2022 BOSTON BOUND TRAINING
Starts January 8th
Are you qualified for the Boston Marathon (or trying to qualify)? Are you an avid, experienced runner, looking for a group of like-minded, FAST athletes to help push you to the next level?
Make your 2022 Boston Marathon weekend the experience of a lifetime with Fleet Feet and Chicago Endurance Sports.
Our acclaimed Boston Bound training program (a Chicago Endurance Sports Performance program) is about more than just running the race, it’s about developing lasting bonds with your training partners and creating unforgettable memories in the city of Boston over the race weekend.
The program offers two options:
Boston Bound: For those who are currently registered for the 2022 Boston Marathon. Includes incredible, exclusive amenities in Boston
REGISTER FOR BOSTON BOUNDBoston Qualify: For those who aspire to be a Boston Marathon qualifier. Or, for those who already may be at this level but may be running a different spring marathon or just want to train with us.
REGISTER FOR BOSTON QUALIFY(See tabs below for additional details for each option)
Training schedule, dates, and locations:
Pre-Season Info Session: December 15, 2021
7pm at Fleet Feet Old Town
FULL DETAILS & RSVP HERE
Training begins: January 8, 2022
Location(s): Fleet Feet Old Town and Barrington High School
Workouts: 6:15 p.m. on Wednesdays and 8:00 a.m. on Saturdays
Wednesday workouts are at Fleet Feet Old Town
Saturday workouts will be at Fleet Feet Old Town to start, and then we'll begin meeting at Barrington High School for long runs over 15 miles.
WHAT IS CES PERFORMANCE?
CES Performance is our top-tier training program for experienced, high performance athletes. We're bringing the advanced coaching, speed & performance of Fleet Feet x New Balance Racing together with the coaching, community & structure that CES is known for. Get the best of both with CES Performance.
Program Details
Click the tabs below for more information
FAQ & POLICIES
How many miles should I be able to run before training begins?
We recommend that as a minimum, runners should be consistently running at least 5-6 times per week, with a minimum “long run” distance of 8-10 miles once per week. Running 4 times/week with an additional 1-2 sessions of 45 minutes or more of cardio exercise (such as swimming, cycling or spinning) is also fine.
Is this program only for runners who are training for the 2022 Boston Marathon or trying to qualify for a future Boston Marathon?
No. While the program originated as a training program specifically for the Boston Marathon, it has grown organically over the years as runners not doing Boston heard about the quality of the program and the level of training it provides. There are options for people who will be running Boston and trying to qualify, but also training plans geared towards athletes looking to do other spring marathons, such as the Illinois Marathon in Champaign-Urbana, the Flying Pig Marathon in Cincinnati, or other races in similar timeframes.
Is there a time qualification standard for the program? Is this program only for runners who are presently close to the qualification standards for the Boston Marathon? If I’m not close to those standards, will I be running alone?
No, no, and no! This program is for anyone interested in high-level marathon training, including longer interval and tempo workouts, long runs with structured pace-work built in, and opportunities to learn about advanced racing techniques from experienced coaches who have successfully raced at a high level in Boston and many other marathons. Our groups are large and diverse as to pace, gender, and age, which allows for lots of opportunities for running partners. Remember that the Boston qualifying standards for a 65 year old man and a 55 year old woman are the same, as are the qualifying standards for a 35 year old woman and a 55 year old man.
I’m training for my first marathon. Should I do this program?
Probably not. This program is designed for advanced marathon racing performance, and the workouts and long runs are such that most first-time marathon runners would not be a good fit for this program. Exceptions would be runners with significant prior experience racing the half marathon at a high level, or runners moving to the marathon following recent competitive collegiate distance running. If you have questions about whether this program is right for you, please reach out to us at BostonBound@chicagoendurancesports.com.
Does this training program offer pacers?
No, there are not assigned pace group leaders for long runs or workouts. Coaches will assist athletes in finding other participants who will be running similar paces in long runs and workouts to work together.
How will we prepare for the hills of the Boston course (or other hilly marathons) in the Chicago area?
Selected long runs throughout the program will take place in Barrington, Illinois, over courses that have been selected for their similarities to the topography of the Boston Marathon course, including sections of gently rolling hills and sustained climbs similar to the Newton Hills. Portions of the runs also take place on sections that are significantly steeper inclines than anything on the Boston Marathon course, to ensure you are more than prepared to run your best from Hopkinton to Boston.
I don’t have a car; will I miss out on the long runs in Barrington?
No. Within the group we assist runners to coordinate carpooling with each other. Many participants who do not have access to a car have been able to make it to all long runs in Barrington.
What is the minimum age to participate in a training program?
Athletes must be 18 years old to participate.
Can I participate with a stroller or pet?
For the safety of all participants, strollers & pets are NOT allowed at group training sessions.
Do you offer customized training plans?
Our coaching staff can help you make simple changes to the training plans, to help accommodate your lifestyle and needs. If, however, you have more unique circumstances, such as a non-traditional work/life schedule, unique training needs or just want that extra bit of personal attention and customization to help get you where you want to be, we offer a Virtual 1:1 Personal Coaching option. This monthly service is available throughout the length of the season, with no minimum commitment.
For more details, click the “PERSONAL COACHING” tab above.
What is the weather policy for cancelling group training?
We like to prepare for all types of conditions (rain, snow, wind, etc.) as you never know what it might be on race day. However, if there are conditions that could potentially put the participants or staff in danger (such as lightning, extreme heat or extreme cold), we will cancel or postpone training. For complete details and weather alerts, visit HERE.
What is the Refund/Cancellation policy?
Should you decide to cancel your participation in the CES Performance Marathon training program, registered participants have until two weeks prior to the start of the program (11:59pm (CDT) May 23, 2021), to be eligible for a full refund or credit. To request a refund/credit, please contact info@chicagoendurancesports.com.
*After May 23, 2021, no refunds or credits will be provided in full or in part for any reason, including injury, illness or race cancellation/changes. No prorated fees are provided for late enrollments. Race entry fees are NOT included in training fees.
The CES Performance Marathon program will continue regardless of any changes to the Chicago Marathon, or any other fall goal races. Should your goal race be cancelled or be unable to accommodate you, your CES Coaches & Staff will continue to support you, regardless, through the entire season.
Are Race Entry Fees included in training program fees?
Race entry fees & race registration are NOT included in training program fees and are the responsibility of the participant.
I have additional questions - who can I contact?
Please contact us at info@ChicagoEnduranceSports.com for more information.
COVID 19 Guidelines for CES Group Runs
Participant Guidelines / Expectations
Do not participate if you are feeling sick or ill, and or have a fever, or if you have been in contact with someone unrecovered from COVID-19.
Persons from high-risk groups for COVID-19 complications should consult their physician before participating.
Only spit or blow nose into a tissue or handkerchief.
Do not share personal items, such as hydration, energy gels, towels, etc.
Participants may be required to exit the group activity should their actions not meet expectations and or they are creating risk for themselves or others.
Mask/Face Covers
Participants, volunteers & staff must wear a mask or face cover at all times while inside Fleet Feet stores, regardless of vaccination status. Runners may remove their masks once outside.