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A Week With Dave’s Spring in Training

A Week With Dave’s Spring in Training

by Dave's Running in Training Tips

What does a week of Dave's Spring Training look like? Most think its a quick jog out the door with no real structure. That couldn't be further from the truth. With seasoned coaches, support staff, and mapping out your week your training set's you up to meet your goals. Whatever they are. Follow along to see what goes into training the Dave’s Way!

Your Coach!
Bob Masters is Dave's Training Program Director and builds every training plan for Spring in Training. As standout collegiate runner and 2000 US Olympic Trials Marathon qualifier, he brings experience in both speed and distance to the program. His training clientele range from beginners in the 5k up to front of the pack in the half and full marathon as well as ultra distance athletes. Supporting him in the program are around 25 pace coaches from all levels of running. Many coaches were participants themselves who loved their experiences in the program and wanted to help others by coaching. 

Sunday: Your Week, Mapped Out
Coach Bob sends a start to the week email to all participants. Every runner gets an outline of the week ahead with meeting times and locations and workouts for the week. Workouts aren’t just thrown at you, Dave’s Training is here to inform you. Coach Bob will delve into terminology for workouts and give the reason behind what purpose a threshold, tempo, or an interval serves you in your training. 

Tuesday: Indoor Track and then to the Outdoor with Support Staff
Winter running is hard and winter footing makes it even more difficult especially when you are trying to get up to speed. That’s why Dave’s Spring in Training provides access for participants at Bowling Green State University’s Perry Field House Indoor Track. Two separate meet up times are scheduled based on participant’s pace groups. Once spring begins to shine, participants move to Thursdays on the outdoor track or an alternative location. Mercy Health Physical Therapists, Jeff Swartz and Dayna Pirrwitz along with form work from Troy McDonough, are on site at every track night. If a participants has an ache or pain they can check in with the PTs to determine a plan of action; continue training, modify training, or recommend local physician to provide care for an issue that is beyond a quick fix. The PT squad is an essential part of keeping our participants moving. 
Second Workout
The second workout can be on your own or with your pace group. Typically pace groups will organize a time and various locations. Some even will meet at local breweries to enjoy some post workout beverages. 

Saturday: Long Run
The long run is a key component of any training program from 5k up to full marathon. Groups will meet at rotating locations around Northwest Ohio. Typically the long run will begin at 8am but those running marathon miles meet earlier as the long run distance increases. Participants are sent the route the night before. The morning of, participants look for the Dave’s Training arrow signs on their route to help guide them. Water is provided on course with nutrition samples at home base. This run is the opportunity to dial in on race day gear and race day nutrition. For the half and full marathoners, this will be the run where you’ll be able to rehearse the conditions for the big day and build up the mental fortitude when the miles become more of a challenge in both practice and race day.

What if Life Gets in the Way?
A missed workout will not break your training. Coaches will help you adjust and Coach Bob is also always available to help with any questions. Interruptions in training happen, but it’s the overall consistency that pays off in the long run.  

What About Bad Weather?
Dave’s Training routes are usually on paths that are cleared. That does not mean that there may not be snow or ice on paths after a particularly intense storm or drop in temperature. If there is a severe storm, we will not meet.  If a workout has to be canceled, participants will be notified via email and in their group chats. If a coach is able to meet up later they will share an alternative meet up time to help keep other participants accountable.

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