TRAIN.
RACE.
EXPLORE.
December 31, 2024
SEASON KICKOFF IS HERE!
HAPPY NEW YEAR'S EVE, MIT!
This Saturday marks the start of something extraordinary. We hope you're ready for the 2025 Season Kickoff Run! 🌟 As we lace up and gather on the familiar running trails of Columbus, we’re not just starting a new season—we’re stepping into a year full of limitless potential, both on the pavement and in life.
The start of a new year is a powerful time. It’s a clean slate, a chance to reimagine what’s possible. Whether you’re aiming to conquer a personal best, train for your first 5K, or simply rediscover the joy of movement, this is your opportunity to unlock new levels of resilience and strength.
Remember, the discipline and determination we cultivate in running and walking ripple into every part of our lives—our work, our relationships, and our ability to tackle life’s challenges head-on.
Let this Saturday be a celebration of community and possibility. Together, we’ll cheer for each other's goals, share miles and smiles, and remind ourselves why we love to move. It doesn’t matter where you’re starting—whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or just dusting off your sneakers for the first time in months—you belong here, and we’re excited to support you every step of the way.
📅 Event Details:
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When: Saturday, January 4th at 8:00 AM
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Where: Meet at Fleet Feet Lewis Center
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Who: All paces welcome—runners, walkers, and everyone in between!
As you prepare for Saturday, think about one thing you’d like to accomplish this year. Let it fuel your first steps of the season. You’re capable of incredible things—and with this community beside you, 2025 could be the year you surprise yourself.
We can’t wait to see you out there. Let’s make this season kickoff the first chapter in a year of adventure, growth, and success!
Here’s to a strong start and a stronger year ahead!
Happy Running, Walking, Moving, and Shaking,
Coach Hannah
NOTE: Thank you for your patience as I am working hard to assign all VDOT plans before kickoff on January 4th. See below for a link to our training plans and more information about kickoff!
2025 SEASON 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.
MILEAGE:
Half: 4 miles
Full: 8 miles
EDGE: 10-14 Miles
SWAG PICKUP - UPDATE
We have been notified that the delivery of our MIT tech shirts and tech singlets has been delayed.
PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING CHANGES TO SWAG PICKUP:
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SEASONAL MEMBERS: You will receive your magnet schedule and a surprise swag item on Saturday 1/4 Kickoff. Your tech tee or singlet is on the way, and we will announce distribution days when they arrive.
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ANNUAL MEMBERS: You will receive your COZY SWEATSHIRT, magnet schedule, and a surprise swag item on Friday 1/3 OR Saturday 1/4. Your tech tee or singlet is on the way, and we will announce distribution days when they arrive.
Thanks for your patience and understanding regarding holiday delays!
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!
NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS
SEAN HUFFMAN, FIT FOR LIFE PHYSICAL THERAPY
DR. HEATHER BECHTEL, MD
It is that time of year! Many MITers are making New Year's resolutions this month. You are probably making big running or walking goals for 2025, whether you are looking at training for a 5k, 10k, half marathon, marathon, or ultramarathon.
The attached FFL New Year’s Resolutions article includes a few tips to help you make a well-thought-out plan to reach your goals and avoid injury.
And, in our annual Cross Over Week, we tackle the mental health component of race preparation, group participation, and injury rehabilitation with a Train Your Brain gem from Dr Heather Bechtel. Heather is a marathoner, pediatrician, and proud mom of two.
Fit For Life Physical Therapy are proud to be the Official MIT and Fleet Feet Columbus Medicine Partners. We care for people of all activity levels — to help prevent, recover from, or rehabilitate athletic injuries.
Michael Sean Huffman MS, ATC, PT
Fit For Life Physical Therapy
MIT Medical Resources Coach
ACCESS YOUR TRAINING PLANS
INTRODUCING THE VDOT TRAINING PLATFORM
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
NOTE: Many of you signed up for VDOT over the holidays, and Hannah is diligently working to get your plans assigned before Kickoff! If your plan hasn't been assigned yet, have no fear, it will be soon!
KICKOFF SALE
STOCK UP ON GEAR FOR THE NEW YEAR
We've got a deal for you, MIT! 🏃♂️ Stock up on much-needed gear for the season at Fleet Feet Lewis Center this Saturday at kickoff! Get 20% off on shoes, accessories, and apparel and 10% off all electronics THIS SATURDAY ONLY! Check out our CLEARANCE items to get a mega-steal on last-season items.
Click the link below to see what's in stock to plan what you want to snag this weekend!
MIT PHOTO ALBUMS
VIEW AND DOWNLOAD PICS FROM THE SEASON!
