Training Programs
Stepping Stones – goal is a brisk walk 45 minutes
This program is a Fall/Winter 12-week and Spring/Summer 10-week coached group program for those who have led a sedentary lifestyle for many years, and for the seasoned runner who may be coming back from an injury. The goal of Stepping Stones is a continuous brisk 45 minute walk with ease and intentions of working towards joining 1st Strides in the future.
Stepping Stones and 1st Strides are combined sessions – We are stronger together! The sessions include mini clinics that cover topics such as proper stretching & foam rolling techniques, nutrition, and injury prevention. We touch on goal setting, habits and mindset. We take a whole person approach to health and wellness.
1st Strides – Goal is a 30 Minute Run
This program is a Fall/Winter 12-week and Spring/Summer 10-week coached beginner group program for men and women of all ages and abilities. The program starts slowly, using walk/run intervals, gradually working our way to the goal of continuously running for 30 minutes in a supportive group environment. There is no pressure for distance or time, just positive support to help you achieve your goals! Just show up, and make a commitment with yourself, and do your BEST! We encourage all participants to work at their own pace. No running experience necessary.
Stepping Stones and 1st Strides are combined sessions – We are stronger together! The sessions include mini clinics that cover topics such as proper stretching & foam rolling techniques, nutrition, and injury prevention. We touch on goal setting, habits and mindset. We take a whole person approach to health and wellness.
Next Strides – Goal is Running Longer Distances
Next Strides Running Club
Welcome! We meet every Saturday morning for both groups throughout the year. We believe that running is better together, to keep us accountable, motivated, and supported, “The Power of the Group” helps each of us reach or health and wellness goals!
We have two groups that take off together so pick a group that best fits you! Pace ranges for both groups range from 10:30 – 18/ minutes per mile for both groups and Saturday morning course maps will be provided along with turn-by turns for both groups. No runner or walker is left behind!
Come run with us and let the “Power of the Group” do the rest! Everyone is invited for coffee afterwards at a local coffee shop.
Next Strides I
For those just coming out of 1st Strides or are new to Next Strides and would like to learn to run longer distances this group is for you. This is a seven month program and we increase our mileage slowly and safely throughout the program. We take a whole person approach to running. I believe this to be the key to running longer distances. You will be coached by a RRCA Certified long distance running coach and I have coached thousands of participants who have successfully reach their goals.
Next Strides II
This non-coached program is FREE to ALL runners, run/walkers or walkers every Saturday morning ALL through the year. Just show up Saturday morning and run. Bring your friends, family and neighbors! All are welcome!
This group is comprised of those runners who have spent a season in Next Strides I or those coming into this program who can run or walk 3, 4, 5, 6+ miles.
Team Perks
Both groups receive a 10% discount on accessories, apparel and shoes at The Naperville Running Company – ALL LOCATIONS.
Water Stations when the temps are 55 degrees or above.
Spring & Fall – Half & Full Marathon Training Overview
Winter & the summer months can be challenging, but Run Your Distance, “Power of the Group” will provide you the support, community, and accountability you need to successfully run through the winter & summer, and reach your spring and fall race starting line ready for success.
You will never have to go it alone. We have many participants running different paces that will give you the Power of the Group that has led hundreds of our runners to the finish line feeling great & accomplishing their race goals!
Our training plans provide a balance of miles, intensity and recovery. All paces are welcome!
Team Perks
Your coach is a RRCA Certified Long Distance Running Coach
Half marathon 18- weeks & 20 weeks training program for the full marathon.
Training Plans for ALL Levels of Experience
Group long Runs (Saturday). Average pace range from 10:30 to 17:00 pace/per mile
Coach led track and hill workouts (Wednesdays evenings)
Hydration support at all training runs, including water and Gatorade Endurance. During the warmer months ice towels will be added to all hydration stations.
10% off on apparel, accessories and shoes at The Naperville Running Company (All locations).
Access to a private Facebook page for program participants for additional coaching and support.
Training Schedules for this Springs & Fall Races
All training plans are flexible and can be adjusted for any half or full marathon. All training schedule dates are planned around big local races in our area.
Half Marathon Training Program Details
“Purple” Beginner Plan: You will run 11-22 miles per week. Starting mileage for runners & run/walkers: 5 miles for runners and 4 miles for walkers. A strong running and walking base before our official Start date is highly recommended. No racing experience necessary! This plan calls for running or walking 3-4 days per week.
“Blue” Intermediate Plan: You will run 15-26 miles per week with your 1st training run or walk starting at 7 miles (walkers) and 8 miles (Runners, Run/Walkers). This plan calls for running or walking 3-4 days per week. Suggested running experience 1 year of running
“Orange” Advanced Plan: With this plan you will run 30 + miles per with a long run of 14-15 miles. This plan calls for running five days a week. You are an experienced distance runner with at least 2 years of running under your belt, and have completed at least 1 half marathon.
“Green” Plan Three day training plans for all levels.
Event Schedule:
Group Spring training – 2024: TBA
Location: Starbucks, Geneva at 7:00 am
Fall Group & Virtual Training:
Date: June 8th through November
Time & Location: 7:00 am at Mount St. Mary’s Park, St. Charles
Virtual Runners are welcome!
Pricing:
Group & Virtual Training: $75/16 weeks of training
Full Marathon Training Program Details
“Purple” Beginner Plan: You will run 15-36 miles per week. Starting mileage for runners & run walkers is 6 miles. Suggested experience is 1.5 years of running and 1 half marathon under your belt before the official 1st day of training. Two six mile runs two weeks before training for your 1st marathon is recommended.
“Blue” Intermediate Plan: You will run 25-45 miles per week. Starting mileage for runners & run/walkers is 10 miles. Suggested experience is two years of running with one marathon under your belt and two 10 mile runs completed two weeks before official marathon training begins is highly recommended.
“Orange” Advanced Plan: You will run 50-70 miles per week. Starting mileage for runners & run/walkers is 12 miles. This program is for the runner or run/walkers who have been running for years and has run a number of marathons, your marathon training program is about pushing the envelope to get faster. To achieve something you’ve never had, you must do something you’ve never done.
“Green” Three day training plan is available for our beginner program only.
Event Schedule:
Spring Marathons 2024 TBA
Fall Group & Virtual Training:
Target marathons- Chicago Marathon & CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Marathon.
Our training plans are flexible and can be adjusted full marathon in October through November.
Training Dates: May – November, 2023
Pricing:
$85/ 20-week training plan
Just Want to Run With Us?
Would you like to walk or run with us but have your own training plan?
$25 per year from January through December.
FREE Tuesday evening Fun Run meets all year long and is a non-coached event!
All abilities, paces, and distances are welcome. Join us for some weekday accountability, motivation, and connecting with other runners in the Fox Valley area!
What
Are You
Waiting For?
Private Coaching
If private coaching is more your style, I would love to meet you and discuss your goals and set up plan.