What is the Brooksie Way Training Program?

The Brooksie Way Training Program is a unique 16-week program which runs June-October, patterned after the run/walk or walk/shuffle method utilized by former U.S. Olympian Jeff Galloway noted author and training expert for Runner’s World Magazine.

This program trains area runners and walkers to complete in the Brooksie Way Half Marathon, which is 13.1 miles or 5K, which is 3.1 miles. The program brings all ages, 18 and older, genders and races of the community together and puts them on the right track toward a more active and fit lifestyle.

Training participants meet once a week for group workouts and then are requested to do some additional running or walking “homework” on their own. You will receive a training calendar at your kickoff night with group workouts and your homework listed.  Your success will happen when you meet every week for your group workout and then twice a week do your homework.  This program is designed for adults (age 18 and older), no children, strollers, pets or listening devices (iPods, MP3 players, etc.) are allowed at the group workouts.

When does the program start? And where are the training runs/walks?

There will be a placement night held in late May to time participants so that they are placed in the correct training groups. The program starts sometime in June with a kickoff at Oakland University Rec Center. The group workouts are held around the Rochester area, usually at Rochester High School or Adams High School. The goal is to have the training groups run the entire Brooksie route during the course of the training program.

Is there a fee and what does the  fee include?

There is a fee for the program. This includes free entry into the Brooksie Way Half Marathon or 5K run, a training book, several free clinics, discounts at Runnin' Gear, a pre and post program health screening, once a week group runs with a trained group leader who will provide support and motivation, and more.

How far do I need to run or walk before I join the training program?

You can join this program “straight off the couch” and we will prepare you to finish a half marathon or 5K run, which ever you choose. After the kickoff, the half marathon groups start out at 3 miles and build from there. The training is designed for one group run/walk and 2 or 3 individual 30 minutes run/walks each week.

Participants are put into groups based on their pace or time it takes them to run a mile. We also do run/walk intervals, where we run for a certain number of minutes and then walk. The intervals will vary depending on the pace of the group.

We also have groups who would like to finish the half marathon in less than 2 hours. They will be doing speed work and tempo runs.

What are the exact dates of the training runs?

We run on Thursdays for the first three months.  After Labor Day we move to Saturday mornings because we are doing longer runs and the days are getting shorter.

Will I improve my technique and endurance? Also, I would like to run with other runners.

We work on techniques and endurance during the group runs.  We begin with low mileage and then build our endurance every week with longer and longer runs or walks. One of the strengths of this program is our group runs. Meeting once a week to run or walk with people of similar pace is a great way to keep your fitness program on track.