Questions? We have answers.
And please, feel free to contact us if this FAQ page does not satisfy your inquiring mind.
Who organized this group?
Click here to read about the coaches.
Why should I pay to run?
Running is pretty simple and easy for many people to go right out there front door and do it. It is also possible to go to the locations and figure out what trails go where.
The reason people sign up with our program is for the research we’ve done to put together trails runs that are interesting and match a training schedule. We’ve put many hours into developing the maps and schedules so you can just show up and focus on your training on a beautiful course.
Anyone can run up and down Crissy Field in San Francisco to build endurance. We make it more of an experience.
Are the Endurables the same as The North Face Running Club?
We conceived, developed, and managed TNF’s training programs for the first two years of their Endurance Challenge Races with great success.
In 2009 TNF gave a Dallas Marketing Company our proposal (hmm), they jiggered it, and now The Endurance Running Club offers Wednesday evening runs from their downtown location. For an extra fee of $200+, you can get online training and a meal plan. Weekend trail runs? Nothing listed. Coach with trail or ultra experience? Not listed. Marketing Company taking credit for developing running club? Of course.
We encourage individuals to check into the merits of both programs and select the one that suits their needs.
If you’d like to run trails, we are your club.
What if I’m too slow?
We like to challenge members as much as possible. Some are fast. Some are slow. It doesn’t matter.
We do our best to create routes, with options, for many types of runners and organize the runs with the goal of having everyone starting and finishing together. Although we have some serious runners, often times we like to wait at a beautiful overlook to regroup. We also add extensions to our loops to let the faster runners go a little further and allow the slower runners to meet up at key intersections.
Don’t worry….we gain inspiration from each other and someone who tries hard makes the group stronger regardless of speed.
Will I get lost?
Not likely.
To make sure people stay on track, we do several things:
Each week we produce a detailed map that shows a terrain map along with distance, elevation profiles, and and turn by turn directions. this is located in the forum and we encourage members to download the pdf, print it out, and bring it with them on the run.
Sample Download: RS 10.4
If the group is large and diverse, we have a lead runner mark the course with ribbon at the turns. Members follow these and check their map for backup. A clean-up runner is in charge of keeping the group together and picking up the ribbons.
For smaller groups we tend to stick together and send the advanced runners on “bonus sections” to keep them challenged but close to the main group. Our weekly goals is to have people start and finish as close as possible.
Hydration Equipment Needs?
We encourage participants planning to run more than an hour to bring fluid to consume along the way. We like people to get used to hydrating while they run especially as there time on the trail increases.
Common hydration systems, all found at Sports Basement include:
- Handhelds with straps to secure bottles to hands.
- Lumbar Packs with holsters for bottles
- Hands Free Hydration Packs
Also check out the unique Gel and Fluid bottles and flasks at Hydrapak.
Our recommendation is to start with a few key peices of equipment. Select a basic system then grow your equipment “arsenal” as your goals and training distances increase.
Do I need trail shoes?
Not initially. But trail shoes provide more traction that makes a difference on the downhill and uphill sections. We recommend after doing a few runs with us, you go to a store and start trying a variety on and select the one that feel good.
We like more flexible trail shoes that are light opposed to varieties that are overbuilt, stiff, and are better for light hiking.
Ask us more on the trail and we’ll give you our 2 cents, but ultimately it all comes down to personal preference
Do you have to run an Ultra to be in this club?
No. Our groups have a range of abilities and although we schedule long 20+ mile runs for the club, these consist of multiple 6 – 10 mile loops that return to the parking area for resupply. Participants can choose which loops to complete and are not required to do the entire daily schedule.
Coaches often recommend shortcuts or extensions to the route that cater to individual member’s fitness goals that can offer a range of 4.5 to over 20 miles.
How much running experience do I need?
No trail running experience is required for any of our programs or membership. We recommend registering for Trail 101 or 102 prior to registering as a member for those who would like to develop their trail conditioning and experience before running with the group.
The following are road running distance benchmarks to be able to meet prior to starting our various programs:
- Trail 101: 3 Miles
- Trail 102: 5 Miles
- 10K: 3 Miles
- Half: 5 Miles
- Ultra: 8 Miles
- Membership: 7 Miles