MADISON- A 10-week training program to help prepare for the running of the 2018 Cotton Row Run (CRR) hits the roads beginning March 12. Presented by Fleet Feet Sports of Huntsville in conjunction with the No Boundaries Training Club, the training programs help any talent level of runners make the effort to finish either the 10K or 5K distance races at the annual CRR in downtown Huntsville.

“Our training programs have successfully trained over 10,000 runners over the last 10 years,” said Suzanne Taylor owner of Fleet Feet Sports Huntsville. “We stress the fact there is no experience in running necessary. We want to get you moving.”

The training consist of three different levels, all of which can assist those wishing to run in the annual CRR festivities- No Boundaries (beginning 5K), 5K Fast (advanced 5K) and 10K Fast (for first time runners or those wishing to improve their time). The training programs is more than just about running in the annual Memorial Day event. The programs help meet people and share their experiences in running.

“The thing I hear over and over again from participants, mentors and coaches is that they meet people in the programs that many times become lifelong friends,” said Julia Mateskon of Fleet Feet Sports.

Each week the programs meet at designated times and locations with knowledgeable, experienced and motivating coaches. The education the coaches present include proper form, pacing, fueling and stretching. For beginners this is a great way to make your way comfortably towards a personal goal while doing it with others who are in the same goal process as your own. For intermediates, the program challenges you to better your running pace. As for those more serious runners, the goal with the program is to also better your personal best and strive to do your best.

“Running a personal best or conquering a new distance is certainly motivating, but I think what draws people into the programs and keeps them coming back is the relationships that they form through meeting people,” said Mateskon. “The training programs help people find their ‘tribe’ within the running community.”

From a past survey of the CRR training programs, one participant wrote, “I absolutely love this program. I had no idea where to find like-minded people. The program has literally changed my life and my body. I’m so thankful to have found the program. My only regret is that I didn’t find it sooner.”

The No Boundaries begins March 12 at Fleet Feet Sports in Huntsville. Meetings are 6:00 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays, 9:00 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays and in Madison at the Indian Creek Greenway off of Slaughter Road at 6:00 p.m.

The 10K Fast training begins March 14 at 7:00 p.m. at Fleet Feet and training on Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. and Saturdays at 7:00 a.m.

The 5K Fast trains Tuesdays at 6:00 p.m. and Saturdays at 7:00 a.m.

Fees are $100 for the No Boundaries and 5K Fast and $120 for the 10K Fast. Registration and more details are available on-line at www.fleetfeethuntsville.com. Those wishing to register in advance for the Cotton Row Run events can visit www.cottonrowrun.com.

Fleet Feet Sports is located at 2722 Carl T. Jones Drive, Suite 2B in Huntsville. Phone number is 256-650-7063.