Run Thru Reston - Reston Runners

HomeRun Thru Reston Training Program

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RTR Half Marathon and 5K

Sunday, April 26, 2026, 7:30AM

South Lakes High School

Reston, VA 20191

RACE REGISTRATION OPEN:

RTR Race Registration

RUN THRU RESTON (RTR) TRAINING PROGRAM!

The RTR Training Program will start on Saturday, January 24, 2026!

The 13-week program is accessible to runners of all athletic abilities. It is tailored to prepare runners starting out at a beginning level, then gradually increasing the weekly long-distance mileage right up to race day on April 26th. There will be one coached group run held on Saturdays with options to participate in uncoached events throughout the week. Runners will be divided into individually coached groups depending on their running experience and ability level. Some great reasons to join our RTR Training Program:

Group Runs and Motivation: The RTR Training Program has helped runners prepare for half marathons for many years. Our Group structure and progressive training schedule has provided motivation that is not possible when training alone. The group runs will be scheduled along with our normally scheduled Saturday recreational runs.

Friendship, Running Partners, and Sharing Goals: Participants will be able to enjoy having running companions, friendly conversation, and sharing mutual progress toward a goal. Everyone is most welcome, and having friends along during long runs helps the time fly by.

Social Events and Progress Checks: There will be several organized meet ups to socialize, enjoy each other's company, and share questions/progress with experienced runners and coaches.

Benefits and Advantages: Fitness goals are challenging. Yes, the program includes sound coaching and shared experiences from runners of all abilities. More importantly, the RTR Training Program includes the prize of accomplishment, the success in achieving a goal, and the motivation to reach a bit outside of your comfort zone. Join the fun and register

Our goal is to provide rewarding training experiences, foster long-lasting relationships within the Reston running community, and meet registrants' personal goals. Participants should feel comfortable running 4 miles before the beginning of the program. Reston Runners membership is welcomed but not required. Participation in the April 26th Run Thru Reston Half Marathon Race requires separate registration and payment of race fees.

THE 2025 RESTON RUNNERS "RTR TRAINING PROGRAM" REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN.
If you have questions about the 2026 RTR Race, please send email to: rtrinfo@restonrunners.org
RTR Training Program Registration

The RTR Training Program is progressive in nature, starting out at slow runs up to five miles and then gradually progressing up to a 13.1-mile run two weeks prior to race day. By the end of the program participants should be able to comfortably run ten miles and train up to 20 miles a week. Stretching and strength building exercises will be an integrated component of the program. Some higher intensity pace or track work will be included as part of the weekly runs once the program is underway.

At the start of the training program, participants will be given a thirteen-week workout schedule that specifies the Saturday meeting locations as well as additional workouts that participants are encouraged to complete on their own Sunday through Friday. The training schedule is flexible and provides various options that enable participants to train around their family commitments and work schedules. If you can’t meet the weekly goals, that’s okay. The important thing is to enjoy running and just try your hardest.

The $50 program fee (with a $10 discount for current Reston Runners members) includes weekly group runs, coaching by Reston Runners and other running experts, water and Gatorade hydration at group runs, clearly-marked courses throughout Reston trails, a workout schedule, all of the encouragement you would like, and a custom training program t-shirt. For further information, or to inquire about volunteer coaching, contact the Program Director at rtrinfo@restonrunners.org.

RTR TRAINING PROGRAM SCHEDULE

Saturday run sessions will be preceded with a short ten-to-fifteen-minute warmup of strength and flexibility exercises.
Saturday post-run meetups: All participants are invited to Saturday post-run camaraderie team building coffee at a local restaurant.
Fartlek running involves changing your pace for random distance throughout the run (faster bursts of speed and slower jogging).
LSD is Long Slow Distance. It is important to run the distance at a comfortable pace, anywhere from 30-90 seconds slower than your planned race pace.
Thursdays Organized Group Runs: Evening run from PRR Store at Reston Town Center. The run starts at 6:00PM and run out on W&OD Trail 25 minutes, turn around and run back 25 minutes for total 50-minute run. Because of darkness, headlamps or illuminated body vests are required until early March.

Week

Sat

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Recommended Weekly Miles

Jan 24

5 miles, Long Slow Distance (LSD)

Location TBD

Optional run or walk with Reston Runners -- any pace / distance

3 miles LSD

Optional run with Reston Runners at Wiehle Ave.

Recommend Run from PRR in Reston Town Center, 6:00PM, 25 minutes out and 25 minutes back on W&OD Trail.

Jan 31

5 miles LSD

Location TBD

Optional run or walk with Reston Runners -- any pace / distance

Recommend5 miles LSD

Optional run with Reston Runners at Wiehle Ave.

Recommend Run from PRR in Reston Town Center, 6:00PM, 25 minutes out and 25 minutes back on W&OD Trail.

Feb 7

6 miles LSD

Location TBD

Optional run or walk with Reston Runners -- any pace / distance

Recommend 5 miles LSD

Optional run with Reston Runners at Wiehle Ave.

Recommend Run from PRR in Reston Town Center, 6:00PM, 25 minutes out and 25 minutes back on W&OD Trail.

Feb 14

Swedish Fartlek Training Run: 3 miles and 1-mile warm down

Location TBD

Optional run or walk with Reston Runners -- any pace / distance

Recommend6 miles LSD

Optional run with Reston Runners at Wiehle Ave.

Recommend Run from PRR in Reston Town Center, 6:00PM, 25 minutes out and 25 minutes back on W&OD Trail.

Feb 21

7 miles LSD

Location TBD

Optional run or walk with Reston Runners -- any pace / distance

Recommend 6 Miles LSD

Optional run with Reston Runners at Wiehle Ave.

Recommend Run from PRR in Reston Town Center, 6:00PM, 25 minutes out and 25 minutes back on W&OD Trail.

Feb 28

8 miles LSD

Location TBD

Optional run or walk with Reston Runners -- any pace / distance

Recommend6 Miles LSD

Optional run with Reston Runners at Wiehle Ave.

Recommend Run from PRR in Reston Town Center, 6:00PM, 25 minutes out and 25 minutes back on W&OD Trail.

Mar 7

3.1 Mile Temp Run (Race Pace) 2 Mile warm down

Location TBD

Optional run or walk with Reston Runners -- any pace / distance

Recommend 6 miles LSD

Optional Run with Reston Runners at Wiehle Ave.

Recommend Run 25 Recommend Run from PRR in Reston Town Center, 6:00PM, 25 minutes out and 25 minutes back on W&OD Trail.

Mar 14

8 miles LSD

Location TBD

Optional run or walk with Reston Runners -- any pace / distance

Recommend 4 miles LSD

Recommend 5 miles LSD

Recommend Run from PRR in Reston Town Center, 6:00PM, 25 minutes out and 25 minutes back on W&OD Trail.

Mar 21

Swedish Fartlek Training Run: 4 miles with 1-mile warm down

Location TBD

Optional run or walk with Reston Runners -- any pace / distance

Recommend 6 miles LSD

Recommend Run from PRR in Reston Town Center, 6:00PM, 25 minutes out and 25 minutes back on W&OD Trail.

Mar 28

10 miles LSD

Location TBD

Optional run or walk with Reston Runners -- any pace / distance

Recommend 3 miles LSD

Recommend 5 miles LSD

Recommend Run from PRR in Reston Town Center, 6:00PM, 25 minutes out and 25 minutes back on W&OD Trail.

Apr 4

7 miles LSD

Location TBD

Optional run or walk with Reston Runners -- any pace / distance

Recommend 5 miles LSD

Recommend Run from PRR in Reston Town Center, 6:00PM, 25 minutes out and 25 minutes back on W&OD Trail.

Apr 11

13.1 Mile LSD on race course

Location: South Lakes High School

Optional run or walk with Reston Runners -- any pace / distance

Recommend 5 miles LSD

Recommend Run from PRR in Reston Town Center, 6:00PM, 25 minutes out and 25 minutes back on W&OD Trail.

Apr 18

5 miles LSD

Taper Down Week

Location TBD

Optional run or walk with Reston Runners -- any pace / distance

Recommend 4 Miles LSD

Recommend Run from PRR in Reston Town Center, 6:00PM, 25 minutes out and 25 minutes back on W&OD Trail.

Apr 25

Rest Day

RTR

HALF MARTHON

RACE DAY

Sunday, April 26

A community of runners and

walkers of all levels and abilities

A community of runners and

walkers ﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿of all levels ﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿and abilities

walkers of all levels and abilities