Registration for the 2018 Beyond Half and Full Marathon Training Program is now closed, but guests are invited to attend our supported runs for $5 for KAR members/$10 for non-member friends. Drop-in guests attend their first Beyond run free of charge! All guests must sign in upon arrival.
Thinking about training for your first half or full marathon and seeking a comprehensive training program in a supportive environment? Completed one or more half and/or full marathons and looking for the next dimension in your training?
Kalamazoo Area Runners (KAR) is pleased to offer our out of this world half and full marathon training program designed to help you achieve your distance running goals! The 2018 Beyond Half and Full Marathon Training Program is organized by runners for runners, and runs Saturday mornings January 6, 2018 through April 28, 2018. Training schedules target the Kalamazoo Marathon, Borgess Half Marathon and the Boston Marathon.
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Beyond Half and Full Marathon Training Program Information Night and Blast Off
Place the launch date on your calendar. The Beyond Program Information Night and Blast Off is Tuesday, December 5, 2017 at 6:30pm at Bronson Gilmore Center, 7 Healthcare Plaza, Kalamazoo.
The Beyond Half and Full Marathon Training Program includes:
- Organized and supported Saturday morning runs held on a variety of courses in greater Kalamazoo and Portage.
- Runs begin at 8:00am (7:45 pre-run discussion) January and February, and 7:30am (7:15 pre-run discussion) March and April.
- Low, moderate and high intensity half and full marathon training schedules with day by day workouts.
- Special advanced training schedule for the marathon distance.
- Hydration (water and electrolyte beverages) and sag support provided on the course.
- Weekly email and blog site communications with training tips, schedules, and more
- Supportive and encouraging Team Leaders with pace groups ranging from 8:00 min/miles and lower to 12 minute miles and higher.
- Informative Clinic Night Thursday, January 25, 2018 offering a variety of running related topics.
- A FUN and supportive winter training experience with shared camaraderie and team spirit.
The cost of the Beyond Half and Full Marathon Training Program is $45 through December 31, 2017 for members of Kalamazoo Area Runners (KAR) (price increases to $55 January 1). Non-member friends may join KAR at a cost of $20 full-time student/$25 individual/$35 family.
Minors under age 18 may participate, however a parent or legal guardian, or other responsible adult 18+ (i.e. other relative or family friend) with written authorization from a parent or legal guardian must accompany the minor and provide direct supervision at all times during the runs.
Optional Metabolic Efficiency (ME) Package (available through December 31, 2017).
Back by popular demand, Athletic Mentors is offering Beyond participants a discounted Metabolic Efficiency (ME) package that includes their cutting edge metabolic efficiency testing and a supplemental 2 hour companion class. The cost of the package is an additional $90.
Prior to attending the class, you will schedule and complete a 40 minute Metabolic Efficiency test at Athletic Mentors in Richland. The sub maximal effort test is performed on a treadmill while wearing a mask that is attached to a metabolic cart. The cart captures and measures your breath, analyzing in real time the volumes and concentrations of O2 and CO2 of the inspired and exhaled gases. This enables Athletic Mentors coaches to determine your proportion and type of “fuel” (fats and carbohydrate) used to meet your individual energy demands at increasing intensities.
In one of the three scheduled group participation lecture-style classes, Athletic Mentors coaches will discuss some fundamental metabolic physiology as well as nutritional and exercise based strategies that will aid in improving ME over time. You will learn how to interpret and apply your own test results in making informed lifestyle and training decisions, amplifying your journey of improved athletic performance and long term health.
For more information about Metabolic Efficiency click here.
Athletic Mentors Class Times Offered For Beyond Training Athletes are:
- Thursday, January 18th – 6:00 – 8:00pm
- Wednesday, January 31st – 6:00 – 8:00pm
- Thursday, February 15th – 6:00 – 8:00pm
Upon close of class registration for KAR athletes (Dec 31st), participants will be contacted to schedule their test.
Testimonials
This program was exactly what I needed to successfully train for my first full marathon. Four months is a long time to train, and it takes both a mental and physical toll. There are so many ups and downs. I simply could not have made it to race day without the support and encouragement that this program offers, not to mention the sense of accountability to stick with the training schedules. My first marathon (the Cincinnati Flying Pig) ended up going great; I couldn’t have done it without this group! – Doug Chapel
Having moved to Kalamazoo recently and not knowing anyone here to do my group runs with, I would say I am pleasantly surprised with the Kalamazoo area running community. I would like to thank each and every individual who made beyond training a huge success and I would definitely be willing to take part again in 2018. – Vijay Turlapati
It may sound crazy, but getting up in time to eat and get to a Kalamazoo location ready to run by 8:00 am on Winter Saturdays, with 100s of like-minded folks, is a rush! You hear and share great stories, rack up the miles, and prepare for a dynamite Spring marathon. It’s habit-forming! – Carole Bolthouse
Contact Information
For more information on the Beyond Half and Full Marathon Training Program, please contact Bonnie Sexton at bonnie.sexton@kalamazooarearunners.org
