Half Marathon & 5K Training
Your Training Starts Here
Welcome to the Life Time Chicago Half Marathon & 5K Training Hub. Here you will find valuable information to help you conquer your goals get you across that coveted finish line. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced distance runner, our training plans are designed specifically with you in mind, from one of our amazing Life Time coaches.
Half Marathon Training Begins July 7 on the LT App!
If you’re curious about what the road map to success looks like in the half marathon, we’ve got a 12-week training program in the Life Time Digital app. Developed by Life Time Coach Mike Thomson, the half marathon plan is a holistic initiative that integrates strength and cross training, while providing the “why” behind each week’s workouts through videos loaded with tips and motivation. It’s all in the easy to use Life Time app!
If you want to explore the training for the Chicago Half Marathon, follow these easy steps:
1. Download the Life Time app. Don’t have the app? Don’t worry…you can download it from the Apple App Store or Google Play. You MUST have the app downloaded in order to access the training plan.
2. Create an account.
3. From your mobile device, open the link below to enroll in the 12-week training program.
Note: Apple users must use the Safari browser to access this training plan.
If you’re having any trouble accessing the training plan, copy and paste this link into your browser on your mobile device: lifetime-member://selectprogram?programid=cae60b24-97b7-4cd2-8b00-c03a98b7e5af
5K Training Plan: Beginner
5K Training Plan: Advanced
Meet Your Training Plan Developer
Mike Thomson
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Level I USA Track & Field Coach
When it comes to getting motivated and driving results, there’s no substitute for high-energy support from a knowledgeable and experienced fitness professional. That vivacity is what Mike Thomson, one of Life Time’s in-club fitness professionals based out of Overland Park, Kansas, delivers to his clients.
Thomson has been coaching since 2005 after getting his Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from Michigan State University. In addition to his fitness credentials, he is also a Poliquin Biosignature Practitioner.
Thomson was a collegiate soccer player at Michigan State who expanded his athleticism into endurance events. His accomplishments are impressive, including completing the Boston Marathon in 2008 and 2010 and a sub-11-hour finish in his first Ironman at Ironman Cozumel in 2010. He’s also competed on Team USA in the 2012 Age Group World Triathlon Championships in New Zealand and in 2013, achieved an impressive 2:51 finish at the Chicago Marathon. You can find him on Instagram at @fastandfitmike.
Neversecond
Energy Gels
Neversecond energy gels will be available on course at aid stations F (aprox. mile 7) and M (mile 15.5).
Neversecond C30 Energy Gels are widely considered to be the next evolution of energy gels. Fomulated using a 2:1 glucose-to-fructose carbohydrate blend, the C30 gels deliver 30g of fast-absorbing carbohydrate and 200mg of sodium, with an exceptionally low risk of gastrointestinal distress.
Learn more about Neversecond
*Subject to change.
