Thinking about training for your first half or full marathon and looking for a comprehensive training program in a fun and supportive environment? Completed one or more half and/or full marathons and looking for that next dimension in your training?
Kalamazoo Area Runners (KAR) is pleased to offer an out of this world training program designed to help you achieve your distance running goals!
The 2020 Beyond Half and Full Marathon Training Program is organized by runners for runners and meets Saturday mornings January 4, 2020 through April 25, 2020.
Training schedules prepare runners for the Kalamazoo Marathon, Borgess Half Marathon and the Boston Marathon.
Back by popular demand, the Beyond features an optional Metabolic Efficiency (ME) Package through Athletic Mentors. Take your running to the next level!
FREE Information Night and Blast Off
The 2020 Beyond Information Night and Blast Off is Tuesday, December 3, 2019 at 6:30pm at KRESA Wile Auditorium, 1819 E Milham Ave, Portage, MI 49002. Learn more and join us for refreshments and door prizes!
The Beyond 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 communications with training tips, schedules, and more.
- Supportive and encouraging Team Leaders with pace groups ranging from under 8:00 min/miles to 12 minute miles and above.
- Informative Clinics from 7:15 – 7:45am January – February before select Saturday morning runs offering a variety of running related topics.
- Information Night and Blast Off, Tuesday, December 3, 2019 at 6:30pm at KRESA Wile Auditorium,1819 E Milham Ave, Portage, MI 49002 with light refreshments and door prizes.
- A FUN and supportive winter training experience with shared camaraderie and team spirit.
- Optional Beyond Marathon Training Program long sleeve technical shirt by Nike (available through December 13, 2019). $30 additional.
- Optional Beyond hats (available through December 13, 2019) $20 additional.
- Optional Metabolic Efficiency (ME) Package (available through December 31, 2018). $99 additional.
Program Registration
The cost of the Beyond Half and Full Marathon Training Program is $45 through December 31, 2019 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.
Click here to register for the 2020 Beyond Half and Full Marathon Training Program
Optional Metabolic Efficiency (ME) Package
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 $99 through the Beyond registration process.
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 a scheduled group participation lecture-style class, 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.
Click here for more information on Metabolic Efficiency Testing
Athletic Mentors Class Times Offered For Beyond Training Athletes are as follows:
- Thursday January 16, 2020
- Wednesday February 5, 2020
- Wednesday February 26, 2020
NEW this year, participants may call Athletic Mentors at 269-743-2277 to schedule their test and class upon registration, allowing for earlier testing. Bring your registration confirmation when you go in for your test.Upon close of class registration for KAR athletes (Dec 31st), participants who haven’t already called ahead will be contacted to schedule their test and class.
Please contact Bonnie Sexton at bonnie.sexton@kalamazooarearunners.org if you have any questions regarding the Beyond Half and Full Marathon Training Program. We look forward to running with you this winter!