Spring 2020 - Week 1 (1/25/2020)

by Aaron Adragna

NEED TO KNOW: Week 1

SATURDAY @ 7:15 AM - DE ANZA COVE, MISSION BAY

SATURDAY SOCIAL @ 7:15 PM - EL CAMINO

Social Events:    Click    

Articles:   Click    

Schedule: Click   

Discounts: Click

                              

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Welcome!  We started off strong on Tuesday with a bunch of new faces and all the regulars were there too, we had over 95 people at the run. We have a lot of housekeeping items to review these first few weeks but as we get into a routine the announcement will get shorter and we can get to running quicker. In these first few weeks, let's also try and connect with people you don't know. It's always intimidating starting something new and we want to embrace everyone that is willing to take the leap.  Let's make them all feel welcome.

Reminder – these text/ posts are only going to registered members, so please do not simply forward these to others. 

Training Schedules & Calendar

Under the schedule link above you will find the running schedule for the season. You will always want to keep an eye on the schedule, in the event we make updates you will always find the details there.  This is the schedule that tells you exactly what to do, or not to do, every day for the entire season. The Group Run schedule is also forthcoming. 

Social Event This Weekend - El Camino 

We have our first social event of the spring season this Saturday at El Camino. If you have never been to one of our social events you need to be there. They are so much fun and a great way to meet new people. Click on the link below for all the details and hope to see you there.  

What to Expect Saturday Morning

The first few meetings will be a bit extended because we'll have a lot to cover and review, in addition, to welcome all the new runners that keep on signing up.  Saturday morning, we will spend the first 20min going through general announcements, daily routine, etc.  However, there will be less speaking and more running as we progress and usually by about week 2 or 3 we're at full speed with mostly running :)  We will be taking a group picture so if you have a Black Flag Shirt wear it. 

Taking Sign-Ups

Spread the word . . . we will be taking registrations and signups on Saturday after the group run.

Black Flag Running Club - Spring (and Summer) Season is Open!

Tell your friends! It is the perfect excuse to stick to their New Year’s Resolutions!  Our next training season is posted online and taking signups. This is our Spring Season for the La Jolla Half and/or Rock n Roll Half/Full marathons.  

Have warm clothes ready

As it can still get quite chilly and we always spend the first 5-10 minutes covering info, training notes, news, events, etc.  Saturday morning will be even more since it’s our first weekend run. And a bit more time the first few weeks as we come up to speed. As the veterans know, we provide "Storage" for your clothing, keys, etc. so you can keep warm until just before we head out on a run.  Until it really warms up, please plan to have some warm clothes ready to go, at least for the initial meet-up and warm-up.

What to Bring / Wear?

After a handful of emails over the last few days, I have added a new section to the Daily Routine email, which most of you have already received.  For those who haven’t, here it is . . . . One good thing about running is that it’s relatively easy to get ready, get dressed and pack up. While not the “cheapest” sport, it’s pretty straightforward. Now, actually GETTING OUT THE DOOR . . . that’s one of the hardest parts of this adventure you’re on.  More on that later.

  • Running Shoes*
  • Running Attire / Clothing**
  • Water / Aide for after the run.  Many bring a sports drink, water bottle, etc.

A few other points that may help:

  • Yes, we do run in the rain (see earlier email)
  • Dress as it’s 10-15deg warmer than it actually is, for the actual run.
  • Plan to bring some warm/dry outerwear that you can leave behind (more on “Clothing Tubs” below).  Jacket, sweatshirt, sweatpants / warm ups, etc.

* Shoes - we will be having a shoe clinic within the first few weeks so if you are in need and not sure, hold off.  You’ll be fine for a bit. Do NOT just go out to Sport Chalet and get the coolest looking, least expensive shoes.

** Clothing / Attire - similarly, we’ll be reviewing this during our “Running 101” clinic that happens in the first few weeks.  Generally speaking, it’s athletic, moisture-wicking “technical” or “dri fit” type of stuff.

Open Registration & Free Test Runs

Remember, we'll be taking sign-ups until 2/1/20 so pass on the information to friends, family, co-workers, etc.  For those who want to pass on detailed info to others, send them to the site:

 

Social Event: This Saturday

As part of the club, we put on monthly social events. It's a great opportunity to get to know other members and shows we know how to have a little fun other than running. Our first event of the Spring Season is this Saturday Click HERE for all the details.  Event Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/353164628571695/

Join our Facebook Group

We also encourage our members to follow us on our Facebook group. It's a great place for members to communicate with one another, share pics and ask general questions. You can find the group page at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/131419107561420/

This Week’s Training

We are off and running in Week 1, so plan your runs based on the training log.  The training program (that you’ll receive soon) calls for 4-5 days per week, so don't feel obliged to get a "Great workout" on the first and every run.  It is the long haul that counts! You will hear us say this over and over.

For Beginner and Intermediate Runners JUST STARTING OUT, we are in our "Building Phase" for the first 6-8 weeks.  This is the time it takes for your body and “systems” to get up to speed with long distance running.  You’ll hear me say it often, but if you can make it through the first 8 weeks, your chances of success go waaayyy up.   Consider it boot camp! Even more, beginners & Entry level intermediate runners (those of you who haven’t been running lately or ever) - The first 2-4 weeks shall be VERY EASY to slowly ramp into it.

For Beginner and Intermediate Runners CONTINUING from our Winter Program (or who have otherwise been training for the last few months) take these next few weeks to “RESET” .  You will have already received my “Recovery” email to cover the next 2 weeks so follow that. Generally speaking, you won’t have to totally go back to square one, but it is smart to take a few weeks to rest and recover.

For everyone:

  • Run/Walkers – This week will be sort of a test, to determine which Interval Group you will be in, A or B.  The A Group will be on a 4/1 interval (It’s actually Walk/Run during the runs) with the B group on a 4/6.  The idea is for you to go out and test the different intervals. Coach Yayoi will review in more detail at the group runs.
  • For NEWER Runners - As we (quickly) reviewed on Saturday, the first 6-8 weeks are THE MOST IMPORTANT for your training as we are BUILDING A BASE.  This is the period when you make gains Physically, Mentally and Physiologically! For newer runners, make it to week 8, and you're golden!!  Remember . . . GRADUALITY!!! CONSISTENCY!!! That means 1) don't overdo it. 2) Run your 4x per week. For Everyone - it is OKAY to walk - at any time.  If you are a Run/Walker, then you MUST alternate walking.
    Runkeeper CLICK
    Click on image to see how to setup runkeeper:
  • Intermediate Runners – Nothing special here, just go out and run ;)  Well, not that simple. REGARDLESS . . SLOW DOWN.  You are likely running too fast and if you’re new to long distance running, this will catch up to you in a few weeks.  One more thing – it is okay to take an occasional walk break here and there. Maybe 1min worth at the turnaround? Or 30sec on 10min intervals.   
  • PR Chasers – Remember, this doesn’t mean you’re simply fast*.  It just means you have a good base and are ready to run out the gate.  This week is simply full of easy but solid runs. We will review with you the specifics.

*For those of you “seasoned” already and coming off of some recent races, you will simply pick up with the training program and keep your runs solid and strong (but easy when it calls for it ;)  If this pertains to you, then the Advance schedule may be the one to follow.  

FOR EVERYONE – After our group chat tomorrow night, we'll be breaking off into our Individual Groups, just listen for the announcements.  Each Coach will review in general the overall approach. We will do the same on Saturday.

Upcoming Group Runs & Clinics

Below are the run maps* and the group run locations.  At the very bottom of this email are detailed instructions on the meeting locations.

Saturday @ 7:15 pm - De Anza Cove, Mission Bay 

Starting at almost the end of the Mission Bay Boardwalk at De Anza Cove, run South on the busy and popular concrete pathway on an Out & Back Run.

Clinics: There will be NO clinics this week as we ramp up the membership and get things rolling!

As Always

We will arrive 15-20 minutes before each group run to make ourselves available for questions, tips, etc..  We also plan to stay afterwards for as long as it takes to do the same. This means I'll be at our Tuesday runs by 6 PM and the Saturday runs at 7 AM.

Please let us know if you have questions.

Have a great week everyone!

 Coach Aaron

(619)405-1828

 

Detailed Meeting Locations: 

De Anza Cove/Mission Bay

2750 De Anza Rd, San Diego, CA 92109

Go all the way to the end of N. Mission Bay Drive (towards the golf course / mobile home park), turn left onto De Anza Road (towards cul-de-sac) turn left into the parking lot.  We'll be in SE corner, near pavilion across from bathrooms, but along the parking lot. http://bit.ly/tGLDPn



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