Second Wind Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend Training Program

🏃‍♂️ Second Wind Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend Training Program

Runners of all experience levels, from the walker-runners to the seasoned speedsters, are welcome.

By the first group run on Sunday, January 4th, 2026, we do ask that you have built yourself up to be able to go at least 4 miles (run or run/walk).

We will be using the same programs from last year, with two separate levels (beginner and intermediate). Group runs and other training has been updated/added.

Just like last year, pacers will be required to pay a registration fee. We will be charging pacers the same registration fee. If a pacer participates in 12 of the 16 training runs, they will have their full registration and fees refunded. Pacers receive all the same benefits as the runners.

📅 Program Details

New this year:

• Registration Fee: $40 for the training program.
• Technical Shirt: Optional for an additional $10.

🎉 Benefits of the Program

• Training Levels: Two levels (Beginner and Intermediate), catering to runners with varying experience.
• Weekly Runs: Scheduled runs and training on Saturdays with planned routes.
• Daily Plans: An in-depth plan outlining daily activities throughout the program.
• Experienced Mentors: Mentor-pacers who are experienced runners.
• Nuts & Bolts Talk: Discussion the week before race weekend.
• Training Party: Celebratory event the week after race weekend.

This year’s program offers 16 weeks of training, beginning with the first run on Sunday, January 4th, 2026, at 7:30 AM., then Saturdays going forward, ending with the Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend, April 23-25, 2026. Most Saturdays we will meet at 8:00 AM. An informational Zoom meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 30th, 2025, at 7:00 PM. Our Coordinators - Jan Seeley, David Ammermann, and Niki Lake Olmo - will be available to discuss the training and answer any questions. All training plans will be emailed to participants prior to this date.

🚫 Marathon Training Information

Unfortunately, we will not be offering formal marathon training with this program. For those wanting to train for the marathon, some folks will meet at 7:00 AM to get in a few miles before the group runs: then run with the group as scheduled: then, if needed, run a few more miles after.

🐕 Dogs

We love our little four-footed friends, but due to liability issues they are not allowed at the training events. The only exception are service dogs. These dogs must have a harness or another identifier indicating they are service dogs and must be leashed at all times. This is an ordinance for both the city and county.

ℹ️ Membership Requirement

Second Wind Running Club membership is required. If you are not a member, or your membership has expired, please click here to become a member or renew your membership, then come back and join the training program. Membership will be verified.

For more information, visit the race page: Second Wind Marathon/Half Marathon Training Program.