The running mechanics evaluation session (optional) is approximately 30 to 45 minutes in length and may include observation of running form; video analysis of gait mechanics; mobility and stability movement testing; hands-on assessment; and brief exercise or movement recommendations.

The Parallel coach will maintain an understanding of every athlete’s background, progression, and goals. Saturdays will serve as our key meetup of the week where our coach will be available to offer training guidance and advice. You should come to Saturday sessions with an understanding of how the last week went, questions about the Saturday session, and questions about the upcoming week in order to maximize your coaching. The coach will also be available virtually on Saturdays if in-person attendance isn’t possible.

Following roster finalization the team coach will write various levels of both half and full marathon plans based on the experience level and current training volume of the team. Athletes will follow the training plan that best fits them. For example, if you plan to run 35 miles per week during the season, you would follow the 30 - 40 MPW marathon or half marathon plan.

Master Structure

All training plans will generally have hard workouts scheduled on Tuesdays or Wednesdays and long runs on Saturdays. This master structure will be published for athletes prior to the start of the season.

Individualized Training Option

Athletes have the option to hire the team coach for fully individualized training. If athletes opt-in to individualized coaching, the coach will continue to keep you in the master structure, so you can keep training with Parallel. But the coach will begin working with you daily to give you fully customized training.

Advanced Runners

We understand that as runners become more advanced so does their need for individualized training. This is why advanced runners are welcome to alter the group training plans, write their own plans, or work with outside coaching whilst following the master structure. Advanced runners will still benefit largely from coaching, physical therapy, and team support.

Every Saturday morning we will meet for our long run. These will start in various locations around central Boise based on the type of long run scheduled. Each Saturday our team coach will be present to brief the team on upcoming training, oversee execution of the session, and offer feedback based on current progress.

We will not officially meet on Tuesdays / Wednesdays for our hard sessions, but we will arrange meetups as much as possible for these. All meetup locations will be announced via our team Slack channel.

Our team coach will create pace groups for workouts when appropriate. But athletes should not expect guaranteed pace-matched groups for every workout.

Parallel is based on the idea that running is relative. This means that members of BRC Parallel are expected to respect and be excited about each other’s training and performances. We understand that we are all in different points in our running journeys but experience the same ups and downs that come with training hard. That experience is what connects us as teammates.

To keep coaching, resources, and the overall experience effective, Parallel is capped at 20 athletes.

We are not selecting the fastest runners. We’re building a team that’s ready to train consistently and make it through a full 16-week season healthy.

Selection is based on overall training readiness. This includes running experience, current training consistency, and how well an athlete fits in the group structure.