Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is eligible for first-timer training?
A: Training for the 2014 Austin Marathon (February 2014) is available for women who have never completed a marathon, and who have run a half-marathon or a qualifying 10-mile race during the period of time between March 31, 2012, and April 14, 2013. Special consideration will be given to women 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: What are the qualifying races that applicants must have completed to be eligible for training?
A: To be eligible for training, applicants must have completed at least one (1) half-marathon between March 31, 2012, and April 14, 2013, or one 10-mile race during that same time period. Qualifying races include, but are not limited to, the following:
2012 Zooma Half-Marathon (March 31, 2012)
2012 Big D Half-Marathon (April 15, 2012)
2012 Austin "10-20" 10-Mile Race (April 15, 2012)
2012 Chosen Half-Marathon (October 27, 2012)
2012 Run for the Water 10-Mile Race (October 28, 2012)
2012 San Antonio Rock 'N' Roll Half-Marathon (November 11, 2012)
2012 Dallas White Rock Half-Marathon (December 9, 2012)
2012 Decker Half-Marathon (December 9, 2012)
2013 Houston Half-Marathon (January 13, 2013)
2013 3M Half-Marathon (January 13, 2013)
2013 Livestrong Austin Half-Marathon (February 17, 2013)
2013 Moe's Better Half Marathon (March 3, 2013)
2013 Dallas Rock 'N' Roll Half-Marathon (March 24, 2013)
2013 Zooma Half-Marathon (March 23, 2013)
2013 Big D Texas Half-Marathon (April 14, 2013)
In addition, completion of any half-ironman triathlon during the qualifying time period is acceptable for applications.
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 June 2013 with occasional training runs and workouts. Starting in late August 2013, the training takes on a more structured format, with mandatory Saturday morning and Monday evening workouts. During the training period from September 2013 through February 2014, runners are expected to run on their own at least three additional days, usually Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday. Wednesdays are always "rest days" in this program. The trainees will run up to 21 miles as their longest run in the training.
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 a group of women from the pool of applicants. The committee consists of at least two women who have been through the Twenty-Six Two program before. 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: How do I apply, and when are applications due?
A: Applications must be submitted online only, and must be completed by Friday, April 19, 2013.
Q: When are applicants notified of the selections?
A: Applicants will be notified by Friday, May 10, 2013.
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 every week.
Q: Are trainees expected to raise funds for Twenty-Six Two?
A: No. Trainees are not required to raise money for the non-profit.
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