Training Programs
About
As Chicago's premier group training program, CARA has 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 go 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.​
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CARA offers six group training programs for marathon and half-marathon goals, along with corresponding virtual program options.
Marathon Training Programs
June 9 to Oct. 12, 2025
18-week training program targeting the Bank of America Chicago Marathon and other fall marathons
Dec. 23, 2024 to April 27, 2025
18-week training program targeting spring races like London, Illinois, and Carmel
Dec. 23 to April 21, 2025
17-week training program targeting Boston with field trip runs and event weekend amenities
Half Marathon Training Programs
March 10 to June 1, 2025
12-week training program targeting the Bank of America Chicago 13.1
Nov. 4 to Jan. 25, 2025
12-week training program targeting the F^3 Lake Half Marathon
Our Locations
CARA training programs are offered at locations throughout the city and suburbs. Options at each location vary by program.
Chicago - Downtown
Monroe Harbor
Programs Offered
Summer Marathon Training
Chicago - Lincoln Park
Diversey Harbor
Programs Offered
Summer Marathon Training
Chicago - Hyde Park
Promontory Point
Programs offered
Summer Marathon Training
Chicago - Waveland
Waveland Parking Lot
Program Offered
Spring Half Marathon Training
Winter Half Marathon Training
Winter Marathon Training
Boston Performance Training
Chicago - Montrose
Montrose Beach
Programs Offered
Summer Marathon Training
Libertyville
Old School Forest Preserve
Programs Offered
Summer Marathon Training
Lisle
Morton Arboretum
Programs Offered
Winter Marathon Training
Spring Half Marathon Training
Boston Performance
Darien
Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve
Programs Offered
Summer Marathon Training
Schaumburg
Busse Woods Forest Preserve
Programs Offered
Summer Marathon Training
Wheaton
IL Prairie Path
Programs Offered
Summer Marathon Training
Niles
Bunker Hill Forest Preserve
Programs Offered
Summer Marathon Training
Oak Forest
Yankee Woods
Programs Offered
Summer Marathon Training
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.
Program Site Coordinators
CARA training programs led by expert site coordinators, as well as coaches, and CARA staff.
Betsy Balgooyen-Keller
CARA Downtown
Darren DeMatoff
CARA Montrose (Sunday)
Jacob Gaddie
CARA Montrose (6:30)
Brett Geschke
CARA Lincoln Park
Wes Iller
CARA Schaumburg
Keith Kijek
CARA Niles
Jim Laubsted
CARA Wheaton
Beth Levy
CARA Niles
Tera O'Malley
CARA Morton Arboretum
Ann Marie Phaneuf
CARA Darien
David Rovani
CARA Montrose (6am)
Christine Stearns-Muender
CARA Libertyville
Joe Werner
CARA Oak Forest
Lori Wright
CARA Morton Arboretum
Program Coaches
CARA coaches lead training program track workouts.
James Diamond
Head Coach
Manager of Training
Heather Zeigler
Coach
David Mauger
Coach
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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)