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Winter Half Marathon Training

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Dates

Nov. 4, 2024 to Jan. 25, 2025

  • Saturdays - Long Runs

  • Wednesdays - Track Workouts

Description

Group training targeting winter half marathons. Primary Target race is the F3 Lake Half Marathon

Locations

Chicago (Waveland)

Lisle (Morton Arboretum) 

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Overview

Winter months can be challenging, but CARA's Power Of The Group® will provide you the support, community, and accountability you need to successfully run through the winter, and reach your race start line ready for success.

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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 experienced runner, our program provides training plans that meet you where you're at.

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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.

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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, and 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

  • PUMA winter hat (group training)

 

To view virtual training benefits, CLICK HERE.

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Important Dates:

September 23: Pre-season guide begins

October 26: Packet pick-up begins

November 4: Training plans begin

November 6: First group speed workout

November 9: First group long run

November 18: Packet pick-up ends

December 3: Packet mailing deadline

December 31: Program registration deadline

January 25: Target Race - F^3 Lake Half Marathon

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Target Race:

  • F^3 Lake Half Marathon - January 25th

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. (Click location maps for google map)

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Chicago - Waveland
Waveland Parking Lot

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

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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 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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