::: Brendan Cournane :::

Overcoming the ‘Stopping Wish’ in a Marathon by Brendan Cournane as published in Windy City Sports – October 2008.

Running a marathon is 90% mental. The other half is physical.

The original quote is from philosopher Yogi Berra on hitting a baseball, but a paraphrase is appropriate in running a marathon. In every endurance event, just about all participants will encounter that little voice on his or her shoulder planting seeds of doubt whether they can finish the event. But that little voice can be silenced with planning and training.

Here is an opportunity to improve your speed and endurance.

Speed Training –

As early as my high school days, track and cross country coaches have shared the secret: “If you want to run fast, you have to run fast!”

Improve your half or full marathon race times with this 18-week Speed Training Program designed for the long distance runner preparing for a half or full marathon in late summer or the fall.

This Speed Training Program is for experienced runners seeking to improve running times and race performance in longer races. The target race date coincides with the Bank of America Chicago Marathon on October 10, 2010, and the schedule fits well for other half or full marathons in late summer or fall. You should have been training consistently for at least six months and running at least 25 miles a week prior to the start of the program on June 9, 2010. It is highly recommended that you should have run an endurance race of 10 miles or longer within the last 9 months at a pace per mile of 9:00 or faster.

Speed Training Session Dates and Registration Fees are:

Session Dates: June 9, 2010, continuing through October 6, 2010;
Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. Various locations along Chicago’s Lakefront (depending on the workout).

Cost: $129 for early registration now until May 15, 2010;
$139 for registration after May 15, 2010.

Registration is limited to the first 75 participants.

Click here to register.

Marathon Training program

Don’t train for a marathon alone. Run with Coach Brendan along Chicago’s lakefront path on Saturday mornings, starting June 5, 2010. Training runs coincide with the date of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon on October 10, 2010, and the training schedule fits other half and full marathons in the fall season. Coach Brendan will work with you to provide a training schedule suited to your needs. He has prepared six training schedules for running and run/walking a marathon. Upon registration, you will complete a questionnaire and Coach Brendan will provide you with the training schedule best suited to your current condition.

Training runs will begin at 6:30 a.m. each Saturday, June 5 – October 9, 2010.

Marathon Training Session Dates and Registration Fees are:

Session Dates: June 5, 2010, continuing through October 9, 2010;
Saturdays at 6:30 a.m. Wilson Avenue and Lake Shore Drive (along Chicago’s Lakefront).

Cost: $149 for early registration now until May 15, 2010;
$159 for registration after May 15, 2010

Registration is limited to the first 75 participants.

Click here to register.

COMBINATION BONUS: REGISTER FOR BOTH THE SPEED TRAINING AND MARATHON LONG RUN PROGRAM AND SAVE!

Combination price - $249 if you register before May 15, 2010; $275 after May 15, 2010.

Click here to register.

You can confirm your registration in the training program by clicking on http://www.signmeup.com/confirmation/68637. Please allow 48 hours to ensure registration has been processed.

No refunds or adjustments after the first training session for any reason, including injury. No proration of fees for any registrants after the first training session.

Click here to send me your email address. I’ll keep you informed about the sessions and upcoming programs.

Thinking about your next Race?

Whether training for a 5k, 10K, Half or Full Marathon, even an Ultramarathon, I can help you reach your goal.

My training schedules are designed to help you build your base, improve your endurance and increase your speed. The training programs are available as running programs and as run-walk programs.

The training programs listed below are for use by

Race Directors.
Individuals seeking General Training programs based on a runner’s experience.
Individuals and Groups seeking General Training Programs based on a runner’s experience.

Personalized training programs are available at different price points dependent upon race distance and level of personalized training.

Use my CONTACT ME page to find out more about the various programs and to decide which is best for you.

Training Schedules Available for 5K, 10K, Half and Full Marathon Distances:
Available for both run/walk and continuous running programs.

Novice Training

This training schedule is designed for those athletes who are new to running and have not been involved in regular athletic endeavors for at least the previous 6 months. If you are beginning an exercise program and have not run regularly during that time, this program is for you.

Intermediate Training

This training schedule is designed for those athletes who have been involved in regular athletic endeavors for at least the previous 6 months.

If you have run regularly at least 2 - 3 times per week during the last six months, this program is for you.

Advanced Training

This training schedule is designed for those athletes who are experienced runners and have been involved in regular athletic endeavors for at least the previous 12 months. It is also intended for use by those experienced in racing at the distances of the program.

Speed Training

Improve your race times. Speed training programs are available for experienced runners seeking to improve running times and race performance. If you have been training consistently for at least six months and you are running at least 25 miles a week, this is the program for you.

Ultramarathon Training Programs

(available upon request)

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