TRAIN.
RACE.
EXPLORE.
February 3, 2026
ONWARD! Keeping the Season Hot When It's Cold.
Hey MIT,
We are SO grateful for (slightly) warmer temps this week! As it stands with current forecasts, all workouts are ON! And if you're looking way ahead, you might already be questioning what the groundhog said yesterday. :) Either way, this is our time to lean in and make the most of this next phase of training.
This week is also a cutback week, which means your mileage should feel more manageable and give your body a chance to catch up after two weeks of bad weather and adjusted workouts. If you’ve been staying consistent, you should be right on track to hit this planned mileage, and continue building next week!
This is the phase where consistency compounds, confidence builds, and we start stepping into the stronger, more resilient versions of ourselves that race day will require. Not everyone is willing to show up for the work that you are putting in right now, and that matters.
We’re also going to be diving into the power of fueling and the critical role nutrition plays for endurance athletes. The miles you’re running demand support, and learning to fuel your body is one of the most impactful ways to unlock performance, improve recovery, and sustain the strength you’re working so hard to build.
Training isn’t just about how hard you push, it’s about how well you support the athlete (YOU!) doing the pushing!
Updates:
-
Our workout tomorrow has changed due to track conditions. We will be heading to Riverlea for 1000s instead. Note: Your V.02 workouts will not be accurate, so skip them on your watch if you plan to workout with us tomorrow!
-
Have no fear, swag will be at the next two long runs. As a reminder, if you were not present at kickoff, we cannot guarantee availability in your size.
Let’s keep pushing forward together, one strong, intentional, well-fueled step at a time. 💪
See you soon,
Coach Hannah
Workout Hub
This Week's Workouts at a Glance
WEDNESDAY GRIT WORK: Riverlea 1000s
WHEN
Wednesday, February 4th @ 6:30pm
LOCATION
Fleet Feet Office & Track House
867 N. High Street, Suite A
Worthington, OH 43085
WORKOUT DETAILS:
We are bringing light hill work into the equation this week, while also increasing our interval distance. Increasing distance in our intervals will help in our pursuit of improving our lactate threshold (in not-so-sciencey terms: improving our ability to run further before getting overly fatigued).
WARM UP: 1 mile from Office to Riverlea
WORKOUT: 1000 Meter Repeats Riverlea Loop
-
HALF MARATHONERS:
-
3-4 x 1000m @ Threshold Pace (Tempo Pace) with 2 minute rest
-
2 x 400m @ Repetition Pace (5k Pace) with 30 seconds rest
-
-
FULL MARATHONERS:
-
4-5 x 1000m @ Threshold Pace (Tempo Pace) with 2 minute rest
-
2 x 400m @ Repetition Pace (5k Pace) with 30 seconds rest
-
COOL DOWN: Cool down run back to the Office & Track House
NOTE: Please be sure to bring a headlamp and reflective gear for Wednesday night runs. Enjoy slightly warmer temps this week!
SATURDAY LONG RUN: Ohio Dominican University
WHEN
Saturday, February 7 @ 8:00am
LOCATION
Ohio Dominican University
Bishop James A. Griffin Student Center - GOLD LOT
1191 Sunbury Rd
Columbus, OH 43219
WORKOUT DETAILS:
-
HALF MARATHONERS:
-
5 miles
-
-
FULL MARATHONERS:
-
10 miles
-
Be sure to bring your own hydration cup or bottle - our water stops are cup-less! Use your MIT Discount at any Fleet Feet Columbus store and snag an amphipod flexible cup, a handheld bottle, or hydration vest.
FUELING FOR ENDURANCE TRAINING
Introducing Rebecca Youngs, MS, RD, LD
Twice this MIT session, Fit For Life Physical Therapy will proudly bring you in-person education sessions with Rebecca Youngs. Rebecca, our MIT sports dietitian, will be at the Fleet Feet Track House tonight at 6:00 pm for our Nutrition Education Session – Part 1. The pre-read for this great program is attached, Building a Strong Foundation: Protein, Carbohydrates, and Fat.
Registered & Licensed Dietitian Rebecca Youngs is an avid marathoner, loves to work out, and has specialized her practice in gastrointestinal health, as well as sports nutrition and fueling athletes of all levels. She is available for individual consultations at Fit For Life Physical Therapy or through zoom video conference.
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
KEEPING THE SEASON HOT, EVEN WHEN IT'S COLD!
TRAIN YOUR BRAIN by Dr. Heather Bechtel
When we sign up for races, we’re usually imagining sunny spring or fall days. Unfortunately not all training days feel the same (like sub zero days, right?!!). Life can definitely get in the way, whether it’s family, work, or illness. Winter training in particular can be hard, with cold, snow, or ice, or just the kids at home for snow days.
So what do we do when the season gets in the way of our workouts?
1. Adapt your workout. Can you slow down and enjoy the scenery/keep your footing?
2. Try doing your run or walk indoors. The treadmill is the obvious choice, but it’s not the only one. Do you have a place where you can get up to speed, like an indoor track?
3. Cycling, swimming, etc. Any cross-training with a focus on cardio will provide some of the benefits of a run or walk.
4. Get around to that strength training you know should be a regular thing. It’s definitely helping to keep you going and injury free.
5. Pick a winter-specific workout. What about a sledding hill? Or that driveway that needs to be shoveled? If you don’t think the shoveling counts, I challenge you to wear your heart rate device during a session.
6. Take a day off! Rest up, stretch, or engage in your other favorite active recovery.
Sometimes we get so focused on a goal that each individual workout feels like everything. In a 16 week training schedule, each workout is 1-2% of your total season. 80-90% consistency over a long haul will do amazing things to your life, so perfection is just not necessary. The occasional shake up in your schedule might be just what you need to feel fresh and engaged this season!
