Anyone who participated in the Boston marathon earlier this week will tell you that hot weather is anathema to runners, especially those new to the sport or who usually train in cooler temperatures. Avoid the possibility of overheating by signing up to run the 2012 Portland marathon and you will experience for yourself why running in Portland is ‘cool.’ The race this year takes place the first week of October, so with less than six months to the starting line, now is the time to build up a base for your marathon training.
There are a myriad of ways to train for your first or fiftieth marathon, but at the heart of most training programs is gradual progression. Going out too hard, too fast is a recipe for injury, so plan your months ahead with the strength of determination tempered by the wisdom of patience. Check out these local programs to receive assistance in planning a reasonable marathon schedule, as well as social support for your running goals:
Get Fit Live Fit
Based out of Fit Right NW running stores in Portland and Vancouver, Get Fit Live Fit (GFLF) is a 20- week program of twice-weekly workouts leading up to the Portland marathon. Group training starts May 21st and includes a Wednesday track workout, Saturday long run guided by an experienced running coach, and a support team of pace group leaders. Runners with specific needs may opt for an individual marathon training program, with one-on-one assistance from a GFLF coach and a workout schedule created for your specific needs.
Team Oregon: Portland Marathon Clinic
Established in 1984, Team Oregon is the official training program for the Portland marathon. Team Oregon offers 5 levels of training programs, starting with clinics designed for runners with little to no previous marathon experience as well as runners who maintain a consistently high weekly mileage. Educative seminars started in April and continue May-September for beginner clinics, covering topics such as training techniques and race-week guidance. Free Saturday group training runs are held at 8am at various locations throughout Portland through the end of September. A 16-week advanced marathon training program is offered June 21st, offered to runners who have completed at least one previous marathon, are running 30+ miles per week, and recently accomplished a 13-14 mile run.
Portland Fit
A training program for runners and walkers of all abilities, Portland Fit provides day-by-day running schedules, weekly group runs/walks, professional coaching, educative seminars, and free massages. Orientation sessions for the 26-week program leading up to the Portland marathon were held in early April, but you may contact a program representative directly to join and be placed in your appropriate fitness category. Portland Fit members are placed in a color group according to running ability, meet every Saturday for group runs, and receive access to weekly informational seminars, medical advice, and complimentary 5-minute massages. Membership to Portland Fit also includes a weekly running schedule, available online via Google calendars.
Portland may have a weird, funky reputation, but its residents take immense pride in their marathon and come out in droves to support its participants, Starbucks coffee cups in hand. From the start of the race in the heart of downtown Portland, through the middle of the northwest industrial area, and back into downtown to the finish line, dread-locked, tie-dyed, half-dressed Portlanders line the streets to support their runners. If you are looking for another reason to start training now for the Portland marathon, consider also that the course is flat and runs fast, making it a good bet for establishing an impressive finish time. Training well for Portland may just qualify you to run in Boston next year – just remember to bring the sunscreen!
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