Spring 10 Miler and Half Marathon Training

Our Spring 10-Miler and Half Marathon Training Program targets the the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler and the Alexandria Half Marathon. Other half marathons, such as the Shamrock Half and the Rock-n-Roll Half, can be accommodated. Just let your coaches know that you are planning to run one of these races, and they can discuss tweaks to the training program.

We encourage all paces to train with us! We have organized pace groups for times from approximately a 7:30 mile to a 12:30 run-walk pace. 

The training program begins Saturday, January 17, 2026 and officially ends April 25, 2026. The first group run is on Saturday, January 17, 2026. Group runs will meet every Saturday through April 25, 2026. 

***Current DCRR members will receive $35 off registration. Non-members will receive a coupon code to use to join DCRR. Cost of membership is included in the registration fee. After you receive the coupon code, you will then have to register separately for the Club.***

What's included in the training program?

• Coaching by RRCA-certified coaches for your pace and fitness level
• We encourage beginners, intermediate, and advanced runners to train with us
• Training plans for beginner, intermediate, and advanced runners
• Discussion and guidance on pacing
• Weekly training runs--Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays
• Social opportunities throughout training season
• Motivation and camaraderie found only with a training group

What to know for 2026

• It's been a while since we’ve given our trainees a shirt, so this year we're giving all trainees a DCRR Training long-sleeved technical shirt. We will order men’s and women’s sizes.
• Registration is open to non-members! As part of registration, non-members will receive a DC Road Runners membership through November 30, 2026. Note: if you qualify for the student or family membership, it may be cheaper to join DCRR, and then to register under the member rate.
• Time Trials! We heard great feedback about our time trials from last training program, so we're keeping them in our program.
• Seminars. Our past seminars have been very popular, so we'll have at least two seminars for our spring program.
• Winter Challenge! Throughout December through the start of training, we’ll be offering a Winter Challenge to encourage you to get in your miles. Complete the challenge, and you’ll be entered to win excellent prizes.  
   

Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Programs

We will be offering beginner, intermediate, and advanced programs. The difference between the programs is not based on pace but rather overall miles per week. Trainees may move between the programs. Signing up for a specific program gives your coaches an idea of your current fitness level.  

Beginner Program-first long run 3 miles

The beginner program is designed as a “to finish” program. This program is designed for runners either new to running or who are coming back to running after a hiatus. Trainees should be able to run 10 miles per week prior to starting the program. This program focuses on building overall mileage and introduces strength and endurance workouts after trainees have built a sufficient base to do quality workouts. 

Intermediate and Advanced Programs-first long run 6-8 miles

The intermediate and advanced programs are designed for seasoned runners who are looking to improve their pace. These programs will emphasize the importance of establishing higher overall training miles in conjunction with completing regular speed workouts. To that end, runners should come into each program comfortable running the following mileage: 

               Intermediate minimums: 6 mile long run and 18-20 miles per week

               Advanced minimums: 8 mile long run and 22-24 miles per week

The intermediate and advanced programs will begin quality workouts early with an eventual progression to track workouts. Trainees should expect a greater focus on pacing in runs, more rigorous workouts, and the incorporation of pace practice during long runs. 

Where do we meet on Saturdays?

Saturday group runs will meet at 8:00 a.m. at North Meade Street Park, which is across the street from the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial in Rosslyn, Virginia. (Note: we meet promptly at 8 a.m. for general club announcements and a description of the route for the day. The training program then usually hangs back for a few minutes to allow for tips from the coaches and for trainees to pair up with pacers.)

Registration is open to participants 18 years of age and older as of the start of the program.

Weather Policy: Safety is our number one priority. A race, training run, or other event may be canceled, delayed, suspended or postponed, or the course may be modified in the event of threatening weather conditions that could make the run unsafe for participants. Such threatening weather conditions may include: lightning, heavy rains, wind / tornadoes, extreme heat, ice / snow, or other major weather conditions. Extreme heat is defined as a heat index that meets or exceeds 105 °F at the time of the event or run. Lightning strikes within one mile of the planned course are considered threatening. It is up to the race director or run leader to determine whether the conditions are threatening and communicate any decision to alter the event or run to participants.