TRAIN.
RACE.
EXPLORE.
March 31, 2026
LESS THAN A MONTH FROM RACE DAY - EARLY SATURDAY LONG RUN START TIME @ 7:30AM
FULLS, we are OFFICIALLY in PEAK WEEK. We’ve been building toward this week for months. It's where preparation meets opportunity, and you step into your strongest, most capable self yet. It’s your second 20-miler — the big one. The confidence builder. The “I can do hard things” moment that you’ll carry straight to the start line.
For our half marathoners, it’s an 11-mile distance PR, and our second longest run of the season. Let that land. You are pushing past old limits and redefining what’s possible for you in real time.
🏃♂️ 2 IMPORTANT UPDATES FOR 4/4 LONG RUN:
EARLY START TIME: WE WILL LAUNCH OUR RUN AT 7:30AM.
NO 10:00s Group for FULL DISTANCE - Due to unforeseen circumstances, we do not have coaching staff to support 20 mile distance for the 10:00s pace group this weekend. You can either jump to the 10:30s (not a bad idea given the warm weather this weekend) or 9:30s if you are feeling spicy. Coach Hannah will cover your options on Saturday morning.
This week is about more than just miles — it’s about preparation for optimal execution.
We need to dial in:
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Your fueling strategy (practice exactly how you’ll race)
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Your hydration (start early, stay consistent - it will be warmer than we are used to)
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Your pacing (run smart, not emotional. It is OK to slow down during this run)
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Your recovery (this is where growth actually happens)
Post-workout protein, epsom salt baths, compression boots, massage guns — yes, all of it. Take care of your body like it’s part of your training plan… because it is.
HIGHLIGHTS IN TODAY'S NEWSLETTER:
💡 This week’s Fit for Life articles dive into Multidisciplinary Injury Recovery. This week we will take a thorough look at recovery from injury. In true Fit For Life Physical Therapy fashion we will approach the return from injury from physical, mental, and nutritional angles.
💪🏃♂️🔥 BIG GRIT WORKOUT THIS WEEK. NEW LOCATION! We will meet at the Whetstone High School Track for our big peak week GRIT sesh. Bring your A-Game. It's going to be epic.
🏃♀️🏃♂️ RUN COLUMBUS RUN is coming up on Saturday, April 11th, at Crooked Can Brewing! This is our annual FREE community long run, and both groups will take on 12 miles together. It’s always a highlight of the season! Make sure to check out the details below. WE NEED YOU TO SIGN UP for numbers sake! Here is a quick link: https://runsignup.com/runcolumbusrun
❤️ TEAM HEART AND SOLE IS SEEKING TEAMMATES! Team Heart and Sole is recruiting Teammates! Read more about Team Heart and Sole's Mission & Teammate Recruitment Details below.
💚 PELOTONIA FUNDRAISER: Members of our team are doing a Pelotonia Fundraiser at Run Columbus Run. Check out the details below!
With less than 4 weeks to race day, the work is done. It's time we refine, sharpen, and support it.
Stay focused. Stay disciplined. Stay locked in
Happy Running, Walking, Moving & Shaking,
Coach Hannah
Workout Hub
This Week's Workouts at a Glance
WEDNESDAY GRIT WORK: TRACK WORK
WHEN
Wednesday, April 1 @ 6:30pm
LOCATION
Whetstone High School
4405 Scenic Drive
Columbus, OH 43214
WORKOUT DETAILS:
WARM UP: 1 mile
WORKOUT: 5, 4, 3, 2 , 1 FARTLEKS
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HALFS
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5:00 min on / 2:30 jog
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4:00 min on / 2:00 jog
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3:00 min on / 1:30 jog
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2:00 min on / 1:00 jog
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1 min on / 3 min standing rest
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2:00 min on / 1:00 jog
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1 min on
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FULLS
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5:00 min on / 2:30 jog
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4:00 min on / 2:00 jog
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3:00 min on / 1:30 jog
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2:00 min on / 1:00 jog
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1 min on / 3 min standing rest
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4:00 min on / 2:00 jog
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3:00 min on / 1:30 jog
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2:00 min on / 1:00 jog
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1 min on
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COOL DOWN Mile
NOTE: Please be sure to bring your own hydration tomorrow, it's going to be warm!!
SATURDAY LONG RUN: Ohio Dominican University
WHEN
Saturday, April 4 @ 7:30am
LOCATION
Ohio Dominican University - GOLD LOT
1216 Sunbury Road
Columbus, OH 43219
PARKING:
Please park in the GOLD parking lot and gather inside the student center.
WORKOUT DETAILS:
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HALF MARATHONERS:
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11 miles
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FULL MARATHONERS:
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20 miles
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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.
MULTIDISCIPLINARY INJURY RECOVERY
Fit For Life Physical Therapy
This week we will take a thorough look at recovery from injury. In true Fit For Life Physical Therapy fashion we will approach the return from injury from physical, mental, and nutritional angles.
Please enjoy these specifically focused articles:
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Train Your Brain - The Mental Health Component of Dealing with Injury by Dr Heather Bechtel
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Nutrition for Injury by Rebecca Youngs
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Mastering Recovery: The Role of Sleep in Running Performance by Chelsea Hall PT, DPT
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Moving People Physically & Emotionally: The Physical Component of Dealing with Injury by Chelsea Hall PT, DPT
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
RUN COLUMBUS RUN
JOIN US FOR OUR COMMUNITY 12 MILER @ CROOKED CAN BREWING CO.
🚨 FINAL LONG RUN ALERT! 🚨
The Cap City Half Marathon is almost here, and Fleet Feet Columbus’s MIT (Marathoner in Training) has got your back with a FREE fully-supported 12-MILE group run/walk! 🎉 Don’t tackle those final miles alone—let’s RUN TOGETHER and make it epic!
📅 WHEN?
Saturday, April 11th @ 8:00 AM
(Arrive by 7:00 AM to park, hit the restrooms, and get ready to roll!)
📍 WHERE?
Crooked Can Brewing Company
5354 Center St, Hilliard, OH 43026
(Parking map below!)
🔥 WHAT TO EXPECT?
✅ 12-mile training run (your last big one before race day!)
✅ Pacers for all paces – from speedy to steady, we’ve got you!
✅ Hydration stations every ~2 miles (BYO cup or handheld bottle, our stations are cup-less)
✅ ALL runners & walkers welcome – bring your squad!
🏃♂️ PACE GROUPS:
We’ve got you covered whether you’re crushing sub-8s or enjoying a relaxed walk!
⚡️ Running:
8:00 & Under | 8:30 | 9:00 | 9:30 | 10:00 | 10:30 | 11:00 | 11:30 | 12:00
🏃♀️ Run/Walk:
11:30 | 12:30 | 13:00 | 14:00 | WALK
🎉 POST-RUN CELEBRATION!
Cross that (imaginary) finish line and stick around for:
🍻 Cold brews from Crooked Can Brewing Co. (First Drink is On Us!)
🎶 Music & vibes
🎁 Prizes & giveaways
🍪 Post-run treats – because you earned it!
🏥 EXTRA SUPPORT:
Feeling a little tight? Our friends OhioHealth will be onsite to help with any last-minute tune-ups or post-run aches.
🚗 PARKING:
Please park only in designated areas, which will be emailed out event-week.
🔹 WHEN YOU ARRIVE:
🔹 Head to the Fleet Feet arch – that’s home base!
🔹 Stash your keys in our safe key boxes 🏷️
🔹 Find your pace group’s blue sign & get ready to RUN TOGETHER!
At Fleet Feet, we believe in the power of community. No matter who you are or how fast (or slow!) you run, we are in this TOGETHER. Let’s make this long run the best one yet! 🙌
📢 Register now (it’s free, but we need a headcount - that includes you MIT!)
TEAM HEART AND SOLE
SEEKING TEAMMATES FOR 2026!
Team Heart and Sole is embarking on our 16th season in Central Ohio and we are on the lookout for new Teammates!
MIT has been a great source of Teammates and we would love to add more experienced runners to our roster. Chances are someone in your pace group has run with Team Heart and Sole.
Our mission is to provide inclusive opportunities for individuals with disabilities (Champions), their families and friends, to participate in endurance racing events across Central Ohio, while building authentic relationships through teamwork.
Team Heart and Sole on an annual basis, participates in about 9 to 12 running events (including one sprint triathlon).
Usually two or more Teammates assist our Champions by pushing them in a running chair, or by running or walking alongside them during the course of a race. We always pair up new Teammates with experienced Teammates.
MIT member Joe Saverimuttu gives his testimonial running in races with Team Heart and Sole as a Teammate:
"I had seen adaptive wheelchair push races before and felt inspired, but I often wondered whether the volunteers were doing it for themselves—the attention, the experience—or truly for the Champions. From my very first race with THAS, I saw it done the right way: the Champions come first. Their dignity, joy, and experience are the mission, and every race is designed to elevate them. I’ve been impressed by that from day one and have loved every run since."
If you have questions about Team Heart and Sole or want to participate, feel free to click below and fellow MITer Randy Boring (randolph.boring@gmail.com) will set you up with a Teammate application. There is no entry fee to join us!
Here is our race schedule:
Saturday, April 4, 9:10am, Franklinton 5k - Genoa Park
Thursday, May 21, 7:00pm, 2FGR Run for Inclusion 5K Run & 3K Walk - Dublin
Sunday, June 7, 8:00am, Columbus 10k - North Bank Park
Saturday, July 4, 8:00am, Independence Day 5K - Westerville
Saturday, July 25, 8:05am, Candy Run 5K - Glacier Ridge Metro Park
Saturday, August 8, 7:20am, CBus Triathlon & Multisports Festival - Deer Creek State Park
Monday, September 7, 8:30am, Worthington Kilbourne 5k - Worthington Hills
Saturday, October 10, 9:00am, Cancer Care 5K and 2 Mile Walk - Lancaster
Saturday, October 24, 9:00am, Great Pumpkin Run 5K
Hi MIT!
Lisa Alexander, Beth Dudley & Laura Wartel will be hosting a gear swap Pelotonia fundraiser on April 11! Now is the perfect time to clean out your closets and get rid of all that running gear you just don't want any more.
You can bring stuff on April 4 or drop off before the run on April 11.
We're recommending a minimum donation of $5 per item and we'll be happy to accept cash or venmo. We'll provide venmo information at the table with the gear! On April 11, we will be setup for "shopping" before and after the run. Browse while drinking your post-Run Columbus Run beverage!
It's a great cause and a great way to get some new-to-you stuff and weed out what you don't want anymore.
Catch Laura, Beth, or Lisa at any workouts this week to ask questions!!
PELOTONIA FUNDRAISER!
HELP THESE MIT'ERS RAISE FUNDS TO KICK CANCER!
