Inclusive by design
All paces welcome. We group by comfort level and regroup often.
All paces welcome
Coffee sometimes
Chicago marathon training
Welcome to Wellness Warriors!
We’re a fun, friendly, pace-inclusive running group based in the northern Chicago suburbs near Buffalo Grove.
Some days we fly. Some days we shuffle. Either way—we show up, move our bodies, and hype each other up.
We train for the Chicago Bank of America 13.1 Half Marathon and Marathon,
plus other races across the U.S. and World Marathon Majors.
Weekly meetups
2
Anchor workouts
Track + Long
Next up
Your week in 30 seconds
Tuesday Speed Workout
6:00 PM
TBD - running track
Century Park - ski hill
TBD - running track
Century Park - ski hill
Saturday Long Run
6:30 AM
Even weeks → Busse Woods
Odd weeks → Century Park
Even weeks → Busse Woods
Odd weeks → Century Park
Sunday Long Run (during winter)
6:30 AM
Wheeling Park District
Winter season only
Wheeling Park District
Winter season only
About
Wellness-first running, seriously fun energy
We’re pace-inclusive, community-powered, and focused on sustainable progress. Expect friendly leaders, smart workouts, and a vibe that makes you want to show up again.
Recovery is training
Sleep, mobility, fueling, and easy days matter. Consistency wins.
Safety + respect
Clear meetups, buddy options, and a no-drama, respect-first culture.
Guidelines
Simple rules. Strong community.
We keep things clean, safe, and welcoming — so everyone can focus on the run.
No-drop long runs
Nobody gets left behind. We plan regroup points and match pace groups.
⏱️
Arrive 10 minutes early
Quick hello, warmup, route notes.
💧
Hydrate + fuel
Water always. For long runs, bring gels/snacks.
🔦
Be visible
Lights/reflective gear in low light.
🚦
Cross safely
Follow signals, watch traffic, share the path.
🌩️
Weather-smart
Lightning/extremes → modified plan or cancel.
💬
Respect-first
Encouragement only — no pace shaming.
Weekly schedule
Two anchors. Infinite momentum.
Tuesday speedwork builds strength. Saturday long runs build endurance. During winter, long runs move to Sundays. Everything else supports recovery.
Workout
Tuesday Speed Workout
Guided warmup → speed set (scaled by effort) → cooldown. Perfect for 13.1 + marathon fitness.
Long run
Saturday Long Run
No-drop policy with planned regroup points. Distances vary so you can build safely week to week.
Winter Schedule Note
From late fall through winter, long runs take place on Sundays instead of Saturdays, at Wheeling Park District at 6:30 AM
Training plan
Targeting Chicago Bank of America 13.1 + Marathon
A clean structure you can repeat: quality Tuesday, long Saturday, easy/support runs between.
Weekly rhythm
- Tue: speed workout (track)
- Thu: easy run + mobility
- Sat: long run (progress gradually)
- Optional: strength 1–2× / week
Focus
Improve efficiency and speed while keeping long runs comfortable. Recovery is non-negotiable.
Tempo
Intervals
Easy miles
Weekly rhythm
- Tue: quality (scaled)
- Midweek: 1–2 easy runs
- Sat: long run + fueling practice
- Optional: strength + mobility
Focus
Build sustainable volume, practice fueling, and protect recovery so you can stack good weeks.
Fueling
Long-run pacing
Recovery
Run events
Races + meetups
These are our main targets — plus fun pop-ups announced on Strava and Facebook.
Chicago Bank of America 13.1 Half Marathon
Target
Speed + endurance focus. Great first goal race or PR attempt.
Chicago Bank of America Marathon
Target
Consistency, long-run progression, and fueling practice for race day confidence.
Monthly Fun Run + Coffee
Community
Easy miles, big laughs. Dates announced on social.
Watch Facebook ↗Photos
The vibe
We run. We have fun. We celebrate. We support each other
Contact
Let’s run
Questions about pace groups, meetups, or the plan? Reach out anytime.
Email
wellnesswarriorschicago@gmail.com
Email is the fastest way to connect. You can also follow updates on Strava and Facebook.