***Check back in July for updated info about the 2012 program***
September 17 - November 12, 2011
The inaugural Sports Backers 8k Training Team will give you motivation to get off that couch! The program is designed to train and encourage individuals to complete the HCA Virginia 8k, a companion race of the SunTrust Richmond Marathon, on November 12. The 8-week program will begin on September 17 at 7:30 a.m. and will provide you with a day-by-day approach to achieving your goal—completing an 8k (that’s 4.97 miles)! What better way to train than to walk or run as part of a team with other motivated individuals and an experienced coaching staff? The 8k Training Team is a fun way to socialize while also doing something for yourself! It provides safety in numbers, a supportive environment, a social outlet, and more motivation than you could ever ask for!
Here is what some past participants say they love most about Sports Backers Training Teams:
“Thank you so much for having this program! Everyone is so energetic, welcoming, motivating, positive and friendly! I need that to keep myself going each week.”
– Helena Marchi
“I loved everything about it—meeting the new people, getting great tips, and an overall awesome time!”
– Virginia Moncure
“I never expected the support, fun, and lifelong friendships I gained from the Training Team!”
– Lauren Caldas
How to Register
There are three ways to register:
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Register online through September 23.
- Sign up in person at one of the informational meetings listed above.
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Print out an entry form and mail it in with a check.
PLEASE NOTE: All Training Team fees must be received by September 23 in order to participate in the program.
Here are all the benefits of signing up:
- 8-week training program starting on Saturday, September 17 at 7:30 a.m. with a detailed written schedule for you to follow
- Personal guidance from a team of experienced coaches
- Organized and supported weekly group Saturday morning runs from 5 different convenient locations around the city – choose the West End, Midlothian, Downtown, 360 Corridor or Hanover
- A special Sports Backers 8k Training Team shirt
- Entry in the 2011 HCA Virginia 8k and all associated race benefits
- Special clinics on shoes and running attire and what to expect race day.
If you are interested in being a part of the Sports Backers 8k Training Team, sign up online or print out an entry form below. For more information, attend one of the informational meetings listed below or call (804) 285-9495. The deadline for entry in the Sports Backers 8k Training Team is September 23, 2011 at 11:59 p.m.
Informational Meetings
To learn more about the Sports Backers 8k Training Team, please attend one of these informational meetings. You do not need to attend a meeting in order to join the program. (Schedule subject to change)
Saturday Group Run/Walk locations
The schedule for the weekly Saturday group run/walk at each facility is listed below.
Training Starts on September 17, 2011 at 7:30 a.m. at all locations
Training Schedule
When you arrive for the first Group Run/Walk on Saturday, September 17, you will receive a training booklet with the complete eight-week training schedule. Every Saturday you will meet at your local facility listed above. The other days of the week, you will be on your own to follow the training schedule.
Here is a sample of the first week’s training schedule:
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Saturday
9/17/2011
Group Walk/Run
1 Mile
Walk/Run
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Monday
9/19/2011
Cross Train or Walk
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Thursday
9/22/2011
1.5 Miles
Easy
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Saturday
9/24/2011
Group Walk/Run
2 Miles
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Training Team Fees
$55
What the Entry Fee Includes
The Training Team fee includes your entry in the HCA Virginia 8k on November 12 and the 8-week training program.
As part of your participation in the program, you will receive a special Sports Backers 8k Training Team shirt.
To register, sign up online. You can also choose to complete the print entry form and mail it with your check or bring it with you to one of the informational meetings. For additional information, please call the Sports Backers at (804) 285-9495. All Training Team entry fees must be received by September 23 at 11:59pm. Training Team entry fees are non-refundable and entries are non-transferable, no exceptions. Once we receive your entry, you will not receive a refund if you cannot participate.
Clinics:
| Clinic Name |
Date |
Time |
Location |
| Shoe Clinic |
September 19 |
7:00pm |
Roadrunner Running Store, 3002 W. Cary Street, Richmond (804) 353-8365 |
| Shoe Clinic |
September 21 |
5:30pm |
3Sports, 2231 Old Brick Road, Glen Allen |
| Shoe Clinic |
September 21 |
7:00pm |
Runner Bill's, 13569 Midlothian Tpke, Midlothian
RSVP by e-mailing runnerbill@verizon.net
|
| What to Expect Race Day |
November 2 |
7:00pm |
Henrico Doctor’s, Parham Campus, Medical Office Bldg III Classroom. 8kTT signs will help direct you.
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Entry Confirmation
Already registered? You can confirm your entry here.
Head Coach
Experienced Coach Dan Blankenship will lead the Sports Backers 8k Training team. You may recognize him from the 10k Training Team. Dan is a pro at this distance and will motivate you to walk or run the HCA Virginia 8k with a smile on your face! His extensive background in running includes finishing 18 marathons, 10 half marathons and numerous 10k and 5k races. He also has an impressive coaching history, having served as a coach for the last ten years on the YMCA 10k Training Team and also coaching with the Sports Backers Marathon Training Team and Richmond Road Runners Club. Dan is a certified USA Track and Field coach.Fitness Requirements to be on the Training Team