LOOKING FOR A NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION THAT WILL STICK?

Look no further than your local YMCA for the YMCA 10k Training Team. Individuals of all levels interested in running or walking with a specific goal in mind—the Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10k (that's 6.2 miles) on Saturday, April 2 - will work together in a group setting to reach this goal.

When you sign up for the YMCA 10k Training Team, this is what you get:

• 10-week training program (starts on Saturday, January 22) with a
  detailed written schedule
• Guidance from experienced coaches
• Organized weekly group runs/walks
• A special YMCA 10k Training Team shirt
• Entry in the Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10k along with its great benefits
• Special clinics on subjects like running shoes and other related topics
• Non-YMCA members receive a Guest Pass for 10 free YMCA visits during the Training Team period.

YMCA TRAINING TEAM INFORMATIONAL MEETINGS

Important Information

• This event is conducted under the rules of USA Track & Field.
• In consideration of the safety of all participants, NO STROLLERS, BABY JOGGERS, ANIMALS ON LEASHES, SKATEBOARDS, SKATES, HANDCYCLES or BICYCLES will be allowed during Group Runs/Walks or on the course during the Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10k on April 2. This will be strictly enforced.
• Event registrants grant permission to the Sports Backers to use any photographs, motion pictures, recordings, or any other record of this event for any legitimate purpose.

Saturday Group Run/Walk schedule at participating YMCAs
The schedule for the weekly Saturday group run/walk at each facility is listed below, as is a brief description of the two running levels. You are welcome to change groups as needed. Unless noted, the group run/walk will start and finish at the facility itself.

Novice Runners - just starting to run and may include some run/walk
Intermediate Runners - currently capable of running 9-12 miles a week

Directions
For directions to any of these YMCA branches, click here.

Training Schedule
When you arrive for the first Group Run/Walk on Saturday, January 22, you will receive a training booklet with the complete ten-week training schedule. Every Saturday you will meet at your local YMCA branch at the time noted above. The other days of the week, you will be on your own to follow the training schedule. A sample of the first week's training schedule can be found here.

Kid Care Available During Group Runs/Walks
Some branches are able to provide kid care (ages 6 weeks to 12 years) during group training runs/walks. Space is limited. For more details, contact the branch where you wish to train or go to www.ymcarichmond.org.

Clinics
Clinics are a great way to learn more about topics relevant to participating on the training team. Clinics will be offered on shoes, health and wellness, nutrition and what to expect on event day. Check back for updates and the schedule.

Head Coach
Experienced Coach Dan Blankenship leads the YMCA 10k Training Team. His extensive background in running includes finishing 13 marathons, 9 half marathons, and numerous 10k and 5k races. His impressive coaching history includes coaching for the last nine years on the YMCA 10k Training Team and also coaching with the Sports Backers Marathon Training Team and Richmond Road Runners Club. Dan is a certified USA Track and Field coach.