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Spring Half Marathon Training

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Dates

March 10 - June 1, 2025

  • Saturdays - Long Runs

  • Wednesdays - Speed Workouts

Description

Group training targeting spring half marathon, including the Bank of America Chicago 13.1​

Locations

Chicago (Waveland) and Lisle (Morton Arboretum)

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Overview

CARA's Power Of The Group® will provide you the support, community, and accountability you need to successfully reach your spring race start line ready for success.​

 

As Chicago's premier group training program, we have helped tens of thousands of runners successfully complete their goals. Whether you're a newcomer or an experienced runner, our program provides training plans that meet you where you're at.

 

You will never have to do it alone. Your pace group leaders and fellow participants will give you the Power Of The Group® that has led CARA runners to the finish line more than any other program in Chicagoland running.

 

Your training program is led by CARA coaches who have national certifications and years of proven coaching success long before we bring them into CARA.​

Group Training Benefits:

  • 6-week pre-season training guide to prepare you for the season

  • 12-week training plan with five options (Run/Walk, Novice I, Novice II, Intermediate, Advanced)

  • Weekly educational newsletters

  • Video guided strength training plan

  • Group training long Runs

    • (Saturdays) led by group leaders for 7:30 to 11:30 pace/mile run, and 12:00 to 13:00 pace/mile run/walk

  • Coach led track workouts (Wednesdays)

  • Hydration support at training runs: water and Gatorade Endurance

  • Rush Physical Therapy Injury Hotline

  • Access to a private STRAVA group for program participants

  • Custom CARA hat 

 

To view virtual training benefits, CLICK HERE.

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Important Dates:

March 3: Packet pick-up begins

March 10: Training plans begin

March 12: First group speed workout 

March 15: First group long run

March 23: Packet pick-up ends

March 25: Deadline to purchase Morton Arboretum Membership

April 13: Deadline to add packet mailing

May 24: No long run due to holiday weekend

June 1: Target Race - Bank of America Chicago 13.1

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Target Race:

  • Bank of America Chicago 13.1 - June 1

registration

Group Long Run Locations

CARA training group long runs are offered at both a city and suburban location. Participants have access to both locations through the season and are not restricted to only their primary registration choice. However, those attending a run at Morton Arboretum will need a Morton Arboretum membership or a single-day timed entry pass in order to access the grounds. Morton Memberships can be purchased as part of the program registration or directly from the Morton Arboretum. (Click location maps for google map)

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Chicago - Wavleand*
Waveland Parking Lot

Saturdays 7:30 a.m.

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Lisle

Morton Arboretum

Saturdays 7:30 a.m.

Traning locatins

Group Track Workout Locations

Wednesdays @ 6:30 p.m. at Montrose Beach Wilson Track (Chicago)*

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*Workouts are only located at Montrose Beach location

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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Volunteer

CARA training programs rely on dedicated volunteer site coordinators, group leaders, and coaches to support program participants, and provide a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

 

Site coordinators are recruited from experienced program group leaders. Those interested in becoming a site coordinator now, or in the future as openings are available, should contact CARA Executive Director Tim Bradley (tim@cararuns.org).

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Group leaders are the backbone of CARA training programs. Group leaders keep runners safe, organized, on-pace, and motivated during training runs. Those interested in becoming a group leader can learn more HERE.

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Coaches are needed to support CARA track workouts. Experienced coaches may be tabbed with leading a workout, where others can assist with workout organization and timing while learning. Those interested in becoming a coach or assistant coach should contact CARA Executive Director Tim Bradley (tim@cararuns.org).​

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Hydration Volunteers are needed to support hydration stations at training locations. Volunteers may volunteer for a single date, or a season. Interested volunteers can check out opportunities on our volunteer page.

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