TRAIN.
RACE.
EXPLORE.
Pre-Season Newsletter
KICKOFF IS THIS WEEKEND!
HAPPY KICKOFF WEEK, MIT!
This Saturday marks the start of something extraordinary. We hope you're ready for the 2025 Summer Kickoff Run at TOGETHERFEST! 🌟 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 summer full of limitless potential, both on the pavement and in life.
The start of a new season 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 half or full marathon, 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.
📅 TOGTHERFEST Details:
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When: Saturday, June 21st at 8:00 AM
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Where: Meet at Alum Creek State Park Beach
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Who: All paces welcome—runners, walkers, and everyone in between!
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SEE BELOW FOR MORE DETAILS!
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 You, Runners & Walkers! Let's Celebrate!
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.
FAQs & MORE INFO
Welcome to MIT! 🏃♂️
Have questions? The start-up guide below is the perfect place to start. In it you'll find:
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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
SWAG PICKUP DETAILS:
Designated swag pickup days and details will be announced in our first weekly newsletter on June 23rd.
MIT PHOTO ALBUMS
VIEW AND DOWNLOAD PICS FROM THE SEASON!
