Training Programs :: Advanced Speed Training
Advanced Speed Training for Endurance Runners
Running fast is all about running more efficiently. It's about concentration. It's about training. And, it's about power and strength.
If you've competed in races of 10-mile distances (or greater), and want to run fast—this is your training program. It also is the perfect add-on to the following CES Summer Training Programs:
- Chicago Marathon Training Program
- Rock 'n' Roll Chicago Half Marathon Training
- Half & Half Challenge Training
Note: This 18-week program is limited to the first 75 athletes, so register today!
- Training Days & Locations
- Coaching Staff
- Minimum Requirements
- How to Register
- Fees
- Sponsors
- Questions?
Training Days & Locations
Group training sessions are held every Monday for 18 weeks, beginning with our first session on Monday, June 6th at Fleet Feet Sports, Old Town (1620 N. Wells Street). For a little more detail on what happens at those sessions, read on...
Mondays - 6:30pm Fleet Feet Sports, Old Town and other locations
Group will start each Monday session at Fleet Feet Sports, Old Town, then head out to the Lakefront Path, LakeShore Track and other locations. The focus of these once-a-week sessions will be on improving your running form and increasing your strength through challenging interval training, tempo runs and more. Our coaching staff will be on hand to help teach, challenge and motivate you!
Our Coaching Staff
We're extremely proud of our professional, experienced coaching staff — they always go the extra mile to make sure you have a fun, successful training season! Why is it so important to have qualified coaches? They can:
- Evaluate your current fitness level and goals to make sure you are training at an appropriate level
- Evaluate and suggest ways to improve your running form
- Assist you if you need to adjust your training schedule, in the event of an injury or missed training due to travel or life in general
- Motivate and challenge you to reach your goals in a smart, safe & effective manner
Head Coach, Jim Akita
Jim Akita is entering his sixth year as the head men's cross country coach at Elmhurst College.
In five seasons with the Bluejays, Akita has coached five all-conference and three all-region runners. Three Bluejays have qualified for the NCAA Championship under Akita's watch.
In 2009, the Bluejays placed sixth at the CCIW Championship. In 2008, he guided Elmhurst to a fifth-place finish as Pat Austin earned all-conference and all-region accolades while qualifying for the NCAA Championship.
Akita also serves as the head coach for the men's track and field team. In just five seasons as the head track and field coach for the Bluejay men, Akita's student-athletes have earned five All-America honors.
Prior to joining the Bluejays as head coach, Akita served as a graduate assistant coach at Rockford College. He also served as an assistant coach at Elmhurst during the 2002 season.
Akita was a stand-out member of the Elmhurst College cross country and track and field teams. As a two-time captain of both the cross country and track teams he earned eight all-conference honors and was a Jack Swartz Academic all-conference selection in 2000. Akita set five school records in track and field.
Asst. Coach, Abbey Cullen
Abbey has been a runner and coach for most of her life. Growing up in Michigan, running with her dad on Sundays turned into a love of running in 5th grade. She continued with it through high school on the track team and ran on her own during college and graduate school. Recently, Abbey has been coaching high school track and cross country runners for the last 4 years. When she's not hitting the path, she has been a high school history teacher for the past three years, and has a Master's in History.
Abbey is a 3 time Boston Qualifier, with a 3:36 PR at the 2010 Boston marathon. She has run 5 marathons, 10 half marathons, and 2 sprint triathlons. Her goal for the Chicago Marathon is 3:30. She is passionate about running and believes that anyone can accomplish their goals.
Recently Abbey finished 2nd in her age group at the Run to Remember, Chicago Police 5k, April 2011 (21:58). Her personal goal is to continue to be an age group award winner and also to become an 'overall' winner for women.
Abbey's motto is "Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go" (TS Eliot)
Click here for more information on our awesome coaches.
Minimum Requirements
Participants in this program need to meet the following MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
- Have completed a 10 mile (or longer) race at 9:30 min/mile pace or faster in the last 6 months.
- Currently running a minimum of 20-25 miles/week (during the 2 months prior to the start of the program)
If you have questions about this program, please contact Coach Jim Akita at CoachJim@ChicagoEnduranceSports.com.
How to Register
Online registration is available at Active.com by clicking on the link below:
Fees
| CES Alumni | New Members | |
| Through May 31st | $129 | $139 |
| June 1st and beyond | $139 | $149 |
Limited to maximum of 75 participants.
New CES'ers, good news! Once you participate in ANY CES program, you are a CES alumni for life and will save $$ on future programs!
No refunds will be provided in full or in part for any reason, including injury, after a program begins. No prorated fees are provided for late enrollments.
Questions?
If you have questions about this program, please contact Coach Jim Akita at CoachJim@ChicagoEnduranceSports.com. For information about our other programs, please contact us at info@ChicagoEnduranceSports.com or call 866-237-7861 for more information.