MERRY CHRISTMAS EVE, MIT!

Did anyone go out and log some frosty miles this morning? ❄️  We hope so!

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As a community, we’ve always prided ourselves on combining tradition with innovation. For years, our custom Excel training plans have guided countless athletes toward their goals, built on the rock-solid training principles pioneered by legendary coach Dr. Jack Daniels. Now, we’re taking those same principles you know and trust and moving them into the 21st century with the VDOT platform!

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VDOT isn’t just another training tool—it’s a game changer. Based on Dr. Daniels’ groundbreaking work, VDOT provides a personalized measure of your current running ability and helps you zero in on the paces that are right for you. All it takes is entering a recent race result or an estimated performance, and the platform calculates your unique VDOT score. From there, it tailors training paces and plans to your current fitness or aspirational goals.

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Why the switch to VDOT? It’s simple: precision and personalization. With VDOT, we can take our training plans to the next level, giving you real-time updates on your workouts, streamlining your progress tracking, and ensuring that every session is customized to where you are right now. 

Want to understand what VDOT pace categories are? Check out this guide to learn more about the paces and principles behind the platform: https://vdoto2.com/learn-more/training-definitions.

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Together, we’re bridging the gap between time-tested training methods and modern technology to help you achieve your best. Here’s to smarter training and stronger strides!

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Remember, with the holidays upon us, the MIT Elves (Hannah & Dylan) are currently on break, and will be working hard to assign your plans before kickoff on January 4th. See below for a link to our training plans and more information about kickoff!

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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​​

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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.

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MILEAGE:

Half: 4 miles

Full: 8 miles

EDGE: 10-14 Miles

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.

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​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!​​​​

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!). 

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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.
   

• 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.
   

• 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!

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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. ​​​​​​​​​​​