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Dates
Dec. 23, 2024 - April 27, 2025
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Saturdays - Long Runs
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Wednesdays - Track Workouts
Description
Group training targeting spring marathons
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Locations
Chicago and Lisle
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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 spring 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:​
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6-week pre-season training guide to prepare you for the season
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18-week training plan with five options (Run/Walk, Novice I, Novice II, Intermediate, and Advanced)
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Weekly educational newsletters
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Video guided marathon strength training plan
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Group training long runs
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(Saturdays) led by group leaders for 7:30 to 11:30 pace/mile run, and 12:00 to 13:00 pace/mile run/walk
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Coach led track workouts (Wednesdays)
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Hydration support at training runs: water and Gatorade Endurance
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PUMA winter hat (group training)
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Access to a private STRAVA group for program participants
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To view virtual training benefits, CLICK HERE.
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Important Dates:
November 11: Pre-season guide begins
December 16: Packet pick-up begins
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
January 10: Packet pick-up ends
February 14: Deadline to add packet mailing
April 13: Lakefront 10 Miler & 5k
April 27: Race weekend
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Suggested Spring Races:
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Illinois Marathon
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London Marathon
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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)
Chicago - Waveland
Waveland Park
Saturdays 7:30 a.m.
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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Wednesdays @ 6:30 p.m. at Montrose Beach Wilson Track (Chicago)
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Wednesdays @ 6:00 p.m. at Thomas Jefferson Jr. High School (Woodridge)
Program Coaches
James Diamond
Head Coach
Coach Bio
Athletic Achievements:
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NCAA Student Athlete (2013-2017)
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10,000m- 32:54
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Performance Running Outfitters Racing Team (2019-2021)
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Mile- 4:33, 5,000m- 15:43, Half Marathon- 1:14:35
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CARA Racing Team (2024-Present)
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8,000m- 27:19, Marathon- 2:43:22
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Coaching Roles:
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Lisle High School Assistant Cross Country (2016)
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Carthage Run Club Head Coach (2016-2017)
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Wisconsin Lutheran College Assistant Cross Country/Track & Field Coach (2017-2019)
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Rockford University Head Cross Country Coach (2019-2023)
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Rockford FIRE Head Track & Field Coach (2021-2022)
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Chicago Area Runners Association Manager of Coaching and Training (2023-Present)
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Coaching Achievements:
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14x All-Conference Honors, 4x Conference Champions, 1x All-Region within distance events (Wisconsin Lutheran 2017-2019)
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Started the “Warrior Youth Running Camp” (Wisconsin Lutheran 2018)
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5th & 10th fastest women’s Cross Country times in school history (Rockford University 2020 & 2022)
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Men’s school record in 400m hurdles (Rockford University 2021)
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Highest men’s team at the conference & regional cross country championships in 10 years (Rockford University 2022)
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2 All-Conference Cross Country athletes (Rockford University 2020-2021)
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31 national qualifiers across 47 events (Rockford FIRE 2021-2022)
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 Manager of Training James Diamond (james@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 Manager of Training James Diamond (james@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.