Pace Groups

For the Spring 2021 Training Team season we will be offering both a virtual and in-person option for most pace groups.

Participants who select the virtual option (for any pace), will run on their own, but can still accumulate miles for their pace groups mileage challenge.

For in-person participants, on Sunday mornings, we run in groups based on pace, not distance. Pace should be training pace (long run pace), not race pace. Although everyone in your group will run a similar pace, people may be running different distances.

This season each in-person group will be limited to 10 runners each Sunday. A sign-up sheet (first come, first served) will be sent via email each week on Thursday. Thanks in advance for being understanding that we may not be able to accommodate all interested runners each week.

A HUGE thank you to our volunteer pacers who love helping the running and walking community in St. Louis achieve their goals.

Note: R/W means run/walk. Each run/walk group varies their intervals but averages the listed pace.

Silver Level

Customized Training Plan ($50)

Silver Level Customized Training Plan
- Written for your specific race and goals
- Upon completing Training Team registration for this option you’ll fill out detailed questionnaire from which your coach will write your plan
- Individualized paces
- Individualized workouts
- Specific daily mileage plan
- Unlimited communication with your coach (email)
Virtual Option – run on your own, receive support and encouragement via weekly emails and private Facebook group, participate in a mileage challenge over the course of the season
In-person Option – opportunity to sign up (on a weekly basis) for an in-person run with a pacer (limited to 10 runners), receive support and encouragement via weekly emails and private Facebook group, participate in a mileage challenge over the course of the season

FREE

Virtual Option – run on your own, suggested Sunday long run mileage, receive support and encouragement via weekly emails and private Facebook group, participate in a mileage challenge over the course of the season
In-person Option – opportunity to sign up (on a weekly basis) for an in-person run with a pacer (limited to 10 runners), suggested Sunday long run mileage, receive support and encouragement via weekly emails and private Facebook group, participate in a mileage challenge over the course of the season

Training Calendar

This season’s schedule is a bit condensed, so we recommend starting to build base mileage throughout January.

Training Team Swag

Wednesday Workouts

FREE this season!

While many people training for a half or full marathon focus on long runs and the endurance aspect of training, speed and pace work play a very important role and should not be overlooked! This Training Team season we are offering the option to participate in a structured weekly speed workout with the guidance of a coach. The workouts are designed specifically to improve performance for runners training for the half and full marathon distance. It’s much more fun to do speedwork with a group!

Wednesday Workouts will go from January 15 – March 18.
We will meet at Francis Park in South City. Warm up will begin at 6:30 p.m. with the workout starting at 6:45 p.m.
FREE for anyone who signs up for Training Team!

Gold Level

Customized Training Plan + Coaching Session ($100)

Weekly paced group run
Weekly newsletter email
Gold Level Customized Training Plan
- 60 minute one-on-one coaching session
- Written for your specific race
- Individualized paces
- Individualized workouts
- Specific daily mileage plan
- Unlimited communication with your coach (phone, text, email, etc.)
Wednesday Workouts

Bryan Traughber

1993 – The year I found my passion for running. During my freshman year of high school, I decided to join the De Smet Jesuit High School track and field team. I initially intended to only run one high school season in preparation for wrestling, but quickly found myself enjoying the challenge of running. What started out as a 12 week commitment to the track and field team ended up as a 4 year high school career. I steadily improved over the course of 4 years of high school and ended up being a varsity runner during my last two seasons. While I was never the fastest runner on the team, it quickly became an important part of my life. I enjoyed the challenge and the constant pursuit of a new personal best. I ran occasionally while attending Truman State University but I took a break from serious training. I returned to the world of distance running in 2001 when I was hired as a teacher and coach at my alma mater, De Smet Jesuit High School. For the last 16+ years, I have had the honor to coach Cross Country and Track & Field. The relationships I build with the athletes year after year drive my passion for running.

Over the last several years, I have had the privilege to work with the Big River Training Team and thoroughly enjoyed coaching dozens of Training Team members. My experience as a runner, both in high school and over the last 15 years of road racing, enable me to help Big River’s Training Team excel. Throughout my running career, I have completed numerous 5ks, 10ks, and half marathons and eight marathons with my time ranging from 4:25 in my first ever marathon to my current PR, 3:11. I plan to apply the extensive knowledge and experience I have learned from my own racing to my work as a coach. I am thoroughly committed to helping my clients meet their running goals.

Bryan can provide training plans and on a case by case basis, one-on-one coaching.

Jim Helton

Jim has been a runner for 45 years, starting on a 440 yard cinder track back in the day, running countless 5k,10k and half marathons, and earning a Boston Qualifying 3:22 marathon at age 50. Jim came to Big River upon retiring from a career in education. He spent 17 years in northern Illinois teaching/coaching Track and Cross Country, where teams produced numerous “personal bests,” state championships and all-state runners. After moving to southern Illinois, he finished up his career in education as a principal for eight years and then as a district superintendent for nine years.

A family man, Jim has been married for 38 years and has three “running” children and two grandchildren (who run for play!). He currently calls Edwardsville, Illinois home and has had the opportunity to attend every Track and Field Olympic Trials since 1988, a tradition shared with his children. Jim is excited about working with clients of all fitness levels achieve their goals through Big River Personal Coaching.
Jim earned USATF Level1 and Level 2/Endurance coaching certifications and can provide training plans and one on one personal coaching sessions.

Services

You’ll Love Our Fit Center – Learn all about your foundation in our in-depth fit process. Your dedicated Fit Specialist will answer your questions and meet your needs by measuring the foot length, width and arch, conducting a treadmill analysis of alignment and gait, use of state-of-the art technology to generate a digital foot scan uncovering pressure points and pronation, and provide the proper selection on multiple styles and brands of shoes to find the perfect fit for you. Our Fit Center also provides medical fitting for customers experiencing common foot conditions, health problems, or injuries. Whether it’s your 1st or 100th visit, you’ll discover, learn, or enjoy something new every time.

Browse Ahead Personal Shopping Delivery

Schedule

We meet for group runs/walks every Sunday at 7:00 am beginning July 9 and going into the end of September to help you prepare for the your fall full or half marathon. Our goal race is The Great GO! Halloween Half. You can still train with the team even if this is not your goal race.

*If you are a first-time/beginner marathoner and would like advice on how to properly build up to 6-8 miles so you can begin running with Training Team, email info@bigriverrunning.com. We’re here to help!

One-on-One Personal Coaching

Per Month – $220
Three Month Bundle – $600

Includes:

Initial goal setting meeting with your coach
Individualized training plan
Four 1 hour training sessions (once a week) or eight 30 minute sessions (twice a week)
- One-on-one sessions could include learning to improve your running mechanics, learning appropriate workouts such as speed work, tempo running, hill workouts, etc., discussing race strategy and race day preparation, instruction on strength training and flexibility exercises or simply having a support system present with you with a stop watch as you complete a hard workout!
Unlimited communication with your coach

“Pay as you go” Coaching Sessions – $50 – two 30 minute sessions or 1 hour-long session. Offered only for BRPC clients who have purchased a training plan and want ad hoc support during the training cycle or for one-on-one clients who want support but are in between phases.

Individualized Training Plans

Six Week Plan – $75
12 Week Training Plan – $150

Includes:

Initial goal setting meeting with your coach.
Personalized plan written for YOU based on your running goals/fitness level.
Unlimited communication with your coach.

*NOTE: If your running plans don’t fit into a 6 or 12 week time frame, we offer training plans of any length at a prorated/adjusted cost (max of 16 weeks).

Technology

Big River Running Company is one of the first retailers in the country to use a state-of-the-art digital foot scanner developed in Germany. Our staff uses this best-in-class technology to further assess pressure points, degree of pronation and potential support needs that can differ for each customer. Our multi-faceted fitting approach supported by technology helps us find a shoe solution perfect for you!

In addition, Big River carries brands who are leaders in incorporating the latest technology into their footwear and apparel. The products we carry are meant to help optimize your performance and comfort.

Coaches

Big River Personal Coaching supports Big River’s Training Team, lead by head coach Bryan Traughber. Their support, guidance and motivation can help you achieve your goals!

Merchandise

Keep cool in style with these custom designed technical, moisture wicking running hats (BOCO brand)! Hats will be able to be purchased through Training Team registration only. We have limited quantities available and they’ll be available for pick up July 30.

Benefits

We Care About You (No, Really) – Your health and wellness is at the core of everything we do. For more than 10 years, it is our greatest pleasure to serve the St. Louis community one fit at a time. Our team of knowledgeable Fit Specialists provide efficient, friendly service at a high standard that is unparallel to other retail experiences. The benefits of going to Big River are that you’ll be cared for by our team and become a part of a greater community that supports and encourages you, always.

Nothing But the Best – When your health is on the line, we don’t mess around. We’ve curated a broad selection of shoe styles from the highest quality brands known for performance, comfort, and style. Our apparel, gear, and accessories are equally top-notch and we continue to search and share new rave-worthy products to meet our customers needs.

Community

One way we service our customers is through our robust Community programs. We connect our knowledge and passion for living a healthy, active lifestyle with St. Louis community members and the response is truly amazing! We’ve hosted more than 1,500 runs with more than 20,000 program participants since we opened our doors. Big River has always been more than a place to shop. It’s a place to gather, learn, run, train, socialize and become part of a something bigger than yourself. That’s Big River Nation. We want you to join us.

Events for April 2021 › Store Events

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Calendar of Events

fit-flavors Tasting Group Run

fit-flavors Tasting Group Run

Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
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4	5	6	7	8	9	10
11	12 fit-flavors Tasting Group Run	13	14	15	16	17
18	19 fit-flavors Tasting Group Run	20	21	22	23	24
25	26	27	28	29	30