Runner’s Edge of the Rockies

I’ve been a member of Runner’s Edge since 2010. It’s a large group, which seems to be the main complaint of some of the other reviewers. However, I’ve never had a problem receiving coaching when I need it. The coach is always responsive to my emailed and personal questions. I’ve never had him NOT respond to me, and his responses are always constructive and positive. However, you get out of this experience what you put in. If you need assistance, you have to ask. Don’t just assume Coach will know what’s going on, and how to help you fix it. Go to the group runs, interact with the other runners, and use your training plan. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Okay, now let’s backtrack. Runner’s Edge consists of 200+ members. The basic membership gives you the opportunity for Saturday group runs, training plans constructed around your target race (s), and also free Thursday night group trail runs (contingent upon weather). The Saturday group runs are run in a different location each week, and the route is always marked. Gatorade, water, and (occasionally) snacks are provided every 2 miles. Note that the run is cup-​free in order to avoid needless waste, so you’ll want to bring your own water bottle or Hydra pouch. The runs are organized in pace groups according to estimated marathon or half-​marathon finish times. The idea is to run slower than your goal pace on these long runs, and this actually does contribue to success in most people’s goal races.
The sessions can be a bit pricey, but I keep coming back each season. I get expert coaching, personalized race plans, social Saturday runs where I rarely have to worry about getting lost (and where the electrolyte fluids are provided for me), Thursday trail runs (along with occasional Sunday organized runs), and new friends. Joining Runner’s Edge has opened up an entire new world to me, in terms of the running community. Since joining Runner’s Edge, I’ve earned a PR in most of of the common race distances, and I’ve even gone all the way into ultra marathons to finish 3 100-​mile races. I’m not sure I would have been brave enough to attempt all of these goals without the support of Runner’s Edge.
Note that there are various programs from with you can choose: full/​ultra training, couch to 10k, triathlon, core training, speed training, etc. There are separate fees for these.

I trained for my first marathon with Runner’s Edge and was hooked ever since. The milage program, motivational messages and weekly tips added more color to the extensive training book. David is a fantastic coach, very knowledgable and great motivator. Before the marathon I was confident, prepared, and I was able to enjoy the race, beat my goal and stay injury free. I couldn’t have done it on my own.
I’ve trained with Runner’s Edge of the Rockes for a few seasons for the last 2 years. I love the energy of the Saturday runs, with amazing trails and paths planned, great group of people for any pace, and with good conversation, energy and gatorade and water every 2 miles, 20 mile runs are much much easier.
I’m taking some time off this winter to do more skiing, but once the snow starts melting, I’ll be joining the group again.
If you are not sure if this group is for you, you can join the group for a test run through the website, and if you’re training for the first time, I wouldn’t think twice

Runner’s Edge of the Rockies is an excellent running program. Members are provided with a customized training plan for their goal race that includes daily workout recommendations. For the long runs, the group meets weekly on Saturday mornings. The runs are all very organized, and it’s great to be able to run at all different locations all over the Denver area.
Prior to the run, the coach provides a detailed explanation of the run with a map (that includes elevation gain, restrooms, etc.). Everyone runs in pace groups, which is helpful for training at your goal pace and for safety. On the runs, it seems more people talk rather than listen to iPods. It’s a really social group full of friends.
On the run, the entire route is mapped out with arrows, signs, etc. so you make sure you run the correct way! There are aid stations at every two miles where you can refuel with water, Gatorade, and gummy candies/​pretzels (for those long runs).
While it may seem expensive, I think the program is worth it – especially if you are marathon training. When I trained on my own for my long races, I wound up injured and unable to do my races. When I trained with Runner’s Edge, I had no major injuries. The program is really organized, and you get some great training runs in to help you train even better for your goal races.
Happy Running!

I am training for my first marathon, and this organization has been terrific. I’ve met some very nice people. The Saturday runs take place all over Denver, and it’s fun to see different parts of the city. It’s worth the money just to have aid stations every two miles and to have someone map a run with accurate mileage (and restrooms). I am a slow runner, and everyone has been supportive, even the speed demons. Runner’s Edge of the Rockies does everything well, and I highly recommend it for runners of all levels.

Runner’s Edge does an outstanding service to get you ready to meet your distance running goal. If you want to train up to run your first marathon or triathalon then this is a great way to do it. They have pointers for training, stretching, speed drills, nutrition, and all manner of advice for runners. From running gear to the beer at the end of the race, this is the service for you.
My Three favorite parts of Runner’s Edge are; that one I got to train with a whole bunch of great people that shared a similar goal, and two is that for the weekly long runs they had set up water stations. For runs more than 12 miles or so I always have difficulty with my hydration. That there is a cooler and cups set up every mile by Runner’s Edge folks really helps me train just like on race day. Third is that they are pretty good about finding a variety of trails to go run on. One of the best amenities to living in Colorado is the abundance of good trails. Runner’s Edge will help you find them if you are new to the area.
The only reason that they don’t get 5 stars is the pricing, it is a little rich for me.
Do SomeThing Good,
C