I've got news. BIG news. Better sit down. Ready? Here it is: the next marathon clinic is starting!! WAHOO!! So, SO sorry it's taken so long for us to get things finalized, but it's all figured out and ready to be shared. Terribly short notice, I realize. It's going to begin informally this Sunday (July 12) with a pleasant little meet-and-greet with our new coach, Ms. Rachel Masser (who is, it must be noted, a very quick and accomplished marathoner herself). Here, then, is a blurb about her:

We have a new trainer this year, and she's fresh off the boat from England! Rachel Masser has been a long-distance runner for over 15 years, competing in many races, including a number of marathons and half-marathons, as well as representing her county in National Cross-Country Championships. Rachel has a passion for encouraging others to achieve their goals. She is a ski instructor and has recently qualified as a Personal Trainer before having her daughter last October. She has worked with running groups of all abilities, and is looking forward to a great season of training you towards your goals. She will be heading up the Marathon Group in conjunction with Studio Energi and Jeff Beech. As well as the Thursday and Sunday sessions we will be including a number of presentations on topics important to marathon success, at Studio Energi on King Street. These will take place after the Sunday run and will be an informal get-together with a Q&A session after the presentation. The first of these will be held on 19th July.
The Marathon Group will be meeting this Sunday with a Meet and Greet and introduction to the programme. The first Interval Session will be held the following Thursday (16th July), meeting at Runners Choice, and then heading out to Waterloo Park for the session.

The group will be preparing those involved for a half or full marathon this upcoming fall, and the training schedule will be tailored to whichever of the many there are to choose from. While those wanting to race their first half or full are more than welcome, it will be expected that you have a base level of fitness before starting a training program of this kind. The program will include, as it always does, a twelve to sixteen week training program (which will consist of a training booklet, quality workouts on Thursday and long runs as a group on Sunday), a $25 gift certificate at the store, and 10% off everything in the store. Whoa. It costs but a mere pittance at $59.95 plus the PST. Come in and sign up as soon as you can... it begins in just a few days. Don't worry if you can't make it in for this Sunday... it'll start seriously this upcoming Thursday. Neat.