Rogue History: Our Beginning
Posted: September 20, 2010
Rogue History: Rogue Training Systems began in 2004, in Austin, Texas, as a desire to introduce elite level training concepts & apply them to the everyday runner or jogger. It was Rogue’s contention that the beginner runner would greatly benefit from an approach that allowed them to focus on goal setting & seeing beyond the concept of “just finishing” their respective event. We strived to really challenge our athletes to train consistently & effectively in a well-designed, disciplined environment.
Rogue grew out of RunTex University’s free training model that functioned as “show & go” sessions. These programs we very effective in getting individuals to begin running but didn’t encourage long-term development. Rogue Training Systems’ intent was to foster an authentic community of runners who viewed themselves as athletes, not joggers. While the initial focus was on marathon & half-marathon training, Rogue-coached programs prepared athletes for distances ranging the 5K to the marathon. The Rogue model allowed runners to self-select into different levels (beginner, intermediate & advanced) based primarily on their desired work level as opposed to pacing (or speed) levels. Rogue also expanded into triathlon & trail running programs. The Iron Chicks & Pike Peak training programs were very popular early offering by Rogue.
On February 1, 2008 Rogue opened its first running specialty store (Rogue Equipment) in east Austin, combining training & retail in an attempt to better serve the running community. With its own dedicated training space, Rogue branched out into core training & partnered with local fitness businesses with the goal of developing an “athlete’s village” concept dedicated to providing resources for the total athlete.
