MADISON- The new year brings a new schedule of running events across the Tennessee Valley and Fleet Feet of Madison/Huntsville has training programs set for the next 12 months to assist a runner of any caliber to reach their goals set forth by each individual runner.

On the surface, it looks simple enough to zip through a training program and tackle any race your legs take you to, but in reality, especially for novice runners, the challenge of prepping for an athletic endeavor should be faced up front knowing it takes hard work and determination to compete. Many of the challenges that are brought to the forefront for any runner is made up of tiny pieces of the endeavor that have to fall into place. Training programs arranged by Fleet Feet help those pieces of the puzzle come together with major success.

Here are a few tips to help to navigate the challenges that each runner will face in the upcoming training programs:

• Don’t do it alone- try and have someone you know join you in the training program.
• Progress on your own pace, but try and follow the training regimen as strict as possible.
• Run slowly at first and make sure warm-up time is always part of the training.
• Make your running schedule and try to stick to it.
• Set a goal. Meet your goal. Enjoy your goal.

The training programs hosted by Fleet Feet are geared towards helping those who may have the desire to get started in running, assist those who want to better their already established times in certain races and any individual who may want to begin a program after being a more-or-less shut-in during the pandemic. Experts in the health industry agree on the fact exercise can help in a person’s physical and psychological well-being.

Complete details on the scheduled training programs are available at www.fleetfeethuntsville.com. Here are just a few of the events on schedule:

Oak Barrel and Bridge Street Half-Marathon

Begins Saturday, Jan. 29, 7:00 a.m. at Fleet Feet Huntsville

Rock Runners McKay Hollow 25K

Begins Sunday, Jan. 30, 1:30 p.m. at Monte Sano State Park

Cotton Row 10K-Madison

Begins Wednesday, March 16, 7:00 p.m. at Fleet Feet Madison

Cotton Row 10K-Huntsville

Begins Thursday, March 17, 7:00 p.m. at Fleet Feet Huntsville

NOBO Cotton Row 5K-Madison

Begins Monday, March 30, 7:00 p.m. at Fleet Feet Madison

NOBO Cotton Row 5K-Huntsville

Begins Thursday, March 31, 7:00 p.m. at Fleet Feet Huntsville

Spring Speed and Distance Training

Begins Saturday, April 16, 7:00 a.m. at Fleet Feet Huntsville