Q: Who is eligible for first-timer training?
A: Training for the 2012 Austin Marathon (February 2012) is available for women who have never run a marathon, and who demonstrate some sort of special or unique challenges in training for a marathon. This can be related to financial limitations, family obligations, work conflicts, or any matter that limits the applicant's ability to pay for and/or train with a standard marathon training program.
Q: When does the training begin, what is the longest distance that trainees will run, and how many days per week is the training?
A: The program officially begins in August 2011 with weekend runs only, then increases to weekday runs (most likely on Monday evenings) in September, and will take trainees up to a 21-mile long run at the peak of the training. The selected first-timers will be encouraged to begin running with the club in late-July or early August to become familiar with the training principles and to start building their weekly mileage before the 24-week schedule starts in September. Coached workouts are Saturday mornings at 7 am (long run), and one weekday evening from 5:30-7:00 pm (tentatively scheduled for Mondays). Runners are expected to run on their own at least three additional days, usually Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday and sometimes on Friday. Wednesdays are always "rest days" in this program.
Q: Who makes the selections for training from the applicant pool, and what are the criteria?
A: Twenty-Six Two's Application Review Committee will meet shortly after the application deadline, and will select up to 12 women from the pool of applicants. The committee consists of at least two women who have been through the Twenty-Six Two program before. Criteria are not formalized. Each application is reviewed under a broad set of considerations, including personal and financial circumstances, demonstrated commitment to training, and anything else that the applicant submits to the committee.
Q: When are applicants due?
A: Applications must be postmarked by Friday, July 8, 2011.
Q: When are applicants notified of the selections?
A: Applicants will be notified by Friday, July 15, 2011.
Q: What are the costs involved with training and racing?
A: The training is free. Trainees also receive a training shirt with the Twenty-Six Two logo. Trainees should be prepared to pay for all other expenses, including race registration fees.
Q: What is expected of the trainees?
A: First and foremost, consistent attendance at the workouts is critical. With occasional exceptions for illness, personal/family/work obligations, and so on, trainees should plan to train 5-6 days per week, including the 2 coached workouts.
Q: Are trainees expected to raise funds for Twenty-Six Two?
A: No. Trainees are not required to raise money for the non-profit.
Club Info
Q: Can I join Twenty-Six Two? If so, what are the benefits?
A: Men and women who have completed at least one marathon can become a member by paying the one-time, lifetime dues of $26.20 (fully tax-deductible). Membership applications are available by going to 'APPLY' on this website. The benefits available to members are:
- weekly group runs on Saturdays
- access to training plans for marathons
- coached, but informal, workouts on Monday evenings during the fall
- reduced-cost training gear and carbohydrate gels
- nifty window decals with the Twenty-Six Two logo
- social functions!
Q: When and where are the club workouts?
A: There are two (2) weekly group workouts: Monday evenings and Saturdays at 7 am (long runs).
The Monday workouts usually occur or begin at Hill Country Middle School in Westlake, and mostly occur only in the fall training season.
The Saturday long runs usually begin at 7 am in the parking lot of the Lake Austin Asthma & Allergy Clinic right next door to the RunTex on Lake Austin Boulevard (although the club does occasionally go to different locations on Saturday mornings during the fall during marathon season).