John Metzger's 5K Training Class in Full Swing
Cindy Angresano listens while Traci Akers gives her IT band a working over; John Metzger explains the advantages of keeping a training journal for those who endured the chilly Tuesday 'classroom' session.
Training Class attracts 45 Participants
November 12, 2008 – John Metzgar's 5K running class is rolling right along since its start in early October. The class is a joint venture between JTC Running and 1st Place Sports running store. Four weeks of short talks and training has the 45 students well on their way to completing the Festival of Lights 5K in San Marco on Sunday, December 7th. For most, it will be their first 5K race, while others have joined the class as a way to return to running or fine-tune their effort.
The group meets for their class and primary training run on Tuesday evenings. A short talk about a specific training topic starts the evening and is followed by the evening run. The talks typically last about 15 minutes and address subjects like: shoe types and proper fit, performance apparel and equipment, training plan development, running related injuries and prevention, and pre-race preparation - the list goes on - John is quite knowledgeable! When the talk concludes, it is time to run.
Most students are first time runners, so these training “runs” include walking intervals as well. Also, the students possess varying natural abilities; consequently, the group is divided into three sub-groups, although sometimes more. Right now there is a Run 3 (minute) / Walk 1 (minute) group, a Run2/Walk2 group, and a Run1/Walk3 group. "We work over the weeks to both lengthen the time they run as well as decreasing the walk portion" says Metzgar. By the time December gets here, the goal for many is to run the full 5 kilometers without stopping.
Metzgar emphasizes a slow and steady build towards achieving your goals. “The class is encouraged to progress at their own pace, because too often many runners force themselves into training too hard, too long, and upping the intensity too much which at times can lead to discouragement, pain or even worse, injury.” Running can and should be fun! It can lead to a lifelong commitment to a healthy living.
On Sundays, the group meets at a predetermined location for another training run and scenery change. This lets the new runner experience the best of Jacksonville's running routes and trails that they can take advantage of once the class has ended. Runners are encouraged to meet on other days of the week with others from the group for additional training. E-mail has been a great help in coordinating those efforts. “We try to provide a program schedule with multiple opportunities for group runs to maximize team spirit and support.”
Metzgar assembled a pool of teaching assistants (group leaders) to help with the pacing of the different groups and general support for the students. Collectively, they possess over 100 years of running experience. This specific group of mentors came together last winter for the Gate River Run 15K training class. There is more to their coaching experience than these two classes however; many of these group leaders have gained knowledge assisting in other formal running preparation courses as well as coaching both track and cross county at various middle and high schools. The training team includes John’s wife, Denise Metzgar, June and Doug Tillett, Michelle and Ray Ramos, and Dave Bokros. Doug was a former JTC Running President and Dave is the current Florida Striders Track Club president. The training team can boast of marathon victories and countless top local and even a couple national running awards. But, Metzgar concedes, “All the personal accomplishments don’t really mean much when you are training new runners or those wanting to improve; it is the genuine love of working with people and the love of running that really makes the class a success.”
Plans are in the works for another 15K Training Class that will start in mid December. Like last year’s class, it will culminate with the participation in the annual Gate River Run – this time though, the 32nd version on March 14, 2009. Keep an eye out for details as they develop on JTCRunning.com.
Class members from Tuesday's 4th training run, (October 28th) capitalize on a photo op between their class session and training run along the River Walk.
Story by H.B. Harley, Jr.; editing input from John Metzger; Photos by Trib La Prade
