FAQ

Yes. Many of the folks who run with us are are not fueled by the need to race. They are simply looking for the motivation for their running, and enjoy having great coaches and fun people. Plus, we have found that not everyone wants to run a particular race and doesn’t want to be locked in. The race calendar is full of choices. That said, the 5k group does prepare for a specific race (and the race entry is included in the group fee). We have found that the beginning runners want to complete the race and its always more special to do it as a group. It’s one of the very best moments in our coaching lives, period!

Yes, but children under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult during the group runs. Meaning, mom or dad is going for a run, too!

That’s the number one question we get. Many folks are nervous when they begin running with us, but it goes away after the first five minutes of the first group run. We take great pride in providing a safe, welcoming and supportive environment for all our runners. It’s what we do, and we do it better than anyone! No one is left behind or made to feel slow. In our 5K and 10K groups, we utilize the run/walk interval method of running. During the walk portion, we always circle back around and collect all the runners in the group (think bike chain). Once the running interval begins again, we’re all together and head off in the same direction again. It’s simple, fun and all-inclusive.

Great question. We provide a description of each group (www.swendurancetraining.com) with the minimum requirements of fitness to successfully and safely participate. If that doesn’t help, please reach out to us and we can figure it out together. Remember, nothing is set in stone. If you join a group and it’s too easy (or hard), we can simply shift you to another group at no charge.

While we encourage perfect attendance, we also understand that life is not perfect. Each week we provide you with details of all the workouts you need to do to stay on track with your training. If you get sick and miss some runs, don’t get discouraged and stop coming. If you communicate with us as to what’s happening, we will work with you to get you back on track!!

While we have a tremendously high completion rate in all our groups, we know stuff happens. Illness, injury or personal obligations sometimes derail the best of intentions. While we don’t offer refunds, we will work with you on an individual basis to get you back on track. If you reach the halfway point of the group and cannot continue, we will enroll you in the next group at no charge. After all, our goal is to help you reach your goals.

Truth is, it’s not too hard to create a generic 5K, 10K, half marathon or marathon training plan – why pay for what you can print off the internet? The true “value” is individualizing it and having to be accountable!! We want everyone to run at her/his own pace and not feel pressured to keep up, or slow down, to stay with the group. We help you figure out what YOUR running pace should be to successfully meet your goals. Whether you’re just beginning to run or training for your first marathon, we’ll help put on a path for success and be there for you all the way along. A generic plan just can’t do that.
FOR HALF AND FULL MARATHON:
Our group will offer a 12-20 week plan that will target each person’s race. So the group runs will be offered in a range of distances depending on what week you plan to race. But, what really helps individualize it is the pacing clinic we do at the outset. We help our runners understand how to train to make it to the starting line, have a good experience on race day, meet their goals, and continue to run afterward.
A perfect example of what we try to help folks understand is that you really WANT to have a time goal. If for no other reason to know how long you will be out there working. We believe most everyone, even for “fun” races, needs to plan for the time they are exercising. If you want to have a good experience, you need to know what your pace needs to be, how to plan nutrition, how to handle the terrain, etc. Having the planning session in the beginning and then someone to consult with (coach) along the way will change how you experience race day. You may surprise yourself and you may even have a great time. No guarantees, but it’s our goal.

All over. We offer 5K and 10K/13.1M groups in two areas of Greater Tucson every week – East and Northwest (minimum number of registrants required). Marathon is one group that meets and runs all over town. All the groups change meeting locations often to keep things interesting.

Easy. Go to: Online Registration

A lot! In addition to the weekly group runs (some groups meet 3x a week), you’ll get tons of guidance from experienced runners and coaches that include training plans and clinics. We map the routes and provide support along the way. Cool technical shirts and hats are available for an additional charge. We work with local race directors to get you discounts on races. Check out some of the testimonials to see what participants find most valuable: Testimonials