrey Point: From the intersection of Buckner Blvd and Garland Rd, go south on Garland Rd for 0.6 miles. Take a right on Emerald Isle (Barbec’s restaurant is there at the turn) and go approx. 0.5 miles. Take a left on Winfrey Point Drive at the dead-end, just past the ball fields on your left. The building at the top of the hill is Winfrey Point.

If you are not sure of your Half or Full Marathon pace, this is a great chance for you to help us calculate your pace based on race time.   If you already know your pace, this is also a chance to get the holiday rust out before training begins.

First Training Run

Date: January 10

Time: 7 am

Place: Filter Building at White Rock Lake - 2810 White Rock Road, next to the Dallas Water Utilities Central Operations Center (Pump House), on the west side of White Rock Lake.  Heading south on Garland Rd (just past the WhiteRockLakeDam on southwest side of the lake), turn right on Windsted Dr. heading north. Turn right at White Rock Rd. Turn RIGHT at the intersection of W. Lawther Dr. and White Rock Rd. Proceed under the bridge following the road around to your left.  The filter building and parking will be to your right.  There is parking in the lot there for 100 cars. 

If this area is full, there is overflow parking at the Paddle Boat Lot just around the corner and within easy walking distance to the FilterBuilding (~100 Yards).  Directions to the Paddle Boat Lot parking:
Heading south on Garland Rd (just past the WhiteRockLakeDam on southwest side of the lake), turn right on Windsted Dr. heading north. Turn right at White Rock Rd..  Turn LEFT at the intersection of W. Lawther Dr. and White Rock Rd..
Continue up the hill on W. Lawther.  The road will turn to the right and under a bridge.  Take the first right after passing under the bridge into the parking lot.
As you enter the parking lot, make note of the foot bridge to you right.  After parking you will take this bridge to the FilterBuilding.  After walking across the bridge, stay on the trail to your left.  The FilterBuilding will be on your left beside the lake.  

This will be the first run of the training program.  Besides running, will have a few guest speakers to discuss topics that will be important to your training.