Running Seasons

At Runner’s High, the training year is divided into three training seasons. Registration with Runner’s High is open for multiple training programs during each season.

Summer Season

Duration: March to June – usually 13 weeks : registrations open in January

Monsoon Season

Duration: June to October – usually 19 weeks: registrations open in April

Winter Season

Duration: October to February – usually 16 weeks: registrations open in August

Each training season is designed to incorporate a few popular races within the program for that season. Based on our experience and our assessment, we help each runner identify a target run, self-organized or otherwise, to keep runners focused and motivated

Having said that, we advise runners not get carried away with the number of events or run purely to participate in races. We have observed over years that most injuries emanate from excessive race participation and not being in fit condition for the selected target race. Focus, discipline and enjoying the training process are equally or more important. Alternatively, one could choose to do lesser or even no events at all.

Please note that, we do not have any tie-ups with any race organizers and do not endorse and specific races. The recommendations are based purely on a timeline and training perspective.

The training program is scientific and purposeful in its intent and implementation. If the races you want to participate in do not fit into our plans for the season, the training program can be revised based on your aspirations, provided it agrees with our training principles.

Training Program

Every season we offer multiple programs for training. We have prerequisites for each, and one can register for a program if the prerequisites are met. Each program is available as a ‘finish goal’ program or a ‘time goal’ programram that is tailored to help each runner reach their potential and bring out the best in a meaningful manner.

Finish goal

Applicable for anyone who is attempting the distance for the first time. Others also can choose to do the training in this manner. Finish goal runners don’t train using time targets and are focused on effort-based training ensuring an injury free strong season.

Time goal

Runners opting for time goal must have trained for and completed the distance at least once in the past 3 months and must be able to run the full distance comfortably; they should have injury free seasons training for the same. Time goal runners usually have a specific time target they would like to work towards. The training will involve tracking times for various workouts and improving on the same.

Running programs

Runner's High offers training programs based on your background and goals. We cater to anyone looking to start running or espouse fitness in their daily lives. We also offer programs for runners of any experience level to help them reach their potential.

5 kms

This is our beginner training program and is open to all ages above 8 years. It is not as rigorous as our other programs and works well for anyone who is new to regular exercise and physical activity. It is ideal to get started on a fitness journey.

Prerequisites:

  • Minimum age is 8 years
  • The runner must have undergone the health checkup and cleared by doctor if above 65 years of age

10 kms

We consider our 10km program a good start for someone with some background of fitness. It is also a good alternative for those who did the 5K program seeking a different challenge.

Prerequisites:

  • Minimum age is 12 years
  • Should have gone through the health checkup and cleared by doctor
  • Time goal runners should have trained for and completed 10km at least once in the preceding three months without injuries and should be able to comfortably run the full distance

Half Marathon (21.1 kms)

Half marathon training programs are for those who have done multiple 10K training seasons and are looking for a different challenge. The time commitment involved will also increase.

Prerequisites:

  • Minimum age is 16 years
  • Should have gone through the health checkup and cleared by doctor
  • Finish goal runners should have trained at least twice without injuries (a period of 3-4 months each time) and completed the full distance of 10km each time preceding the program
  • Time goal runners should have trained at least once (a period of 3-4 months each time) without injuries and completed the full distance of 21km preceding the program

Full Marathon Base Building (30 kms)

This program is tailored as a preparatory program for full marathon. It is suited for runners who want to train beyond a half marathon and will help the runner decide if they want to do a full marathon. This program is offered across all the seasons.

Prerequisites:

  • Minimum age is 18 years
  • Should have gone through the health checkup and cleared by doctor
  • Finish goal runners should have trained at least twice without injuries (a period of 3-4 months each time) and completed the full distance of 21km each time preceding the program
  • Time goal runners should have trained at least once (a period of 3-4 months each time) and completed a full marathon preceding the program

Full Marathon (42.2 kms)

Our full marathon training program is designed for those who want to pursue their running journey towards successfully completing a distance of 42.2kms. This program is offered primarily in the monsoon and winter season. However, based on the target marathon at any time during the year, we can also work with the runner to design a custom schedule.

Prerequisites:

  • Minimum age is 21 years
  • Should have gone through the health checkup and cleared by doctor
  • Should have gone the marathon base building program
  • Finish goal runners should have trained thrice without injuries (a period of 3-4 months each time) and completed the full distance of 21km each time preceding the program
  • Time goal runners should have trained at least once without injuries (a period of 3-4 months) and completed the full distance of 42.2km preceding the program
  • The runner should have had good/regular attendance record in past programs if part of Runner's High

Ultra Marathons (Distances >42.2 kms)

Runner's High offers this program for all distances above 42.2 kms. We offer training programs for various distances and categories like 50 kms, 75 kms, 100 kms, 160 kms, 24 hour runs, multi-day runs and other endurance events. This program is tailored to the specific events that a runner wants to participate and typically starts with a base building program in the summer season.

Prerequisites:

  • Minimum age is 21 years
  • Should have gone through the health checkup and cleared by doctor
  • Should be an experienced marathoner who has trained for and completed 42.2km at least three times without injuries (a period of 3-4 months) preceding this program
  • The runner should have had good/regular attendance record in past programs if part of Runner's High
  • Registration to this program is subject to thorough review of the running history of the applicant