TRAIN.
RACE.
EXPLORE.
December 17, 2024
PREPARING FOR THE WINTER SEASON OF MIT
Welcome to the MIT family! I’m Hannah, your Head Coach, and I couldn’t be more thrilled that you’ve decided to take this leap with us.
Many of you are gearing up for a Half or Full Marathon this Spring, embracing the challenge of Winter training. Whether you’re new to MIT or have been with us for years, one thing is clear—you’ve chosen to prioritize you this season, and we couldn’t be more excited to have you along for the journey.
MIT isn’t just about expert-developed training plans, fully-supported long runs, or best-in-class education for runners and walkers. It’s about the moments that define the experience:
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The high-fives after crushing a personal record.
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The friend who checks in after a tough workout.
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The text from your pace coach cheering you on at your race.
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The post-run brunch (yes, that’s my favorite too!).
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The tears of joy as you cross that finish line.
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The strength, resilience, and confidence you discover through training—and carry with you into every aspect of life.
This season is your chance to see what you’re made of. To celebrate your body and all it can accomplish. To build a deeper confidence you didn’t know was within you. To push past your comfort zone and come out stronger on the other side.
I can’t wait for you to meet the version of yourself that’s fearless, determined, and unstoppable. The version that tackles challenges, crushes self-doubt, and finds joy in the journey.
Are you ready to meet that version of you? Because I sure am.
Keep reading for all the details on what’s ahead and how to prepare for season kickoff on January 4th, including kickoff information, packet-pickup details, article from our Fit For Life Team, and next steps on downloading your training plans.
Happy Running, Walking, Moving, and Shaking,
Coach Hannah
WINTER TRAINING GROUPS KICKOFF
SATURDAY, JANUARY 4th at FLEET FEET LEWIS CENTER
LOCATION:
Fleet Feet Lewis Center
1270 E. Powell Road
Lewis Center, OH 43035
WHEN:
Saturday, January 4th, 2025.
The run launches at 8:00am sharp, so please arrive with plenty of time to find parking, use the restrooms, and find your pace groups.
WHAT:
The first long run of the Winter training season! MIT, No Boundaries, and EDGE athletes are invited to kick off the training cycle on the right foot with miles together in community. After the group long run, stay around for coffee, beer, and donuts provided by our friends at Standardized Brewery.
PACKET PICKUP: JANUARY 2 - JANUARY 9
When you return from your run, head inside to the community room and see one of our awesome volunteers to receive your MIT, No Boundaries, or EDGE season packet which includes a long run schedule magnet, and the swag you chose during registration (either a tech singlet OR a tech t-shirt). Remember, only Annual members receive the cozy sweatshirt.
PACKET PICKUP WILL ONLY BE AVAILABLE JANUARY 2ND - JANUARY 9TH AT FLEET FEET LEWIS CENTER. IF YOU CANNOT MAKE IT TO THE STORE DURING THIS PERIOD, SEND A FRIEND OR FAMILY MEMBER TO GRAB YOUR SWAG! THERE WILL NOT BE ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY TO GET YOUR PACKET. :)
BRING:
Your beautiful smiles! Make sure you have comfy running/walking shoes, plenty of layers for winter weather, and a hydration vessel. Our long runs are fully supported with water and gatorade stations on-course, but we do need you to bring your own cup or handheld water bottle (available for training group athletes for 10% off at Fleet Feet Columbus).
PARKING:
Expect quite the crowd, so arrive EARLY! Please be sure to be respectful to our neighbors, and do not park in coned-off spots. NO PARKING IN THE PANCAKE HOUSE LOT. NO PARKING IN THE ASPEN SKI & BOARD LOT. YOU WILL BE TOWED.
THE AFTER-PARTY:
Stick around to shop our exclusive Training Groups kickoff sale, have tasty bevs and donuts from our friends at Standardized Brewery, and get to know your teammates and coaches!
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HEALTHY RUNNER/WALKER EVALUATION
BLAKE PREECE, FIT FOR LIFE PHYSICAL THERAPY
Ever wondered about how to focus your offseason training to reduce injuries and maximize your performance in the spring race season? What if you could learn more about this directly from a top 5 finisher in this year’s Cap City Half Marathon and Columbus ½ Marathon? Good news for you, Fit For Life Physical Therapist Blake Preece is a great runner and an even better therapist who authored this week’s article.
ACCESS YOUR TRAINING PLANS
INTRODUCING THE VDOT TRAINING PLATFORM
We are thrilled to announce a new training plan option for all MIT runners: VDOT, an app-based platform built on the scientifically-validated training methodology of legendary olympian and coach, Jack Daniels (no, not the liquid Jack Daniels, silly!).
WHY ARE WE OFFERING TRAINING PLANS IN VDOT?
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Your personalized VDOT training plan is based on exercise science principles that improve running/walking fitness for athletes of all abilities, no matter your pace or experience level.
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The app helps you calculate your VDOT fitness score using a recent race time or goal, which determines your personalized paces and effort levels that are built into your weekly plan.
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VDOT scoring is a proven method for enhancing running economy and comparing performances across events, so no matter if you're training to finish a half or PR a full, we've got the details of your weekly workouts covered.
The training plans have not changed - they've evolved! The mileage in the excel sheets will closely if not exactly match the mileage in the VDOT app. The app is designed to make your training easier to follow and more accessible than ever, with your weekly workouts at your fingertips on your phone, OR downloaded to your watch!
Want to try it out? Click the ACCESS VDOT button below and fill out the form to receive your invitation link.
Prefer the classic excel sheet? No worries, the excel sheets will not be going away, and you can access them by clicking the blue "Training Plans" button at the top of each newsletter.
PRE-SEASON GUIDE
SPEND THE NEXT FEW WEEKS PREPARING FOR KICKOFF!
Welcome to MIT! 🏃♂️Your pre-season training guide is HERE! Get ready for the half & full marathon training season with all the essentials packed in one place. Within this pre-season guide written by our expert medical teams and coaches, you'll find the basics of:
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Sports Psychology & Finding Your "WHY
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Clothing & Gear Essentials
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Hydration & Nutrition Basics
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Warming Up & Cooling Down for Workouts
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Strength Training 101
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Recovery & Rest
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6-Week Aerobic Base Training Guide
Our season kicks off with a long run & celebration on Jan. 4! 🎉 Save the date, and start your prep now!
Click the link below to view and download your guide.
MIT PHOTO ALBUMS
VIEW AND DOWNLOAD PICS FROM THE SEASON!
