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Boston Performance Training

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Dates

Dec. 23, 2024 to April 21, 2025

  • Saturdays - Long Runs

  • Wednesdays - Speed Workouts

Description

Group training with an individually customized training plan targeting the marathon in Boston. 

Locations

Chicago and Lisle

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register

Overview

The CARA Boston Performance program provides a unique opportunity for participants to not only train with other qualifiers but to also receive a personalized training schedule, coaching and field trip training runs. Additionally the program provides great amenities like access to the CARA Boston Bus, hotel block, shakeout run and social events. 

 

Participants have the opportunity to train in a group setting and are able to receive coaching from CARA Manager of Training James Diamond. James is the head coach of the CARA Racing Team, has run a 2:43:22 marathon, took 35 athletes to the Boston Marathon in 2023, and is going into his second year of leading the program.

 

This program will provide you the support, community, and accountability you need to successfully run through the winter and make it to the finish line on Boylston Street!

Group Program Benefits:​

  • 17-week customized training plan from CARA Head Coach James Diamond, based on your individual goals, mileage, and paces

  • Weekly educational newsletters

  • Video guided marathon strength training plan

  • Group training long runs

    • (Saturdays) for 7:30 to 11:30 pace/per mile run

  • Coach led track workouts (Wednesdays)

  • Hydration support at training runs: water and Gatorade Endurance

  • Rush Physical Therapy Injury Hotline

  • Custom shirt

  • Access to a private STRAVA group for program participants

  • Access to CARA's hotel block (WITH Amenities option) (SOLD OUT)

  • Access to CARA's Boston Bus to the start line (WITH Amenities option)

  • Field trip hill runs

  • Boston shakeout run with post-run coffee, bagels, and pastries

  • Post-race celebration

  • Packet mailing

 

Virtual Program Benefits:​​

  • 17-week customized training plan from CARA Head Coach James Diamond, based on your individual goals, mileage, and paces.

  • Weekly education newsletters

  • Video guided marathon strength training plan

  • Rush Physical Therapy injury hotline

  • Access to a private STRAVA group for program participants

  • Access to CARA's hotel block (first come, first serve)​ (WITH Amenities option)

  • Access to CARA's Boston Bus to the start line (WITH Amenities option)

  • Boston Shakeout Run with post-run coffee, bagels, and pastries

  • Post-race celebration

  • Packet mailing

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Important Dates:

December 23: Training plans begin

December 25: No group speed workout due to holiday

December 28: First group long run

January 1: First group speed workout moved to January 2 due to holiday

Boston Bus

Boston Bus is included in the Boston Performance Training WITH Amenities registration. This amenity is exclusive to Boston Performance runners and CARA members. The CARA Boston Buses leave from the Boston Park Plaza Hotel. More information will be provided as details become available. You must register for either the group training or virtual training "With Amenities" options. To view Boston Bus details, CLICK HERE.

Field Trip Runs

The Boston Performance Training Program will have 3-4 scheduled “field trip” hill runs in Barrington Heights. The group will meet in the parking lot of Barrington High School. Details will be communicated via email.
 

Dates TBD

Bostn Bus

Group Long Run Locations

CARA training group long runs are offered at locations throughout the city and suburbs. Participants have access to all locations through the season and are not restricted to only their primary registration choice. (Click location maps for google map)

locations
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Chicago - Waveland
Waveland Park

Saturdays 7:30 a.m.

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Lisle

Morton Arboretum

Saturdays 7:30 a.m.

*Training at Lisle, Morton Arboretum requires a membership to the Arboretum or a single-day timed entry pass in order to access the grounds. Morton memberships can be purchased as part of the program registration at a discounted rate. Memberships purchased through CARA will be activated in the lead up to winter training.

Group Track Workout Locations

Participants have access to all locations throughout the season. Locations are listed below.

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FAQ

Program Coaches

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James Diamond
Head Coach
Coach Bio
 

Athletic Achievements:

  • NCAA Student Athlete (2013-2017)

    • 10,000m- 32:54

  • Performance Running Outfitters Racing Team (2019-2021)

    • Mile- 4:33, 5,000m- 15:43, Half Marathon- 1:14:35

  • CARA Racing Team (2024-Present)

    • 8,000m- 27:19, Marathon- 2:43:22

 

Coaching Roles:

  • Lisle High School Assistant Cross Country (2016)

  • Carthage Run Club Head Coach (2016-2017)

  • Wisconsin Lutheran College Assistant Cross Country/Track & Field Coach (2017-2019)

  • Rockford University Head Cross Country Coach (2019-2023)

  • Rockford FIRE Head Track & Field Coach (2021-2022)

  • Chicago Area Runners Association Manager of Coaching and Training (2023-Present)

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Coaching Achievements:

  • 14x All-Conference Honors, 4x Conference Champions, 1x All-Region within distance events (Wisconsin Lutheran 2017-2019)

  • Started the “Warrior Youth Running Camp” (Wisconsin Lutheran 2018)

  • 5th & 10th fastest women’s Cross Country times in school history (Rockford University 2020 & 2022)

  • Men’s school record in 400m hurdles (Rockford University 2021)

  • Highest men’s team at the conference & regional cross country championships in 10 years (Rockford University 2022)

  • 2 All-Conference Cross Country athletes (Rockford University 2020-2021)

  • 31 national qualifiers across 47 events (Rockford FIRE 2021-2022)

 

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