A shared goal and camaraderie is one of the great benefits of a training group.

How important is it to set goals in running? Well. Let’s just put it this way: it changes everything. In fact running is all about goal-setting. The two are very closely intertwined. One of the best ways to not only set a goal, but to achieve that goal is to join a program that has the training and target race all mapped out for you. And as an added bonus, you’ll get all of the benefits of group running, which include:

  • Motivation
  • Learning from others
  • Greater accountability
  • Improved safety
  • Social Interaction

On that note, Ready to Run is excited to announce, “Ready to Rise,” a new training group. There are two concurrent programs: 5K Program – 8 Weeks; Goal Race: Wicked Wine Run 5K ; and the 10K Program – 12 Weeks, Goal Race: Capitol 10K.

“Our goal is to be a positive, safe place where people can run and have a good time,” said Aubri Wolfe, Assistant Manager/Marketing at Ready to Run. “A shared goal and camaraderie is one of the great benefits of a training group. Plus, you’ll have someone take care of the derails of planning. All you have to do is show up and run. It’s fully supported, and everything you need to succeed! The Kick-off party (food, drinks and raffle prizes) is January 10 at 6:30 p.m. at Ready to Run, and the first group training run is set for Thursday at January 16th 8:30 a.m.

“The program is great for any and all runners, said coach Amber Reber of Rise Runner. A former Longhorn cross-country runner and accomplished competitor, Reber is also a highly-qualified coach. A Psychology honors graduate at Texas, she, went on to earn a Masters in Clinical Social Work at Texas, and a Masters in Divinity from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary.

“Beginner to intermediate is the focus, but workouts are tailored to individual runners’ needs. Well cover basic 5K/10K training, how to do intervals, tempo runs, and getting comfortable with covering the distance. In terms of individual runs that folks do throughout the week, we’ll tailor workouts in such a way that they can be used by anyone.

One of the goals is to help encourage new/intermediate runners to finish a race or improve and to build a running community while offering a positive, encouraging coaching style.

The group workouts are Monday at 6:30 p.m., and Thursday at 8:30 a.m., with an optional first Saturday of each month at 9:00 a.m. The Saturday runs will feature more post-run social time.

“Depending on how many folks are in the group, we’ll divide into sub-groups by pace, but everyone will run the same course,” said Reber. “The workouts will range from two to six miles. We’ll build up to four to five miles for the 5K and up to seven or eight miles for the 10K. Some of the workouts will focus on interval training and/or tempo runs—basically quicker running,” added Reber. “It’s a beautiful location. We’ll have some great neighborhood runs—low traffic, beautiful scenery, and the opportunity to do some hill training as well. It is pretty hilly in the neighborhoods around Ready to Run.”

Upcoming Races: Hays Highstepper Hot Chocolate 5K, 8:00 a.m. at Whispering Hollow Pavilion and Pool, 1580 Coldwater Hollow in Buda. Saturday, January 18 at 8:00 a.m., the Taylor Garden Club Run for the Roses 5K/10K at Murphy Park, 12th and Vance St in Taylor.