Jan. 17 - March 28, 2009
The deadline for joining the YMCA 10k Training Team is Friday, Jan. 23

Click here for advice on how best to dress in cold weather

Message to registered participants prior to the beginning of training

“Early one Saturday morning in January, I made a spontaneous decision to sign up for the YMCA 10k Training Team after feeling especially unfit and unhealthy. Literally—five minutes after making the decision, I was in my car on my way to the first training session. That first morning everyone was so nice and positive. Somehow I made it through each week, marveling at the fact that I’d actually made it 1, then 2, then 3, then 4, then 5, then 6 miles. The ten weeks were really hard, but it was something that I did for me, and I’m really proud of the accomplishment. Since the race I’ve kept up the running, and guess what? I’m a runner!” – Janell Rhee, Midlothian, VA

Looking for a New Year’s Resolution that will stick?  The Sports Backers and YMCA have teamed up to offer the YMCA 10k Training Team.  Individuals of all levels interested in running or walking with a specific goal in mind – the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k (that’s 6.2 miles) on Saturday, March 28 – will work together to reach this goal. 

 When you sign up for the YMCA 10k Training Team, here is what you get:

To see a copy of the Week One (Jan. 17 - 24) Training Team Schedule, click here.

Orientation Meetings
To learn more about the YMCA 10k Training Team, please attend one of the orientation sessions listed below. You do not need to attend a meeting to join the program.

Directions
For directions to any of these YMCA branches, click here.

To Register: 
There are two ways to register for the YMCA 10k Training Team:
Note: Registration is now closed.

Important Information

Saturday Group Run/Walk schedule at participating YMCA's
The schedule for the weekly Saturday group run/walk at each facility is listed below, as is a brief description of the two running levels.  You are welcome to change groups as needed.  Unless noted, the group run/walk will start and finish at the facility itself.

Training Schedule
When you arrive for the first Group Run/Walk on Saturday, January 17, you will
receive a training booklet with the complete ten-week training schedule. Once a
week you will meet at your local YMCA branch. The other days of the week, you
will be on your own to follow the training schedule. A sample of the first week’s
training schedule can be found here.

Kid Care Available During Group Runs/Walks
The following branches are able to provide kid care (ages 6 weeks to 12 years) during group training runs/walks for a nominal fee:

Chickahominy, Downtown, Goochland, John Rolfe, Manchester, Midlothian, Patrick Henry, Powhatan, Shady Grove, and Tuckahoe.

Pre-registration is required, space is limited. For more details, contact the branch where you wish to train or go to www.ymcarichmond.org.

Clinic Schedule
The following clinics are currently scheduled. Check back for updates.
All clinics will begin at 7 p.m.

Shoe Clinics

• January 20th at the Shady Grove YMCA
• January 22nd at the Tuckahoe YMCA
• January 27th at the Downtown YMCA
• January 28th at the Midlothian YMCA

Health, Wellness and How to Stay Injury Free for the 10k

• February 3rd at St. Mary’s Hospital (St. Mary’s Auditorium)
  RSVP by January 30 at 359-WELL
• February 4th at St. Francis Medical Center (Assisi Room)
  RSVP by January 30 at 359-WELL

Nutrition Clinics

• February 10th at the Downtown YMCA
• February 12th at the Tuckahoe YMCA
• February 17th at theShady Grove YMCA
• February 19th at the Midlothian YMCA

“What to Expect Event Day” Clinics

• March 10th at the Downtown YMCA
• March 12th at the Shady Grove YMCA

Head Coach
Experienced Coach Dan Blankenship will be leading the YMCA Training Team this year. His extensive background in running includes finishing 8 marathons, 8 half marathons, and numerous 10k and 5k races. He also has an impressive coaching history having served as a coach for the last eight years on the YMCA Training Team and also coaching with the Marathon Training Team and Richmond Road Runners Club. Dan is a certified USA Track and Field (USATF) coach.