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You started your training
program on May 29th. Is it too late to sign up
now and will I be too far behind?
No it is not too late to join our program. Our
marathon and half marathon programs start up to
4-12 weeks earlier than most in Houston. We do
this to accomodate Fall Marathoners who have less
time to get ready for October and November races
and to give true beginner runners more time to
build a solid running base. Registrations are
accepted during June, July and August. Each year
more than half of our sign ups occur during June
and July even though we start training as early
as late May.
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I have never trained
for a marathon or half marathon and am a pretty
slow runner. Can I really do this?
We have helped many first time marathoners and
half marathoners get to the finish line. Unlike
many marathon training programs ours is one of
the longest in Houston at 8 months long. We have
done this by design to give beginners more time
to build a solid running base and avoid injury
and runners trying for Fall races more adequate
training weeks to prepare for their race.
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I am a seasoned runner
and have already run a marathon or multiple
marathons and want to improve on my personal
record (PR). Is In Flight still for me?
We write beginner, intermediate, advanced and
elite training schedules for all of the major
races to accomodate all running skill levels.
Also if you are gunning for that allusive Boston
qualifier we know what it takes to help you
train for a qualifying time.
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Do you group runners
in pacing groups so I can run with people that
are my speed?
Unlike many marathon programs in Houston we
don't place people in groups by pace or color
group but manage the group as a whole. The reason
we don't do that up front is we have found that
many runners are not aware of what there current
pace per mile is or are training at a pace that
may not be efficient based on their current
fitness level. After a couple of training runs
we get a good feel for each runner's pace as
runners naturally team up in smaller packs and
run with people that are about the same pace.
After we have short distance (5K - 10K) race
numbers on runners we group runners together
by pace prior to some long runs. On a long run
the group becomes spread out into many natural
pace groups which may only vary by 15 second
pace per mile intervals. This makes it easier
for runners to progress or move up to the next
pack when they improve their pace or downgrade
their pace if they are returning from an injury
or don't feel at 100% on a training day.
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Do you have training
groups that target race goal times? For example
a 4:00 marathon or a 1:45 half marathon etc.?
We do not coach and group runners based on a
race goal. In our opinion this is putting the
cart before the horse and is a pretty flawed
practice especially for beginners or first timers.
Instead of assuming a runner can run a certain
race time months before the actual race we would
much rather train them well during the season,
see how they progress with race times and give
them realistic goals based on how they are actually
performing. During the season as we get race
numbers on each runner we do give them estimates
of finishing race times for their goal distance
(marathon or half marathon). We can't look in
a crystal ball and promise anyone a race time
during week #1 of training but with proper training
we can give our runners realistic goals during
the season that they can physiologically accomplish
without getting injured.
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Do you have separate
training groups for marathon & half marathon
distances?
No. We don't really see a need for this. Many
training groups in Houston are forced to do this
out of shear necessity to manage huge groups of
runners. We cap our program at a managable group
of 300 runners so we don't have this same problem.
The biggest difference between marathoners and
half marathoners is the distance of training runs
and the total weekly mileage on the schedule.
During training runs we meld everyone together
into one group. We will always have marathoners
and half marathoners in the group that may be
training at the same pace so we don't want to
cheat someone out of the opportunity of running
with someone that is at their same pace and skill
level even if they are training for different
races and race lengths.
- Where do you meet for group training runs?
Most long runs originate from our meeting
place inside Memorial Park. We meet in the parking
lot adjacent to the softball fields in the northeast
corner of the park close to the Westcott Drive entrance
to the park. On some weeks we mix it up and meet
at other locations like Fleet Feet Running stores
in the Memorial & West University area, Hermann
Park, the Houston Heights, Terry Hershey Park and
other city parks that have adjacent running trail
access. A couple times each season we plan long
run road trips to Seabrook/Kemah Running Trails,
Galveston and Huntsville State Park to vary the
terrain a bit in a more scenic setting.
During our 12 week hill training season we meet
on the hill adjacent to the intersection of Memorial
and Shepard Drive facing Buffalo Bayou across the
street from St. Thomas High School.
During our 12 week speed training seson we meet
at the Lamar High School track. That campus is located
close to the intersection of River Oaks Boulevard
and Westhiemer Drive.
- What type of running routes do you run
on Saturdays?
One thing we do well is offer a great variety of
long runs routes that we have designed over the
past 5 years. They have been carefully designed
to prevent boredom, experience a variety of inner
loop neighborhoods and running trails and run on
a variety of surfaces (concrete, dirt trails, asphalt
etc.) to minimize risk of injury.
- What time do you meet for group runs?
For Saturday long runs we ask runners to meet at
5:40 to sign in and participate in an optional dynamic
warm up stretching session. We give everyone a group
pep talk about 5:50 and start running at 6:00 am
sharp. On our peak long run weeks (11-12 miles for
half marathon or 18-22 for marathoners) we shift
our meet time to 5:10 with a 5:30 am run start time.
Hill training and track sessions start at 5:30 am
or 6:00 pm sharp on Mondays and Wednesdays and are
about 50 minutes in length not including a warm
up. Just show at a time that best fits your schedule.
We ask runners to show up 10 minutes early to warm
up and stretch on their own so we can get started
promptly at the 5:30 am or 6:00 pm start time. Runners
are also welcome to warm up by running to our training
site.
- Looks like In Flight is geared towards
a Houston Marathon & Half Marathon training
schedule. I want to train for an out of town race.
Can I still train with the In Flight group and get
training and a running schedule specific to my race
goal?
Most marathon training programs across
the country are designed and focused on the local
marathon and ours is no different. Last year about
65% of our runners had a goal of training for and
completing the Houston Marathon or Half Marathon.
If you are interested in training for an out of
town race we will also be writing schedules for
most of the major ones nation-wide. This year (2008-09)
we are adding a formal Fall marathon training group
who will start training a month early on May 29th
so these runners have more time to prepare for the
October, November and December races. Each marathon
or half marathon schedule is written in beginner,
intermediate and advanced versions to match each
runner's current skill level.
Marathon & Half Marathon Training
Schedules
We train for and offer training schedules
for most major fall and winter marathons and half
marathons. If you have an off the menu request we
can usually accomodate you. For a list of the major
races we are training for check out our "Races
We Train For" web page.
- I would like to run two major races this year.
Do I get two separate schedules?
Each year we have many runners that decide to run multiple
races. We supply our runners with any training schedule
they need at the beginning of the season and during.
In most cases it is simple as working one schedule until
your first race is done, taper and recover for a couple
of weeks then transition into the second training schedule.
We can help give you feedback on what is appropriate
to train for based on your running profile, skill level
and how your training is going during the season.
- I noticed you have two different marathon/half
marathon training options. How do I know which one is
right for me?
This year we are offering two levels of marathon/half
marathon training along with 2 separate stand alone
10 week mini-camps of hill training and speed training
to improve your running further. That way you can purchase
only what you need and what you can commit too. Here
is a quick recap of each program and which ones we recommend
for each skill level. Not sure what you need? Then we
recommend signing up for atleast marathon/half marathon
program #1 for now. You can always add track and/or
hills later in the season if needed.
- Why are your marathon/half marathon programs
more expensive than some of the others offered in the
Houston?
Very simple...you get what you pay for. Dollar for dollar
we offer the best run coaching experience in Houston
and offer 2 different marathon/half marathon training
programs you can buy exactly the amount of training
you need and can realistically commit to. The big difference
with us is that every runner gets a chance to know and
connect with their coaches and we make an effort to
know each runner's name and personal goals. Here are
a few reasons why we think our experience is worth every
penny you shell out:
1) We Use Paid, Experienced
Coached Not Volunteers
The largest expense of any business is payroll. The
biggest reason we cost a little more is that unlike
many training programs we have a staff of paid, experienced
and CPR & first aid certified coaches NOT program
volunteers. We tried using less experienced volunteer
coaches but this did not give us the consistancy and
quality we really needed.
2) We Have No Intentions Of Being HUGE - This
Means More Personal Attention For Each Runner
We do just enough marketing to attract a group
with a 300 runner cap and have no intentions of coaching
thousands of runners. We like to keep the coach to runner
ratio low and give every runner more attention during
training runs. We can learn 300 names but learning a
few thousand would be clost to impossible.
3) Unlike Many Group Running Programs We Offer
Full Fluid Support
When we survey our runners on how we are doing
one of the things they like the best about our programs
is that we offer full fluid support (water & Gatorade)
along every running route instead of forcing runners
to carry their own fluids. Our runners have enough on
their plate just completing their long run so that last
thing we want is them worrying about is getting adequate
fluids in the Houston heat.
4) We Don't Go Home Until Every Last Runner
Finishes
We don't pack up and leave until every last
runner completes their planned mileage for every group
run. So no matter how slow you are you will never be
abandoned during a long run. We always have someone
at our home base to watch over our cars and make sure
you get back safely after every group run.
5) Every Runner Has Direct Access To In Flight
Founders/Head Coach
Each runner has direct access to our founders/head
coaches via e-mail, internet chat and cell phone. If
you have a question you get it answered quickly usually
within 24 hours.
6) Our Medical & Health Advisory Board Consists
Of The Best Sports Doctors & Wellness Professionals
in Houston
We also team up with Houston's top doctors
and wellness professionals so our runners have access
to the best sports medicine and nutritional guidance
available. We help each runner with self treatment options
or refer you out to a specialist right away to get you
back on your feet running and reduce the risk of further
injury.
7) We Treat Every Runner Equally & With
Respect
We truly offer support to every runner and
don't give fast runners coaching priority. Every runner
is equal in our eyes. Every run we spend equal time
with slower runners and faster runners. We openly welcome
the privilege of coaching beginner runners and those
training for their first marathon or half marathon.
- I am an experienced runner and plan on running
a couple of marathons or half marathons during your
season. Do I get a customized schedule for my entire
season?
We write schedules for 3 skill levels for all of the
races mentioned in the table above and all runners have
access to each one any time they want. So if your short
term goal is completing the Chicago marathon and then
you decide you want to taper and train for the Houston
Marathon or Half Marathon you will have access to each
race schedule. Having schedules built for varied skill
levels and events also works great for runners that
improve their skill level during the season or change
the race they are training for during the season.
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Do you Offer a marathon/half
marathon training program for walkers?
Not at this time. In Flight Running is
designed strictly for runners but does welcome
those of all running skill levels. We do recommend
that our beginner runners be able to run a distance
of 2-3 miles when they start the program even
if they have to intermittently jog/walk. This
may seem harsh to many but we are strictly a running
program and firmly believe that the marathon and
half marathon are long distance events that have
always been intended for and designed for runners
not walkers.
5 Easy Ways
To Sign Up For Our Programs
Program
Capped at 250 Runner Maximum so
Sign Up Soon
Regular registration
runs through May 30, 2009 when
we start our training. We do except
registrations through the month
of June, 2009. If we have not
hit our 300 runner cap by 6/30/09
we will except late sign ups through
July 2009 for an additional $20.00
fee per registration.
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Register
On-line at InFlightRunning.com
Register quickly, easily
& securely by visiting our website.
Click on the link below or the "Register
On-line" button on our homepage.
We accept MaasterCard, VISA, Discover
& American Express.
-
Register
On-line at Active.com
If you have registered for the Houston
Marathon, Half Marathon or other
races you probably have an Active.com
account set up. Click on the link
about to view our listing and register
with Active.
-
-
Register
by Phone
Call Us At 713-523-2577
- menu option 3 and we can easily
take your credit card order over
the phone.
-
Register
by Mail
Pick up our program brochure at
Memorial Park, Greater Houston Area
YMCAs, Running Stores & Bike
Shops. Fill out our application
and mail it with a check payable
to Merlino Fitness to:
In Flight Running
1302 Waugh Drive PMB 267
Houston TX 77019
Fill Out
Our Runner Questionnaire When
You Sign Up
As soon as you register please
fill out our runner at the link
below. We use the information
on this runner profile to gauge
your current running skill level
and design your training schedule.
DO NOT fill out the questionnaire
until you have purchased a training
program.
Are You Interested In Signing
Up But You Have More Questions?
Check our our FAQ
page for a list of frequently
asked questions about our programs
or attend one of our info
meetings during May or June.
You can also call one of the
head coaches at the numbers
below. We will be glad to answer
your questions about our programs
and would love to have you on
board with us for our next season.
You can also e-mail us any time
at info@inflightrunning.com.
Email: info@inflightrunning.com
Phone: 713.523.2577- menu option 3
If you decide to join In Flight Running
you may be required to fill out and
submit other forms including a medical
history questionnaire. Based on your
current health conditions and fitness
level, we may also require a physician's
release from your doctor before starting
any of the running or fitness programs
we offer.
Thanks again for your interest
in In Flight Running!
Regards,
Michael Merlino, Owner, Head Coach
Duval Ruiz, Owner, Head Coach
In Flight Running
"Take Your Running To New
Heights" TM
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