Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is joining the Cbus
Pacers really free?
A: Yes. In all of our experiences with training groups, clubs, and
similar entities, one of the most rewarding aspects is the chance to
meet others, learn from them, and create lasting friendships. There is
strength in groups. Because we believe in this, the Cbus Pacers is free
and open to anyone & everyone. That free membership includes the option
of coming and taking advantage of our pacer-led weekend long runs,
routes, and 'The Hub'. Now, if you want to take the next step and add a
personalized training program, that does cost money. For personalized
training, we find that the coaching fee is a great deal though! Details of the training program are here.
Q: What event are the
Cbus Pacers training for?
A: That's up to you! You choose your event. If you do not have a
specific event in mind, we can help you decide. It does help to have a
goal in mind when you begin your training, and we are better able to
make a plan for you. People in the spring group will be training for half and full Marathons ranging from mid-April to late May.
The fall group will focus on September-November. As the group grows,
there will be a lot of people training for different things!
Q: When are runs held?
A: Oh, good question. Endurance runs, which include pace groups, are held on Saturday mornings at
all the Columbus Running Company stores. Each begin at 8am. We utilize different
paths and neighborhoods in the area.
Tuesday nights we have a casual social run at Antrim park. We follow it
up with a trip to PK O'Ryan's in Worthington.
Wednesday at 6pm is the Dublin Speed Work. Meet at the Park behind the
Dublin Rec. Center. (This goes on hiatus for the winter)
Thursday at 6pm is the historic Pickerington Speed Work at
Blacklick Metro Park. We usually jog over to the Reynoldsburg track. In
the winter, we change this run to 'Pickerington Night Crawlers' and have
a casual run from the store.
Remember, as part of the group, you'll also have the ability to create your own runs if you like! For a complete listing of all runs, visit 'The Hub'.
Q: What is Speed work
and do I have to do it?
A: Speed work is essential to runners who want to get faster at any level.
Simply put, it involves running intervals or changing the pace of your
running during a run. If you are a beginner or if your primary
goal is to conquer a distance, then speed work is not necessary. Many
people in the group will fall into this category. At the same time, many
people in the group will have time goals, such as qualifying for Boston.
We aim to provide the option to work in speed for these individuals.
Q: I signed up for a
training program. What if I can't come
to some Saturday Endurance Runs?
A: What? You have a life outside of running? That's a good thing. While
we hope you can make it to all the runs, we know it's not always
possible. This is one reason why all our plans are individualized. Your
plan will reflect your schedule as best as possible. If you want to do
speed work but have fencing class on Thursday, we'll write into your
plan an alternate workout for you on another day of the week. This is
also where the social side of the group comes into play. Take advantage
of 'The Hub', the hub of the Cbus Pacers. Invite others to run
with you at odd hours, or at the very least keep in touch with those
you've met earlier for some extra motivation.
Q: What is 'The Hub'?
A: It took you six questions to get here. We were getting worried you'd
never ask! The Hub is the Cbus Pacers online social area. Click here to
check it out. We highly encourage everyone involved with the Cbus Pacers will have a profile
on this site. As the social media center of the Pacers, the Hub will
allow you
to contact and stay touch with members, question group leaders and
members, post pictures, videos, invite others to events, and more. Put
as much or as little of your new Cbus Pacers 'training identity' on the
site as you wish! It's not a must that you partake in the hub, but we
strongly recommend it.