The Official Flying Pig Training Program

In partnership with Pig Works and The Flying Pig Marathon our Official and professionally designed 17-week training schedule, delivered in four phases, each with very specific goals & focuses has resulted in thousands of successful participant finishes and personal records over the last twenty years. Progressive by nature, each week of training will build on the previous, slowly, consistently and safely.  Whether you're training for the Flying Pig Full or Half Marathon, our Training Program promises to get you ready, keep you safe and make it really fun the entire time!

Training Philosophy

With a proven approach, our programs deliver athletic success along with fun, education and fitness. Read More

Training Phases

During the first five weeks you'll safely settle into the training routine, a pace group and comfortable weekly base mileage 

• Week 1: Welcome & Settle In
• Week 2: Gear Matters
• Week 3: Finding Your Why
• Week 4: Avoiding Running Injuries with Oxford Physical Therapy
• Week 5: Hydration 101

During this period you will begin to increase weekly mileage, add strength and flexibility training, and focus on consistency

• Week 6: What & When to Eat with GU Energy
• Week 7: How Much & How Often to Eat with GU Energy
• Week 8: Food to ReCharge with GU Energy
• Week 9: Strong Runners with Black Sheep Performance
• Week 10: Heart Mini Prep

We will use this time to carefully hit our highest weekly mileage, longest runs, most intentional speed work and put an emphasis on recovery

• Week 11: Recharge at Contrast Studios
• Week 12: Store to Store Adventure
• Week 13: Race Prep & Planning 
• Week 14: Annual 20:12 Celebration

In the last few weeks of training are dedicated to staying sharp, rest, race planning and mental clairity 

• Week 15: Dress for Success
• Week 16: It Takes a Community 
• Week 17: More Prep & Celebrate 

Training Details

Locations. Days. Times

Fleet Feet at Fifty West: Tuesday 6PM & Saturday 7AM

Fleet Feet Blue Ash: Tuesday 6PM & Saturday 7AM

Fleet Feet Oakley: Wednesday 6PM & Saturday 7AM

Fleet Feet Newport: Wednesday 6PM & Saturday 7AM

Optional Sunday Mornings with Fleet Feet Sunday Runners Group from various local coffee shops. Details

Optional 5K Time Trial

Need help deciding at what pace you need to train? Join us at Summit Park near the Dog Park at 8AM on Saturday, January 6th to complete a time trial. Based on your finish time we will give you a suggested pace to train. 

Kick Off Open House

Join us at the Blue Ash Rec Center on Thursday, January 4th from 6:30pm - 8:00pm to meet the Training Program Coaches, sponsors, pick up SWAG and get all questions answered!

Kick Off Workouts

• Tuesday, January 9th at Fifty West & Blue Ash

• Wednesday January 10th at Oakley & Newport

Premium Training Support

• New for 2024! Fleet Feet Training Programs App! Keep track of your training, get the latest info and connect with other participants right from your phone!

• New for 2024! Private Fleet Feet Training Program e-store to order your free training tee and hoodie and shop other items to ship directly to your home or a Fleet Feet store!

• Fully supported weekly group workouts complete with refueling stations, turn-by-turn routes (with elevation profiles), and our WORLD FAMOUS volunteer Pace Group Leaders

• Comprehensive weekly newsletter and Private Training Hub Website. A must-read to keep up with the upcoming week's training details, logistical information, group exclusives

• Complete access to Training Program Coaches, Pace Group Leaders and Fleet Feet Owners and Team

Trusted Board of Experts

New for 2024! We are bringing together Cincinnati's finest experts in several fields to be every participants' ultimate resource. The panel will offer weekly video content on the Training Hub relevant to the specific workouts, goals and phases of training. The experts will also join the groups in-person throughout training to help advise and connect with all participants. Think of this panel as one more resource to lean on during the training journey. Read more about the experts below:

Gear & Run Training Expert

Frank DeJulius, Fleet Feet Owner and Athlete

Frank has over 20 years of running and endurance multisport training and racing experience. His wealth of knowledge in developing and executing consistent, progressing training programs as well as maintaining the athlete mindset throughout a season is best in class. Frank will share his passion, knowledge base and expertise on all things training and gear all season long.

Strength & Mobility Expert

Patrick Coyne, Black Sheep Performance Owner & Head Trainer

Pat is a true expert when it comes to understanding body mechanics of an athlete and how to optimise human performance. With extensive knowledge and experience in strength training, mobility and the mental aspects of training, Pat's goal is to help all particpants prepare their bodies for the demands they put on themselves as runners and walkers while developing and maintaining a true sense of self confidence along the way.

Injury Prevention & Maintenance Expert

Pete S. Zulia, MBA, AT, PT, SCS, Co-Founder and Owner Oxford Physical Therapy

As long time Fleet Feet Training Prorgam partners, Oxford Physical Therapy Centers lead in musculoskeletal healthcare by serving, rehabilitating, and caring for the total athlete. Their commitment is demonstrated by engaging in education, advancing our profession, and acting as a resource to every participant. 

Nutrition & Fueling Expert

Sam Marasek RDN, CSSD, LD, Sports Dietitian The Dietician

Sam brings over a decade of performance nutrition expertise. She became a registered dietitian and certified specialist in sports dietetics after representing the Baylor Bears as a cross country and track and field student-athlete. A 513 native, Sam enjoys helping others excel in sport and beyond, balancing evidence-based best practices and real life demands.

Recovery Expert

Contrast Studios

As the most innovative and best new recovery method, Contrast Studios will be a primary resource for all Fleet Feet Training Program participants. With a focus on regeneration and preparing the body for the next effort, Contrast Studios is backed by science and a major asset to our participants. Contrast therapy involves alternating between sauna and cold treatments to improve cardiovascular health, reduce inflammation, and promote muscle recovery in athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Sauna use increases heart rate and circulation, while cold therapy constricts blood vessels to reduce inflammation. 

Local Race Experts

Flying Pig, Heart Mini & Hyde Park Blast Race Directors & Organizers

Fleet Feet as an incredible personal and professional relationship with the lead organizers and directors of all of the major Cincinnati spring and summer races. These folks will provide  behind the curtain information, tips and tricks to their specific races to optomize the training and race day experience of all Fleet Feet Training Program participants.

Coaches & Pace Group Leaders

Training Program Manager

Kelly Roth

 

Blue Ash Store Coach

Katie Parker

 

Oakley Store Coach

Dana Kilcoyne

 

Fifty West Store Coach

Barbara Zhao

Newport Store Coach

Christine Moon

 

Learn More about our incredible coaches and Pace Group Leaders here.  Are you interested in becoming a Pace Group Leader?  See what it takes here. 

Participant Hook Ups

• Exclusive Fleet Feet Training Program x ASICS short sleeve training tee & recovery hoodie ($95 value)

• Pair of FEETURES Elite running socks ($15 value)

• $5 Race Registration Coupon for the Heart Mini event of your choice

• 20% off the Flying Pig event of your choice

• Rooted Grounds Coffee post workouts

• 10% off food at Fifty West Burger Bar  *not valid at special events & catering* 

• Fifty West Beer at select runs & events

• VIP Invitation to our Annual 20:12 Last Long Run

• $20 Fleet Feet Gift Certificate to be used during training (expires 5.31.24)

• Complete Fleet Feet Training Program Schedule & Support from experts

Race Day Experience

A designated Fleet Feet Training Programs' pre and post race celebration area near the finish line complete with premium food, drink, and more. It's a party! 

After Party

The Monday after the Flying Pig Marathon you are invited to our exclusive post race celebration party. Wear your medals, share your stories and enjoy food and drink with other accomplished athletes.

Sponsors

Helping us treat you right through exclusive experiences and awesome products. More Sponsors coming soon...

 

Pricing

• November 1 - December 31: $200
• January 1 - February 28: $225

Other Helpful Resources

• Our Training Program Safety & Weather Policy
• Training Program Refund Instructions & Policy
• Training Program Minors, Strollers & Dog Policy
• Training Program FAQ's
• Send us an email question