Thinking about training for your first half marathon or marathon and seeking a comprehensive training program in a supportive environment? Completed one or more half and/or full marathons and looking for the next dimension in your training?
Kalamazoo Area Runners (KAR) is pleased to introduce the winter session of our out of this world half and full marathon training program! The 2024 Winter Beyond Half and Full Marathon Training Program (Kalamazoo) runs Saturday mornings beginning Saturday, January 6, and continues through Saturday, April 27. Saturday runs start at 8 a.m. in January and February, and 7:30 a.m. in March and April. Low, Moderate and High Intensity Training Schedules prepare runners for the Kalamazoo and other spring half and full marathons.
Beyond Information Night and Blast Off
Place the launch date on your calendar. An Information Night and Blast Off is Tuesday, December 5, 2023 from 7 – 8 p.m. at Consumers Credit Union Headquarters, 7200 Elm Valley Dr, Kalamazoo. Light refreshments will be provided.
Did you miss the Info Night? No worries – see this link for the presentation that was shared!
Winter Beyond Info Night Presentation
Program Cost
Membership in Kalamazoo Area Runners (KAR) is required to join the Winter Beyond Half and Full Marathon Training Program. The program cost is $45 through December 31, 2023 and $55 afterwards, plus the cost of a KAR membership if not already a member ($25 individual/$35 family/$20 full-time student).
The 2024 Beyond Half and Full Marathon Training Program (Kalamazoo) includes:
- Organized and supported Saturday morning runs held on a variety of courses in Kalamazoo, Portage, and other surrounding communities.
- Pace groups are led by experienced and supportive team leaders to help you meet your goals.
- Hydration and SAG support are provided on the course.
- The majority of runs begin and end at an indoor venue with restroom facilities.
- Low, moderate and high intensity half and full marathon training schedules with day-by-day workouts.
- Weekly email communications with training tips, schedules, and more.
- Informative Clinics from 7:15 – 7:45am January – February before select Saturday morning runs offering a variety of running related topics.
- Optional Beyond Marathon Training Program long sleeve technical shirt (available through December 18, 2023). $30 additional. Color selection will be based on available inventory.
- Optional Beyond hats (available through December 18, 2023) $15 additional. Color selection will be based on available inventory.
Testimonials
This program was exactly what I needed to successfully train for my first full marathon. Four months is a long time to train, and it takes both a mental and physical toll. There are so many ups and downs. I simply could not have made it to race day without the support and encouragement that this program offers, not to mention the sense of accountability to stick with the training schedules. My first marathon (the Cincinnati Flying Pig) ended up going great; I couldn’t have done it without this group! – Doug Chapel
Having moved to Kalamazoo recently and not knowing anyone here to do my group runs with, I would say I am pleasantly surprised with the Kalamazoo area running community. I would like to thank each and every individual who made beyond training a huge success and I would definitely be willing to take part again in 2018. – Vijay Turlapati
It may sound crazy, but getting up in time to eat and get to a Kalamazoo location ready to run by 8:00 am on Winter Saturdays, with 100s of like-minded folks, is a rush! You hear and share great stories, rack up the miles, and prepare for a dynamite Spring marathon. It’s habit-forming! – Carole Bolthouse
Contact Information
For more information on the 2024 Beyond Half and Full Marathon Training Program, please contact Doug Chapel (doug.chapel@kalamazooarearunners.org).
Beyond Training Program 
Do you have a training like this available in the fall? I will not be living in Kalamazoo until late May.
Kalamazoo Area Runners and Gazelle Sports partners for the Safari Training Program which starts in June and targets a fall marathon or half marathon.
Is it posted yet where the meeting locations are? I would love if there was a meeting place in portage?
For locations, look under the “Schedules” tab. The snapshot schedules show all of the venues. We’ll start in Portage four different times, including week 1 at Portage West Middle School.
Is there a link to access training schedule for Beyond half trying available yet? Wanting to check it out as so I can try and schedule what I need to to prepare an accordingly for a race I have before May.
Training schedules will be up in the next week and will be posted here.
Will schedules be up soon?
Hi! when are training schedules going to be posted?
Schedules are on the way. The suspense is building…to be unwrapped…before Christmas!
Is there a way to preview the training schedule?
What time are the meetings on Saturday and where do we meet? I can’t make tomorrow’s meeting but would love more information!
Saturday runs are at 8:00am until DST, then switch to 7:30am. Meetings are at various locations throughout the area. All are indoors and have bathroom facilities. Email steve.rice@kalamazooarearunners.org with questions.
Do we need to register to attend the orientation tomorrow night? Or can we just show up to learn?
Do not need to register. Just show up and learn. And be inspired.
Wonderful! Looking forward to it!
For the half marathon training, what is the starting point for distance?
Starting mileage for the half marathon is as follows: Low intensity program – 4 miles, medium intensity – 5 miles, and high intensity – 7 miles.
I’d like to register, but I’m having some self-doubt as a first-time marathoner! What is the expected level of fitness to start this program?
First Saturday mileage for marathoners is 8 miles for low intensity, 9 for moderate intensity, and 11 for high intensity. Being able to run these distances is recommended but not required. Remember, “intensity” refers to the amount of miles you’ll cover per the training program, not pace.
Jill when do u do your run walks?
I work in Ohio during the week and am unable to attend the meeting on the 8th. Can you put me in touch with someone for a short phone discussion? Thank you!
Email sent.
Will you have a run/walk half marathon group
Hi Suzanne. There’s no run/walk program planned at this time. But sometimes after pace groups are formed, there’s sub groups that form to run/walk. What pace level are you considering? May be able to connect you with a run/walker.
Suzanne,
I just started the Galloway half marathon training program. I’m doing 2:30 run & 1:30 walk. You are more than welcome to join me.