Training Programs
TRAIN THE DAVE'S WAY
COACHING RUNNERS & WALKERS THROUGHOUT NORTHWEST OHIO
Get Faster. Go Farther. Feel Better.
Each program is uniquely designed with the beginner, walker, weekend warrior and seasoned runner in mind. Dave’s Training Programs are a great way to connect with other athletes and train with runners of all ages, experience levels and abilities. Whether you’ve been running for a long time or you’re just starting out, let Dave’s help you make your next race your fastest and most rewarding. — Let's go.
DAVE'S MILEAGE CHALLENGE
This year you will have a virtual course map on Run Signup that begins at the original Dave's Running Shop in Delta, OH, and winds its way across the USA until it finishes at the Golden Gate Bridge (3,072 total miles). Complete the entire course or as far as you can get in 2023 because it's all about getting motivated to move those legs, and Dave's has added biking for this year. You will be able to enter your purposeful miles on Runsignup and see your progress on the virtual course map that will plot your stopping point each time you enter your mileage for an activity.
VIEW CHALLENGE DETAILS
DAVE'S PERSONAL TRAINING — 5K TO 50K
Do you have a big race on the calendar but no training plan to prepare yourself for a top performance? Dave's has an individualized program that is tailored to your goals and abilities for any race distance from 5K to 50K. What sets this program apart from the other online training programs? A personalized training plan and feedback from a live coach to support you up to race day! Dave's Training Director will be your online coach who will create a specific plan based on a running profile you complete before training begins. All of Dave's remote programs are powered by the Training Tilt platform; its interactive training calendar will connect you, your coach, and all your training stats.
VIEW PERSONAL TRAINING DETAILS
5K • 4 MILES • 8K • 10K
Designed for Beginners, Weekend Warriors & Seasoned Runners
There is no better way to set a new personal record at many popular distances than one of our multi-week training programs. With each program, you will receive a coupon book full of in-store discounts, Dave's gear, a comprehensive training plan, remote training option, online social forum, and weekly emails filled with training information and motivational tips. That’s in addition to twice-weekly organized group workouts, Mercy Health PT support, social events, and the dedicated team of Dave's Coaches.
First Timers
If you’re new to running, looking to transition from walking or just complete your first 5k race, this program is for you. Dave’s Coaches will get you from the couch to the finish line with a detailed plan that gradually builds you from walking to running.
Weekend Warriors
For those who have experience with running, but have dreams of running faster and want help on how to achieve it. These Dave’s programs will build upon your base to make you a stronger and faster runner. Our coaches will motivate you with a detailed training program and fun atmosphere.
Racers
Do you dream of running a gold-standard, sub-20 minute 5k and need a structured training plan to get you there? This program will push and encourage you to your fastest pace while having a lot of fun getting there. With a supportive coaching staff and training alongside like-minded individuals, you can achieve that gold standard.
DAVE'S GOOD FORM RUNNING
You’ll learn the four basics of Good Form Running: posture, foot strike, cadence and lean — plus practical drills to help you perfect your own form. It’s the final product from years of teaching clinics, education, philosophies and trial and error.
VIEW GFR VIDEO & DETAILS
MARATHON & HALF MARATHON TRAINING
Go Farther • 26.2 Miles or 13.1 Miles
Dave's is proud to be the official training program of the springtime Mercy Health Glass City Marathon (GCM), and will get you ready to toe-the-line at the prestigious Boston Marathon too. Our fall training programs will get you ready for races like the Churchill's Half Marathon, Columbus, Detroit, Indy, and other regional marathons.
Your customized training plan will begin 12 to 16 weeks out from race day and have you fully prepared for a great race experience. While our winter program is targeted for getting you ready for Toledo’s GCM, this program will coincide perfectly with other spring marathons including Cleveland, Flying Pig, and other early year races. Dave's In-Training programs are the best way to prepare for popular races around the Midwest and across the nation. Modifications are also offered to get you to races that may fall earlier or later on the calendar. Join hundreds of local running enthusiasts and athletes in these annual programs, and see for yourself why people say that training with Dave’s is the most fun you can have on two feet.
Each program regularly sees participation of several hundred in-person trainees, but Dave's also offers a convenient remote training option where you can follow along with a coach and an interactive online community of others just like you.
HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT DAVE’S TRAINING?
Send us a message to receive more details about our training programs, then stop in to get fitted at one of our four locations.