Mid-week Runs at Breckenridge Park (NE Richardson)

We've had increasing turnout for long run training on Saturdays at White Rock Lake. However, several TWV runners have expressed interest in getting together for runs mid-week.

If you'd like to run with others training for the full or half marathon, we are organizing a few runs in the middle of the week at Breckenridge Park in northeast Richardson (maps below).

Chris Barnes and Lindsey Williams have offered to meet up to start some groups. Chris has run several marathons/half marathons, and Lindsey has previously coached a run/walk group for Fleet Feet Sports in California.

Group runs are a great chance to connect to the TWV cause, meet new friends, and hold yourself accountable. There will likely be runners of all experience levels: like the Saturday run, all are welcome!

Tuesday and Wednesday evenings - 7:00pm
UPDATE 9/27/10: Tues/Wed evening runs are canceled.
Breckenridge Park - Entrance B, off of Brand Road
(meet by water fountain/restrooms)


View Larger Map


Thursday mornings - 6:15am
Neighborhood parking lot west of Breckenridge Park
Moroney Drive, just off Renner (Mackenzie Meadows subdivision)


View Larger Map


We'll plan to monitor the turnout over the next couple weeks, and may adjust as necessary. As a courtesy for the first week or two, you may want to send an email to Chris (chris.barnes2@verizon.net) and/or Lindsey (lindseyandnate@gmail.com) if you plan to meet them for a run.

Just For Beginners

If you're completely new to running, Team World Vision has some really good online resources and information that addresses common questions:

• Can I really do this?
• Do I have to run the whole time?
• What if I'm a plus size runner?
• What kind of running shoes should I buy? (Recommend Run On! or Luke's Locker).

Visit the 'Running for Beginners' section on the TWV site.

Group Run on Saturday - parking

Quick clarification for the group runs on Saturday. (Refer to the August 5th posting for a map of where we'll meet at White Rock Lake on Saturdays/6am). There are two places to park: a small dirt/gravel parking lot at the bottom of the hill, or a larger paved lot at the top of the hill, near the white building. Last week, we convened around the small lot toward the bottom of the hill - closer to the White Rock trail. Look for the orange TWV jerseys (wear yours, if you have one). Hope to see you out there!

Wonder how far you just ran?

Here's a site that I've found really useful for marathon/half-marathon training: MapMyRun.com. You create a user account, and can create and save running routes (uses Google maps) that show your distance. From your routes, you can log your time and calculate pace/speed, calories burned, and log to a workout/training calendar. The Training Log is really useful to track your progress against the training plan, and great motivation to see how your running improves over time with practice.

The site also has an iPhone/Blackberry app that utilizes your phone's GPS while you run and automatically creates the route/map and uploads to the site. (I've used in the past with mixed results).

What websites or tools have you found useful for running?

5 mile Route (Full Marathon Group Run)

A few of us training for the full marathon ran this 5-mile route at White Rock Lake last Saturday morning at the group run (Aug 7).

First group run is behind us!

The first group run for Team World Vision Dallas was this morning - thanks to everyone who came out so early. We had about 12-15 people of varied experience from several Dallas area teams (The Heights, Springcreek, Women of Faith).

Look forward to seeing everyone again next week!

White Rock Lake - Map for First Group Run

Here is a map to the Winfrey Point area at White Rock Lake, where we'll meet for the first group run this Saturday at 6am. (Turn on Emerald Isle Drive off of Garland Road. We'll meet toward the bottom of the hill near the small gravel parking lot).

View Larger Map

TWV Training Plans - Runs start this week

If you're running the White Rock Marathon or are a new runner running the White Rock Half Marathon, the Team World Vision training plans start this week! Be sure to check the training plans on the Resources page.

The full marathon training plan is 18-weeks, starting August 2. The first (weekend) long-run is 5 miles.

Training for new runners (running the half) starts with a 6-week plan to get you ready to run (combining walking and running), starting August 2. This 6-week plan will prepare new runners by building up endurance, and focusing on time rather than distance. The half-marathon training is 12-weeks, and will start on September 13.

For those opting to train with the group, we will meet for the first group run this Saturday, August 7th, at White Rock Lake. (Check out the TWV Meetup site for details. You can even RSVP to let everyone know you'll be there).

For many, the journey to December 5th starts this week. Good luck with your training - can't wait to run with everyone on Saturday!