Run with Intention and Party at the Finish Line

Running is something many of us do with very little thought. It is generally not taught, unless you are an athlete, in the way that tennis is, for instance. But after attending Steve Mackel’s ChiRunning® workshop, I am thinking maybe that shouldn’t be so.

The workshop is part of the Sole Runner’s Club,  whose purpose is to train for half and full marathons. With a degree in psychology and a strong background in the science of running (and every fitness certification you can think of), Steve Mackel, head coach and program director of the training program, believes running requires thinking; not zoning out, but zoning in.)

Patch: What is your background?

Steve Mackel:   I started at 39 and decided I needed to do a marathon before 40. I had done a lot of backpacking with heavy packs and thought a marathon would be easy. I did a half marathon five weeks before doing a marathon and couldn’t walk for days so I had to take a step back and learn how to run a marathon.

Patch: What inspired you to start the running club?

SM: I started group marathon training in 2005 and started with Beach Runners, which was the official club of the Long Beach Marathon at the time.  I started my own club because I wanted to do all of the seasons (not only train for the Long Beach Marathon).

During my first year (of Sole Runners), we had 200 runners in the club and have maintained that number ever since.  My No. 1 purpose for the club is to create a community of runners;  encouraging runners and safety is always a first priority. I want to teach people how to run, the biomechanics and also to relax when running.

The club focus is on beginner and intermediate runners (rather than advanced). I want to see people cross the finish line. It is life-changing sometimes. We have people that never thought they could do it. I’ve had someone lose 100 pounds. Others are just doing it to maintain. The group touches people. I want my group to be the example of sportsmanship; all running groups have good attitudes in general, that’s why I like running so much.

We are also now interested in destination marathons. We went to Athens, Greece and just got back from Vancouver. We are looking at Asia or Europe for the next marathon.

Patch: So the club is only for those who want to run a marathon or a half marathon?

Intermediate Marathon Training - News


Run with Intention and Party at the Finish Line

I did a half marathon five weeks before doing a marathon and couldn't walk for days so I had to take a step back and learn how to run a marathon. Patch: What inspired you to start the running club? SM: I started group marathon training in 2005 and



Marathon Training Program Comes to Area

We have an advanced plan and a beginner plan. Some people are looking to qualify for Boston (the Boston Marathon) and it's got a strict time limit. Some people are just looking to finish their first marathon.” Aspiring marathoners can find more



The Little Red Book of Running
The Little Red Book of Running

Training for a marathon? No matter what kind of runner you are, there's something for everyone in . You'll find tips on: Shoes and safety, altitude and attitude, and increasing your daily and weekly mileage—Douglas has



Area Sports Events Calendar June 25-30

The Hartford Marathon Foundation is launching its first Fairfield County area ING Hartford Marathon training group in Wilton. The group will be coached by Newtown's Danielle Feltman and Registered Dietitian Kerri Johnson of Waccabuc, NY.



Great North Run 2011 – 90-Day Half Marathon Program Week 1 and 2

More Tips and Features of the 90-Day eBook: This week we also introduce the first of the Nutrition for Performance tips, Three new recovery strategies, Advanced Stretching Techniques, Phase 1 Exercise and Strength and Two Running Training Sessions. 1.




16 Week Marathon Training Schedule & 15 Week Marathon Training ...

Looking for the best 16 week marathon training schedule ? Or perhaps a 15 week marathon training schedule? We have great tips & info here!

A 16 week marathon training schedule is fairly standard for runners preparing for a marathon. Beginning, intermediate and advanced runners can follow plans that will help them prepare for race day. Following the program to the letter is important to avoid risk of injury, over training and under training. There is also a 16 week half marathon training schedule for runners to follow.

16 Week Marathon Training Schedule Information

It should be noted that training for a marathon is not for beginners. People that have been running 15-20 miles per week for at least 6 months are capable of handling the grueling training schedule that marathon preparation requires. You should be able to run at least 5-6 miles without feeling like you’re going to die or pass out. Runners who are not at this level should consider running a 5k, 10k or a half marathon.

The 16 week marathon training schedule for beginning runners will have you training just three to four days a week. You will increase your mileage from around 15 per week all the way up to around at least 35. The biggest key to the 16 week marathon training schedule is to focus on the long run that occurs on the weekend.

The short runs are important because they provide variety and build strength and power, but the long run will prepare your body for the grueling 26.2 mile race.

Runners only train three to four days to allow for adequate rest. One of the cardinal and oft committed sins of marathon training is over doing it and not being at 100% for the race. You’ll also want to get tons of sleep – at least 8 hours a night.

16 Week Marathon Training Schedule in Depth

The mileage for the 16 week schedule will look something like this:

Weeks 1-4  16-19 miles per week Weeks 5-8 19-27 miles per week Weeks 9-12 25-32 miles per week Weeks 13-16 39-8 miles per week (The 16 week has only 8 total miles)

The 15 week marathon training schedule is virtually identical to the 16 week. This training schedule will have you ready to compete in the race at peak physical form.

The 16 week half marathon training schedule is very similar except the miles are cut down by approximately 50%.

At first glance the 16 week marathon training schedule does not look too bad which tempts many beginners to try the 17 week marathon training schedule which adds another 40 total miles. This is not recommended for beginners to try. During the 16 weeks you should also be eating properly and drinking at least one gallon of water on training days and half a gallon on non-training days.


Intermediate Marathon Training - Bookshelf

Marathon, The Ultimate Training Guide

Marathon, The Ultimate Training Guide

Features instructions for runners of all ability levels on preparing for a marathon, including training schedules, advice on diet, defensive running strategies, ...

Marathon training

Marathon training

In Marathon Training, author and coach Joe Henderson is with you every step of the way, every day.

Advanced marathoning

Advanced marathoning

Search the Web under “marathon training” and you'll find thousands of ... That's too bad because while running a marathon isn't easy, training for it should ...

Marathon, You Can Do It!

Marathon, You Can Do It!

The book includes the latest information on workouts, form innovations, pace charts, prediction tables, and motivation strategies.

Basic marathon training, all the technique and gear you need to get started

Basic marathon training, all the technique and gear you need to get started

Filled with helpful tips and advice, this book provides the essential information beginners need to get from the first day of training through to the finish ...

Day-after-day Knowledge Directory


Half Marathon Training: Intermediate
Cross-Train: I don't always prescribe cross-training for Intermediate runners. ... Here is your half marathon training program. It is only a guide. Feel ...

Cool Running | Intermediate Marathon Program
A training schedule for intermediate runners who want to improve performance in the marathon race distance.

Hal Higdon's MARATHON TRAINING GUIDE
Senior Runner's World writer and coach provides schedules for beginner, intermediate and advanced runners. ... A series of training programs that guarantee marathon success ...

Sports Backers Marathon Training Team
Welcome to the 2011 Marathon Training Team! Routes for the week of ... NOTE: Intermediate "A" is run by the Black, Orange, Teal, Indigo and Sunday ...

Marathon Training Intermediate - Training Schedule and Plan
Synopsis: Marathon Training Intermediate by Frank Norris shows how to integrate speed work, tempo runs, recovery, and tapering into a plan for a marathon PR. ...