Intro to Running

Welcome! So you want to start running. Well, you’ve come to just the right place. CARA is the source for all things running in Chicagoland. In this section you’ll find some information and inspiration to get you started. Also check out our Beginning Running Program, which will teach you the right way to work up to a 30-minute run through fun, weekly group runs following running-related discussions on things like stretching, nutrition and proper shoe fitting led by experts in our running community. We’d love to have you join us so check out the info on our site and then let’s get started!

What’s so great about running?

It’s simple. One of the greatest things about running is its simplicity: Throw on some clothes and a pair of shoes and you’re off. Sure, there is some apparel and gear specific to the sport that makes it a more enjoyable activity at times (like wearing a lightweight shirt in the heat of the summer) but overall, it’s a very simple way to get tremendous benefit. Running improves cardiovascular health and fitness, manages your weight and relieves stress. You’ll look better and, most importantly, feel better. At CARA we’re all about the better—our motto is “Run faster, further, better, for life.”

You can run anytime, anywhere. Whether you’re on the road, literally, or right at home, you can find great places to run. Here in Chicagoland, we have no shortage of places to run. Enjoy the lakefront path, area trails, forest preserves, parks, historic neighborhoods and interesting towns, and races of all types and distances all year round. And you can find it all on our site.

It’s affordable. No health club dues. No contracts. No fancy, space-hogging equipment. All you need is a decent pair of running shoes and some clothing appropriate for the weather conditions and you’re ready to run.

Running is for everyone. No matter your age, size, speed, experience level, running is open to everyone. Running has something for everyone too. You can run for fitness, recreation or competition. You can run by yourself or with a group. You can run any day and time you want. You can enjoy a great escape by yourself one day and a festive race atmosphere the next with 30 to 30,000 people. So let’s get going.