I'M A TOTAL BEGINNER AND I'M SURE I'LL BE THE SLOWEST. IS THERE A PLACE FOR ME?

For sure! There's a place for everyone in the walking and running community, and there's no judgement about pace or ability. We all have to start somewhere, and there's a place for you on our starting line. Let's do this!

CAN YOU TELL ME MORE ABOUT THE PRESEASON INFO SESSION?

Each season of our Walk & Run 101 program begins with an information session. At this event, we'll be covering the basics of your training plan and it's a great chance to meet with our head coach. Bring your questions. Let's use this night as a chance to jumpstart your two month buildup towards race day.  

There is NO walking or running workout scheduled at our information session, so it's a low-key opportunity for you to ease into the program. After that, we'll host our weekly workouts every Saturday at 8:00am at both the Columbus Running Company in Grove City and in Dublin. Our summer information sessions are on Sunday, July 21st (2pm at 3990 Broadway in Grove City and 5pm at 6465 Perimeter Drive in Dublin). Register to train with us this season, and we'll see you at one of our information sessions as we get started on the path to that 5k finish line together.

WHICH RACE ARE PARTICIPANTS TAKING PART IN?

This is a 5k training group. For our current season, we're targeting the Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon's 5k Honoring the Legacy of Jesse Owens. 

WHAT IF IʼM PREPARING FOR A RACE OTHER THAN THE GROUPʼS PRIMARY GOAL EVENT?

Youʼre welcome to use the CRC training plan for any race of your choosing. Just remember that your Walk & Run 101 registration does include automatic entry into the Jesse Owens 5k. 

I CANʼT MAKE IT TO EVERY TRAINING SESSION. CAN I STILL TAKE PART IN THE GROUP?

Of course. Join us when you can, and put in those solo miles when you canʼt. Weʼre here to help you prepare for that big race, one way or another.

HOW DO THE GROUP TRAININGS WORK?

The group meets at 8am at both the Columbus Running Company in Grove City and in Dublin. Weʼll make a course announcement around 8:05am, and the workout will begin shortly after that. Weʼll have digital maps available for each route.  

I'M NERVOUS ABOUT GROUP RUNS & WALKS.  WHAT DO YOU RECOMMEND?

Runners & walkers are a low-key, inviting group. We recommend that everyone give the group workouts three tries. The first time might feel a little overwhelming, as you learn the ropes, but the second time is much easier. By the third time, you'll be a pro. We hear a lot of people who worry about being the slowest participant out there. As beginners, we all started from that same point, and we'll have a big mix of abilities throughout the season. If you're willing to step outside of your comfort zone a bit and meet a lot of new people, we'll find others for you to share the miles with all season long. 

WHAT PACES AND ABILITY LEVELS ARE IN THE GROUP?

Every season, we have a mix of both beginners and experienced runners & walkers - but most of our 101 members are pretty new to walking or running. Everyone has to start from scratch at some point, and we're here to help guide you as you get moving.  

IʼVE STRUGGLED WITH MOTIVATION IN THE PAST. WHAT DOES CRC OFFER TO HELP KEEP ME GOING?

First off, a group dynamic helps a TON when it comes to keeping your motivation going. As you get to know others, positive peer pressure is going to keep you coming back. On top of that, weʼll be in touch via our coaching emails throughout your training season to keep you excited about coming out on Saturday mornings to share the paths with us. We'll even have a dedicated 101 coach on hand to help at the group runs & walks. 

WHAT SETS WALK & RUN 101 APART FROM OTHER BEGINNER PROGRAMS?

After almost two decades, Walk & Run 101 has led so many others into lifelong running and walking routines. We're going to boost your training through a ton of resources shared via our weekly coaching emails. We believe you will find these coaching messages not only informative but also motivational to keep you on pace. Aside from the training, you will also receive a training shirt, coupon, and coaching support.  

HOW DO I ACCESS MY TRAINING PLAN? 

Once you register for the season, you'll receive a confirmation email. This email will contain your training schedule. 

THIS ALL SOUNDS SUPER AWESOME. WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO GET STARTED?

Aww, thanks. Register today and then lace up the shoes to join us every week from now until race weekend. Good luck.