Second Wind Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend Training Program

Welcome to the 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.

New this year:

• Registration will $40 for the training program
• Technical training shirt is optional for an additional $10 

Benefits of the program include:

• Two levels of training (beginner and intermediate) - Beginner level runners may not have run a half marathon, or have run less than two and would like to improve how they train. Intermediate level runners have run a few half marathons and are wanting to improve their time and how they train.
• Weekly scheduled runs and training on Saturdays with planned routes
• An in-depth plan that lays out what to do each day of the program
• Mentor-pacers who are experienced runners
• Nuts and bolts talk the week before race weekend
• Training program party 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 730am.  After that, we will meet Saturday mornings at 8am. The training is aimed at participating in the Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend, April 23-25, 2026.  There will be an informational Zoom meeting held on Tuesday, December 30th, 2025, at 7pm. Our Coordinators - Jan Seeley, David Ammermann, and Niki Lake Olmo - will be on hand to go over the training and answer any questions you may have. 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 participants will meet at 7am 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 are approved and must have a harness or something else that they are wearing to show that they are a service dog. They must also be leashed at all times. This is an ordinance for both the city and county.

*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.*