Spring 10K Training

Our Spring 10k Training Program targets the Capitol Hill Classic 10k on May 17, 2026 or the Lawyers Have Heart 10k on May 16, 2026. The training program begins Saturday, March 21, 2026 and officially ends May 9, 2026. The first group run is on Saturday, March 21, 2026. Group runs will meet every Saturday through May 9, 2026. Come out for the first run for FREE!

We encourage all paces to train with us! 

***Program is FREE for current DCRR members. (Members will receive $35 off registration at checkout.) Non-members will receive a coupon code to use to join DCRR. Cost of individual membership is included in the registration fee. After you receive the coupon code, you will then have to register separately for the Club.***

What's included in the training program?

• Coaching by RRCA-certified coaches for your pace and fitness level
• We encourage beginners, intermediate, and advanced runners to train with us
• Training plans for beginner, intermediate, and advanced runners
• Discussion and guidance on pacing
• Weekly training runs--Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays
• Social opportunities throughout training season
• Motivation and camaraderie found only with a training group

We will offer a Beginner 10k Training Program for trainees new to running or returning after a hiatus. We will also offer a Performance 10k Program. The Performance 10k Program is for runners who can already run the race distance and are looking to improve their pace. The difference between the programs is not pace, but miles per week. 

Beginner, 10k Training Program

The beginner program is designed as a “to finish” program. This program is designed for runners either new to running or who are coming back to running after a hiatus. Trainees should be able to run 1 miles as a long run prior to starting the program. This program focuses on building overall mileage and educating trainees about the basics of training: pace, volume, and the long run. 

Performance 10k Program

The performance program is for more seasons runners who are confident in their ability to finish the 10k and are looking to improve their pace.

• Intermediate: designed for runners who are seeking to improve their pace; trainees should be running 15 miles per week, with a long run of a minimum of 4-5 miles
• Advanced: designed for runners who have already established a solid mileage base (22-24 miles per week) and who are seeking to improve their pace through focused speedwork

The intermediate and advanced programs will begin quality workouts early with an eventual progression to track workouts. Trainees should expect a greater focus on pacing in runs, more rigorous workouts, and the incorporation of pace practice during long runs. 

Where do we meet on Saturdays?

Saturday group runs will meet at 8:00 a.m. at North Meade Street Park, which is across the street from the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial in Rosslyn, Virginia. (Note: we meet promptly at 8 a.m. for general club announcements and a description of the route for the day. The training program then usually hangs back for a few minutes to allow for tips from the coaches and for trainees to pair up with pacers.)

Registration is open to participants 18 years of age and older as of the start of the program.

Weather Policy: Safety is our number one priority. A race, training run, or other event may be canceled, delayed, suspended or postponed, or the course may be modified in the event of threatening weather conditions that could make the run unsafe for participants. Such threatening weather conditions may include: lightning, heavy rains, wind / tornadoes, extreme heat, ice / snow, or other major weather conditions. Extreme heat is defined as a heat index that meets or exceeds 105 °F at the time of the event or run. Lightning strikes within one mile of the planned course are considered threatening. It is up to the race director or run leader to determine whether the conditions are threatening and communicate any decision to alter the event or run to participants.