Use the links in the left side-bar to go to the PDF version of the "Red Book", the interactive calendar (updated weekly) and the down-loadable worksheet, which will allow you to track your mileage as you go along.

Good luck, and have a great marathon!

Introducing the 2010 Marathon Training Program

ew York Flyers Membership includes free participation in our Marathon Training Program for 2010, aimed at preparing participants for the New York City Marathon or other Fall marathons such as Chicago and Philadelphia. The program provides training programs for beginner, intermediate and advanced runners and includes group long runs on most Sundays. The program is organized by Glen Wiener, Brian Hsia and Jim Sias, each a certified coach who will help you with one or more of the three foundations of marathon preparation: weekly mileage goals, long training runs, and specialized training for body core and running.

We had a great kick-off event in early May attended by nearly 100 Flyers and with the keynote address given by Mary Wittenberg, CEO of the NYRR and a great supporter of the New York Flyers. Everyone was revved up to get started.

Now it's June, and serious training gets underway, which leads us to ...

Long Training Runs: Jim Sias

he month of June is fast approaching and everyone is naturally pondering running 26.2 miles in the fall. Well, maybe not everyone is focusing on running but most of you who are reading my words certainly are among the fortunate folks.

This year the program could best be described as the Enhanced MTP. No one gets waterboarded. Instead Glen, Brian and I will try to broaden your knowledge base about our sport through the scheduled runs and some specialized educational clinics. We are currently in the process of nailing down our speakers and dates so stay tuned to the Flyer site for updates on the clinics as well as locations for a few run dates with “TBD” venues listed. We are very optimistic about what is in store for our participants this year.

Everyone who attended the MTP Kick-Off event should have received a red program booklet. You will notice that the program is geared toward preparation for the NYC Marathon which the majority of you will be running, some for the first time. But many others will be running Chicago or Philadelphia to name just a few other fall offerings. This will mean that those running earlier races will have to adjust their running schedules accordingly. For many runners it may just mean that they have to add a few miles to the scheduled long Sunday runs. I will be glad to accompany those with such a need and I would appreciate it if we could assemble a group of runners who would be willing to offer their services to lead and pace smaller groups on Sundays throughout the course of the scheduled program. Just shoot me or Brian or Glen an email and let us know your availability.

Our runs take place in Central Park (on the Bridle Path), Riverside Park, Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx, over a couple of the Majestic East River Bridges, and many other beautiful areas. Our first scheduled run takes place on Sunday June 13th so there's no time to waste. It is time to take care of the preparation. Get your gear in order. If you have not had your running gait examined I strongly suggest you visit a good running shop and get this done. It could save you a lot of pain later. Look closely at your diet and also consider a joint supplement. Visit the runnersworld.com web site periodically for information and advice ranging from shoe choices to nutrition. And finally, enjoy yourselves because you are both fortunate to be healthy enough to attempt a marathon and to have the opportunity to meet and train with some great people. Good luck to everyone.

For details on the Long Training Runs and the Training Sessions, keep your eye on the Flyer Events section of the web site. Time and place to meet will be given and a sign up list (optional — but a great help to us in planning) will be be available. See you there!