Anyone can download a standard 12-16 week running plan, but sticking to it alone is where most runners fall short. So why do hundreds of people sign up to run with Dave’s every spring? "People find more accountability, more consistency, when other people are running with them," says Bob Masters, Dave's Training Director. "It's a lot easier to get up in the dark and run 14 miles in February when you know someone else is going to be there too."
Dave’s Training encompasses more than just a written plan. It is a community of participants of all levels from the beginner runner up to the marathon runner trying to achieve the coveted Boston qualifying time. Guiding participants are coaches and mentors. Coaches lead groups based on goal pace, ensuring participants are able to train with other runners who have similar goals and training levels. It’s the community of runners that makes Dave’s Training program more than a printed plan.
Accountability and support beyond practice times
Training is not just about the miles put in on the day but the consistency and recovery on and off the running path. Utilizing the GroupMe chat app, participants stay connected throughout the training block and continue dialogue with fellow participants and coaches. This allows coaches and participants to meet up for runs not part of the scheduled practices. Some will coordinate runs or workouts at Dave’s Metropark Mondays or even their own runs from an ice cream shop or at any other park.
"That's how you know it works," Coach Bob says. "It stops being a training program and becomes their community." The chats enable participants and coaches to support everyone from afar and even provide a recap of their own race. Everyone is invested and cheering on other participants. The GroupMe is so popular that if there are some races participants are running just past when the program ends, coaches will request to keep the chat open. This allows Dave’s Training to support participants beyond them stepping on the start line.
Coaching Staff for the Long Run
In person or remote, Dave’s coaches will check in with participants. The remote training plan is just one component of the remote program. Coaches are able to check in on how participants are progressing or if there is a hiccup in their own training that requires them to pivot and adjust the plan. The program also allows for remote participants to join in the weekly long runs and get to know the pace group coaches.
Coaches that Care about all levels
Training together throughout the program, we get to know fellow coaches and participants and want to see each other succeed in their goals. From the beginner 5k participant, to first time half and full marathoners, Boston qualifiers and even top Ironman finishers, Dave’s Training is invested in everyone’s goals. Coaches not only make sure all participants complete the written workouts but also celebrate the milestones with them.
