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Flying Pig Training!
I want to do the full Pig in May, and I'm really considering doing some type of group training program in order to do it. I want to meet some new people, and marathon training sounds like a LOT of miles to put in by yourself!
I'm considering both Bob Ronckers training program and Team in Training. Does anyone have experience with either or know someone who does? Were they beneficial?? I've never really ran in a group before and I'm not 100% convinced I'll enjoy it. I'm on the slowish side as far as runners go (10-11 minute mile) and while I'm pretty sure I'm not bothered anymore by the fact that there are people faster than I am, it also defeats the purpose of a group run if I end up running by myself behind everyone anyway. 
I suppose that's my biggest worry - that and having to turn down Friday night drink invites because I have to run at 7am on Saturday!
I'm not worried about actually completing the Pig (I'm stubborn, I'll get there if I have to crawl across the finish line!) but the thought that I could maybe finish it faster and having more fun does definitely appeal to me!
Re: Flying Pig Training!
I'm a die-hard fan of the Roncker's program and have been doing it for a year & a half. I have found them to be the most supportive group of people!
Being slower (even slower than 10-11mpm), I thought I would end up running by myself a lot, but there are so many people in group, you can always find your niche with other people. They also provide coaches for just about every pace from 8 min & under to a 12 min and a run/walk group.
The cost for their program is @$100 I think - but the perks you get between discounts, gimmes (like shirt, socks, ice pack, run registration fees for some smaller races here and there), and happy hours more than gets you that $100 back.
My sister did TT (if you include the 'i', what a bad acronym!), and she said they were great coaches, but really focused on the fundraising aspect. She did a run with them in Calif and was supposed to raise a LOT (I think $3800) of money and the difference came out of her own pocket. She ended up spending $2900 for a 3-day weekend in Cali to do the run.
Oh good, I'm glad someone had a perspective on both. Thanks for the info!
I wondered what Team In Training's acronym was, too, because I thought surely they can't include all three letters!
I went to an info meeting last night. It's for a very good cause and for the Pig, fundraising is only $850. I could probably raise that much. However, when it comes down to it, I HATE fundraising. I hate asking for money. Marathon training in itself takes up a lot of time, and that's one more thing. Most of the meeting focused on fundraising and they did say that they could help people improve at every level. However, a lot of the training talk was focused on "we can get you to the finish line!" Everyone that spoke was a walker or run/walker. I was thinking I could probably run/walk a marathon tomorrow if it came down to it (not WELL, but getting to the finish line is not a concern!) I want to push myself and get faster and I didn't get that vibe from them. They seemed to cater more to beginners. OK, I know I'm not a fast, gifted runner, but I'm a little beyond a beginner. I think. 
They also used a lot of sales techniques that I picked up on. I totally get that they're doing it for all the right reasons, but I was slightly turned off.
However, those who are gung-ho about fundraising, I would totally send them in TT's direction, and I'll probably give money to them myself if I don't run with them.
The thing I really like about Ronckers (so far, haven't been to an info meeting yet) is that one group does runs on Tuesday nights and one group does runs on Wednesday nights. I'm pretty much midway between Newport and O'Bryonville, and my work schedule is wonky enough that I can't guarantee one night a week that I'll always be available, but I should be able to do either/or. Plus if I can talk H into doing it with me, he works and goes to school so having a choice of evening runs would be good for him too.
I think Fleet Feet has a training group too - I haven't checked their out though.
Like I said - die hard Roncker's fan. Their coaches will help you get better - they mix up runs between intervals, hill repeats and distance runs. I know I improved a lot once I started working with them. Still slow - but a LOT LOT LOT stronger on hills than I ever thought I'd be. And trust me - when it's 8 degrees in January, sometimes the only thing that gets you out there is meeting your running buddies.
Fleet Feet and Ronckers are both amazing and you can't go wrong either way - you will have so much support, no matter if you are a walker or a 6 min mile runner.
Team in Training, as PP said, is also a fantastic program but you do have to do the fundraising - a friend of mine did it and had a unforgettable, fantastic experience.
I'm planning on doing the Ronckers program, thanks to the great advice from Nota
Their info meetings are coming up soon, maybe I'll see you at one of them!
Baby GIRL EDD 5.21.13
My Blog | My Chart
2012 Races Heart Half Marathon 3.18.2012 - 1:51:01 (PR)
Flying Pig Marathon 5.6.12 - 3:50:28 (PR)
Leadville Trail Marathon 6.30.12 - 7:32:23 (not a typo)
Esri 5K 7.25.12 - 21:57 (PR)
I'll probably be at the 11/30 (work schedule permitting) or 12/11 one. Most likely the 12/11. Trying to talk H into doing this with me too!
Aww, I already have the 11/30 in my planner. C has zero desire to run anywhere. It's just not his exercise style.
Baby GIRL EDD 5.21.13
My Blog | My Chart
2012 Races Heart Half Marathon 3.18.2012 - 1:51:01 (PR)
Flying Pig Marathon 5.6.12 - 3:50:28 (PR)
Leadville Trail Marathon 6.30.12 - 7:32:23 (not a typo)
Esri 5K 7.25.12 - 21:57 (PR)