OUR VISION

Welcome to Lake Travis Runners & Walkers! We're creating a supportive community where people of all fitness levels can discover the joy of moving outdoors together. Whether you're taking your first steps as a runner or looking to reconnect with an active lifestyle, you'll find a welcoming home with us.

ABOUT OUR SPONSOR

_FIT FOUNDATION [https://fitfoundation.org/]_'s support allows us to offer this training program while providing quality guidance and resources throughout your journey.

KICK-OFF EVENTS - COME MEET US! THIS WEEKEND

- FIRST MEETUP: SATURDAY, APRIL 19TH, 2025

8:00 AM at Bee Creek Sports Complex pavilion (near basketball courts)
Casual introduction to the program and participants
Optional 20-minute walk around the complex

FOLLOW-UP GATHERING: SATURDAY, APRIL 26TH, 2025

Location will be posted in advance
More detailed program overview
Group walk/light jog to experience the route
Final questions before official program start
Join us for these relaxed sessions to meet fellow participants, learn about our approach, and get comfortable with the training environment. No pressure, no expectations - just come as you are!

PROGRAM SNAPSHOT

Training Period: May 17th - July 12th, 2025 (8 weeks)
Weekly Sessions: Saturday mornings, 8:00 AM

MEET UPS AND SPECIAL PREVIEW RUNS (SIGNUP REQUIRED)

_NOTE: MEET UPS AND REVIEW RUNS REQUIRE ADVANCE REGISTRATION FOR INSURANCE PURPOSES AND TO CONFIRM HEADCOUNT WITH TRAVIS COUNTY PARKS. $5 PARK ENTRY FEE APPLIES._

Our Saturday gatherings offer a chance to connect with others on the same journey. Each week builds naturally on the last, gradually increasing your endurance while keeping the experience enjoyable.

Our 1.55-mile loop at Bee Creek Sports Complex offers the perfect training environment: measured distance, minimal elevation, and beautiful surroundings. You'll quickly feel comfortable with the route, allowing you to focus on your progress rather than navigation.

We emphasize consistency over intensity. Every participant works at their own pace while following the same interval structure. This creates a shared experience regardless of fitness level - no one gets left behind, and everyone celebrates each other's progress.

WEEKLY SESSIONS: WHAT TO EXPECT

Each Saturday session follows a simple format:

Group warm-up: We start together with a 5-minute walk and dynamic stretches
Interval training: Alternate between jogging and walking periods (customized each week)
Group cool-down: We finish together with a 5-minute walk and light stretching
Quick check-in: Share experiences, ask questions, and prepare for the week ahead
Our intervals gradually progress e.g. from 1-minute jogs with 2-minute walks in week one to 10-minute jogs with 1-minute walks by the final week. This gentle progression builds your endurance without overwhelming your body.

WEEKLY COMMUNICATION & GUIDANCE

To ensure everyone stays on track and informed, we provide guidance through two primary channels:

WEEKLY TRAINING NEWSLETTER (VIA SUBSTACK)

Detailed workout plans for the upcoming week
Form tips and technique advice
Nutrition and hydration guidance
Injury prevention strategies
Mental training techniques
Important running topics and educational content

FACEBOOK GROUP UPDATES

Schedule reminders and any last-minute changes
Route maps and meeting point confirmations
Weather updates and clothing recommendations
Quick tips and motivation

PROGRAM LOGISTICS & EXPECTATIONS

Timing: Sessions start promptly at 8:00 AM and last about 45-60 minutes
Structure: All participants will begin and end together as a group
Pacing: Workout intervals are self-paced - go at YOUR comfortable speed
Community: Participants are encouraged to support each other
Communication: Weekly emails with workout details and updates
Weather: Sessions will run rain or shine (unless conditions are unsafe)

TIPS FOR SUCCESS

Be consistent - try to attend every Saturday session
Do your homework - one additional workout per week makes a huge difference
Stay hydrated - drink plenty of water before and after sessions
Rest appropriately - include rest days between workout days
Listen to your body - some discomfort is normal, but pain is not
Celebrate progress - every week you'll be building more endurance!

WHAT TO BRING EACH WEEK

Comfortable walking/running shoes
Water bottle
Weather-appropriate clothing
Positive attitude!

BEYOND YOUR FIRST 5K: CONTINUING YOUR JOURNEY

PARK AND RUN

A community-driven running experience designed to challenge and inspire runners of all levels. This personal time trial encourages individual growth, fitness, and connection with nature.

-Run or walk for 1-2 hours at your own pace
-Rotating between Lake Travis Parks (route maps will be posted here)
-Focus on personal achievement and fitness

Click _HERE_ [https://runsignup.com/Race/Register/?raceId=182303&eventId=987850]for more information

MARATHON AND HALF-MARATHON TRAINING

After completing the Austin Solstice 5K/10K on July 12th, our program transforms into half-marathon and marathon training for the Star of Texas Marathon and Half-Marathon on December 14th, 2025.

WHAT'S NEXT (JULY 19TH - DECEMBER 14TH):

Progressive long run schedule using various Travis County parks near Lake Travis
Structured weekly training plans for both half-marathon and marathon distances
Group support throughout your training journey
Spectacular lakeside routes that showcase the best of the Hill Country

This seamless transition allows you to build on your 5K/10K success and set new goals with the support of friends you've made during the initial program. Whether you choose the half-marathon or full marathon distance, you'll have a ready-made training group to keep you motivated through the summer and fall.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM LEADERSHIP

This program is led by the founder of FIT Foundation a certified USATF running coach, who has designed the training plan specifically for beginners. Sessions are structured to ensure all participants can complete the workouts at their own pace while receiving individual guidance and support.

As our community grows, we hope to add volunteer pace leaders. If you're an experienced runner interested in helping, please reach out!

REGISTRATION

Ready to join us?

Join our Facebook group: _LAKE TRAVIS RUNNERS & WALKERS [https://www.facebook.com/groups/laketravisrunnerswalkers]_
Come to our kickoff event THIS WEEKEND ON APRIL 19TH
Join us for the _FOL_LOW-UP MEETING ON APRIL 26TH
Show up for our first official training session on May 17th
For Pace Bend preview runs: Please email [email protected] with your contact information and which date(s) you plan to attend.

This structured program will take you from walking to successfully completing your first 5K race in a supportive, community environment. Perfect for absolute beginners or those returning to running after a long break!

WHAT TO EXPECT:

- Guided Saturday morning sessions
- Progressive training plan building toward the Austin Solstice 5K/10K; optional self-guided weekday practice routes
- Focus on proper form and injury prevention
- Course previews and race strategy sessions
- Supportive community atmosphere
- All ages and fitness levels welcome

PROGRAM SCHEDULE:

- Weeks 1-2: Foundation building (May 17 & 31)
- Weeks 3-4: Introduction to running intervals (June 7 & 14)
- Weeks 5-6: Building endurance (June 21 & 28)
- Weeks 7-8: Race preparation and final preparations (July 5 & July 12)
- RACE DAY: Austin Solstice 5K/10K (July 13)

This program is designed to prepare you for the 5K distance. Participants aiming for the 10K should have some prior running experience.

IMPORTANT NOTE: - This training program is FREE to join! - For sessions held at Pace Bend Park and other Travis County Parks, a $5 park entry fee applies (payable directly to the park) - Some sessions will be held at locations without entry fees

REGISTRATION OPTIONS:
- Training Program Only: Free

NOTE:

The run-walk-run program was created specifically for those who:

-Have never run before
-Have tried running but struggled
-Are coming back after injury or illness
-Feel intimidated by traditional running programs
The people who need this program most are those who don't consider themselves "runners" yet. Just as a physician helps heal the sick, our program helps transform beginners into confident finishers.

_NO JUDGMENT. NO EXPECTATIONS. JUST A SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY MEETING YOU EXACTLY WHERE YOU ARE. EVERYONE IS WELCOMENO AGE LIMITS! _