TRAIN.
RACE.
EXPLORE.
Pre-Season Newsletter
PREPARING FOR THE SUMMER 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 Fall, embracing the challenge of Summer 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 June 21st, including TogetherFest information and RSVP, an article from our Fit For Life Team, next steps on downloading your training plans, and our PRE-SEASON START-UP GUIDE!
Happy Running, Walking, Moving, and Shaking,
Coach Hannah
SUMMER TRAINING GROUPS KICKOFF
OUR FIRST GROUP RUN IS SATURDAY, JUNE 21st at ALUM CREEK STATE PARK BEACH
LOCATION:
ALUM CREEK STATE PARK BEACH
3400 LEWIS CENTER ROAD
LEWIS CENTER, OH 43035
WHEN:
Saturday, June 21, 2025.
The run launches at 8:00am, so please arrive with plenty of time to find parking, use the restrooms, and check in.
Head to the CHECK IN tents, drop your bags and keys at the BAG/KEY DROP and then make your way to the MIT/New Balance Tents to connect with other runners and find your pace group! You can't miss our MIT Coaches -- They are the ones with the big blue signs and flower leis on!
THE RUN:
This is our first long run of the Summer training season! MIT members will have the following mileage:
HALF: 3 miles
FULL: 6 miles
Route Map: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/2955396
BRING:
Your beautiful smiles! Make sure you have comfy running/walking shoes, sunscreen 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:
We expect quite the crowd, so arrive EARLY! Please be sure to be cautious when parking, as many folks will be parking and walking to the beach.
THE AFTER-PARTY:
Stick around to enjoy the New Balance Beach Party! Listen to music, play yard games, swim (if you'd like!), and enjoy FREE hotdogs and Kona Ice, and visit with our coaches and brand partners!
MEET OUR MEDICAL TEAM
FIT FOR LIFE PHYSICAL THERAPY
Have you ever wondered about the elite level of medical care that collegiate and professional athletes receive? The medical experts for these teams provide concierge care for their athletes with immediate triage injury screenings, rapid access to physician diagnosis, and prompt initiation of a return to sport rehabilitation program.
Have you ever wondered about the level of medical care that is available to each walker and runner at Marathoner In Training? Well…it is the same elite care as those collegiate and professional athletes, with immediate triage injury screenings, rapid access to physician diagnosis, and prompt initiation of a return to sport rehabilitation program. Let’s meet the team.
Fit For Life Physical Therapy is proud to be the Official MIT and Fleet Feet Sports Medicine Partner. We care for people of all activity levels — to help prevent, recover from, or rehabilitate athletic injuries.
ACCESS YOUR TRAINING PLANS
THE VDOT TRAINING PLATFORM
WHY ARE WE OFFERING TRAINING PLANS IN VDOT?
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Your 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 align with 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!
Click the ACCESS VDOT button below and fill out the form to receive your invitation link.
Note: Our VDOT platform only supports those whose goal race is the Columbus Half & Full Marathon. We offer three levels: Beginner, Intermediate, and Experienced in VDOT.
If you would like to utilize VDOT for a different goal race, reach out to Coach Hannah to discuss private coaching options. Otherwise, use our spreadsheet to plug in your race day.
Prefer the classic excel sheet or have a race on a different day? No worries, you can plug your race date into the Excel Spread Sheet linked below.
You can access the link to VDOT or the Excel Spreadsheet anytime 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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FAQS!
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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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Aerobic Base Training Guide
Our season kicks off with a long run & celebration on June 21! 🎉 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!
