Training Programs :: Winter Warriors

The CES Winter Warriors Half Marathon Training Program

Interested in staying fit this winter?

The end of summer doesn't have to mean the end of running. If you've been training for a fall marathon or half marathon, chances are you're in the best shape you've been in all winter.

Why stop now?

Train and run with Chicago Endurance Sports Half Marathon Training Program, and we'll help you get or stay in shape—especially during the "challenging" holiday season.

Register Online: GO!

Bermuda Triangle Challenge

This Winter, Find Yourself in the Bermuda Triangle

Not only will we get you in great shape this winter, we'll get you ready to enter 'The Bermuda Triangle Challenge' — a 3-day event featuring a Friday night 1-mile race; a Saturday 10K run; and a Sunday half marathon.

(Registration for the Bermuda Half Marathon by itself is also available… still a great way to escape from Chicago in January.)

And if you don't make it back in time for work on Monday, just tell the boss you got lost in The Bermuda Triangle.

Mystery solved.

Worried about the cold?

Winter Warriors starts and finishes at Fleet Feet Sports in Pipers Alley — a WARM, DRY place to start, a safe place for your personals, and a fun place to have coffee or breakfast with your running buddies after the long runs.

Follow the links below to find out about this innovative, fun, successful program!

Limited Space Available

In order to maintain the high quality that CES is known for (and which participants expect of CES), this program is limited to 500 people. Our last two programs have SOLD OUT before the Kick Off Meeting, and this one will too — don't miss your chance — register today!

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Kickoff Meeting

Join us at our Informational Kickoff Meeting, 9:00am Sunday, October 19th, 2008 — Hosted at Fleet Feet Sports, Piper's Alley

Meet our coaches, ask questions (and get answers!) and have fun with a free raffle and giveaways. Learn valuable training tips from our Head Running Coach. In addition, the experts at Fleet Feet Sports will provide essential shoe and clothing tips for comfortable Winter Running! If the program hasn't sold out, registration will be available (cash & check only, please) after the meeting. And don't worry — we won't make you run… yet! Just dress casually and bring a great attitude!!

Registration / Packet Pickup — 8:00-8:45am and after meeting

Pick up your training packet (includes daily training schedule, Nike running shirt, and goodies from our sponsors!) prior to or after the Kick Off Meeting. *We highly recommend registering online prior to the Kick Off Meeting as the program will likely sell out before the meeting. If the program is not sold out prior to the Kick Off Meeting, you may register before or after the meeting. Check the CES homepage for updates on the registration.

Parking options at Fleet Feet Sports, Piper's Alley:

  • $2 for the first hour with validation at Piper's Alley parking deck
  • metered parking on Wells St. or North Ave.
  • street parking in the Old Town neighborhood

Additional Packet Pickup / Registration Dates

We will be offering THREE additional Packet Pickup dates in order to make the registration process more convenient for you. You will need to pick up your training packet prior to the FIRST TRAINING SESSION on Saturday, October 25th and can pick it up at the Kick Off Meeting or any of the THREE additional Packet Pick Up dates. Your family or friend may pick it up for you (if you are pre-registered online). All packet pickups will be hosted at Fleet Feet Sports, Piper's Alley in the back of the store multipurpose room (1620 N. Wells Street, Chicago, IL).

  • Tuesday, October 21st from 6-8pm
  • Wednesday, October 22nd from 6-8pm
  • Thursday, October 23rd from 6-8pm

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Program Benefits

Not only do you get to have a lot of fun, but you also get a ton of great stuff too! Check it out:

  • 13 weeks of wonderful, winter training to keep you motivated through the holidays and in shape into the spring
  • A warm, dry place to start and finish the runs, store your personals and go for coffee!
  • Professional, experienced (and nice!) coaches (more details)
  • Personalized, daily training schedule for all levels
  • Running and Run-Walk training programs and pace groups
  • Weekly newsletter with tips on training & program updates
  • Weekly tips for training & Q & A at all training sessions with our coaches
  • Coached group training — 2X per week
    • Wednesday 6:30pm
    • Saturday 7:30am and 7:50am*
    • (more details)
  • Pace Leaders for every pace and distance
  • Custom, long sleeve Nike Dri Fit technical shirt (a $50 value!)
  • Smart ID shoe tag
  • Discounts/promotions from our partners:
  • Educational seminars & clinics (more info below)
  • Fun, team social activities:
    • "Holiday Breakfast Party", a fun predictor run followed by breakfast!
  • and much more!

*In order to reduce congestion at the start of our group runs on Saturdays, we will be staggering the start times:

  • Run/Walkers will start at 7:30am
  • Runners will start at 7:50am

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Training Days & Locations

FIRST GROUP TRAINING SESSION: Saturday, October 25th 2008, 7:30am at Fleet Feet Sports—Pipers Alley.
Group training sessions are held every Wednesday & Saturday, beginning with our first session on Saturday, October 25, 2008. For a little more detail on what happens at those sessions, read on...

Wednesdays - 6:30pm on the Chicago Lakefront (start at Fleet Feet Sports, Piper's Alley)

The focus of these mid-week runs will be on form, strength & speed. Our coaching staff will be on hand to help teach, challenge and motivate you!

Saturdays - 7:30am and 7:50am on the Chicago Lakefront (start at Fleet Feet Sports, Piper's Alley)

These days are reserved for the long, slow distance runs that are so important to the success of endurance runners. Pace Leaders are available to guide you at the appropriate pace. Our coaches will also run with you to motivate you and help with any concerns or questions that come up along the way.

BONUS: Restrooms, changing rooms, secure gear storage and water are available at all of our group training sessions!

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Clinics & Seminars

If you truly want to reach your goals, you need to do more than just put in the miles! Our expert speakers will present clinics on a variety of topics including:

  • Yoga for Runners
  • Gadgets for Endurance Runners
  • Core & Strength Training
  • Injury Prevention & Flexibility
  • Food as Fuel: Sports Nutrition
  • Heart Rate Monitor Training
  • Mental Skills Training
  • Comprehensive Race Prep

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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

Click here for more information on our awesome coaches!

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Virtual Training Option

Do you live too far away? Can't make it to any of the Group training sessions because of conflicts? Try our Virtual Training option! You'll receive your schedule online and support from our coaches, as well as a weekly email update with coaching tips, race updates and more.

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How to Register

Online registration is available at Active.com by clicking on the button below:

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Fees

Group Training Program* CES Alumni New Members
Through August 31st $149 $169
Through September 30th $159 $179
October 1st and later $169 $189
*Limited to maximum of 350 participants
 
Virtual Training Program CES Alumni New Members
Through August 31st $49 $69
Through September 30th $59 $79
October 1st and later $69 $89

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.

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2008-2009 Bermuda Challenge Travel Package

All Inclusive Travel Package to the 2009 Bermuda Triangle Challenge Includes
(available to '09 registered Winter Warriors Team Members*):

  • Roundtrip flights on US Airways from Chicago to Bermuda
  • Accommodations in a choice of rooms at the Fairmont Princess Hotel, race headquarters, for 5-days/4 nights, January 15-19 (more nights are an option)
  • Full breakfast each day
  • All hotel taxes and gratuities
  • Resort levy
  • Round-trip airport transfers
  • Welcome Cocktail Reception on Thursday
  • Personally hosted by the Chicago Endurance Sports Staff

Packages start at $1,062 (double occupancy, standard room). Please login to the Winter Warriors Members Only page to see the Informational flyer and Trip Application for additional details and to reserve your spot on this phenomenal trip! Limited availability - please book your trip as soon as possible ($200 per person deposit).

*Once you are registered for Winter Warriors, you will receive a confirmation email with the contact information for booking the CES travel package.

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Questions?

Please contact us at info@ChicagoEnduranceSports.com or call 866-237-7861 for more information.

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