chicago marathon group program

If you are running the 2024 Chicago Marathon and want to get to the finish line feeling your strongest, this program is for you.

This isn’t your typical group program that gives a PDF training plan and then you’re on your own. You get a semi-customized training plan in the VDOT platform, weekly individualized feedback on workouts, and teammates training alongside you for the same race.

This program is full for 2024 and no longer accepting applications.

train strong for the 2024 chicago marathon

How It works

  • Apply

    Fill out a short application so we can get to know you and to ensure you will be a good fit for the program.

  • Accept invite

    You’ll be notified within a week of applying if you’re accepted. Complete payment and a few pieces of paperwork and you’ll be ready to go!

  • Start training

    Your first 4 weeks of training will be loaded in VDOT before you kick off training on Monday, June 10th.

who is a good fit for this program?

  • You are signed up for the Chicago Marathon on October 13, 2024 [OR another marathon the same weekend]

  • You are a low-medium mileage runner, as training plans will start out between 15-30 miles/week [3-5 days of running]

  • You know that having a more customized plan + support will help you stay on track to reach the start line healthy, happy, and ready to achieve your goals

  • You are committed to the work, trusting the process, and know that results will not happen overnight

  • You want to share the ups and downs of training with other runners training for the same race, as well as connect IRL during race weekend

  • You’re excited to get after it - work hard, learn new things, and have some fun!

this program includes:

  • Customized training + paces for your goals and starting fitness level delivered via the VDOT app in 4 week blocks

  • Personalized training feedback given 1x/week in VDOT + adjustments made as needed

  • Organized monthly run with Coach Tammy, if local to Chicago

  • Team Zoom call to kickoff the program, monthly workshops [via Zoom] with marathon-specific topics to help your preparations, and a race prep call in the weeks leading up to Chicago

  • Unlimited email communication w/coach

  • Team Slack community [including a channel specifically for this program], weekly emails, and events to connect with other TW athletes, both online and IRL

  • Support with fueling, pacing, recovery, race strategy, strength training, and all other aspects of training

  • Team events organized by Coach Tammy during Chicago Marathon weekend [for example: shake out run, carb loading dinner]

Investment: $639 for the 18 week program [$142/month]
*Payment plan is available

what tw athletes are saying

  • "I felt fully prepared for the marathon in every aspect of it, from the weekly running and strength training plan to fueling and nutrition."

    When I decided to sign up for my first marathon (Chicago '23) I knew I wanted to work with Tammy. I had followed her for years and saw the results her athletes had when working with her. I wanted to fully commit to this marathon and train properly in order to know if this was going to become a regular commitment for me or not. I'm so glad I joined her Chicago group program! I felt fully prepared for the marathon in every aspect of it, from the weekly running and strength training plan to fueling and nutrition. It was nice to connect with other runners who were training for the marathon as well. I keep telling everyone I enjoyed the training just as much (if not more) than the actual marathon and I really believe it's because of the TW Training Program and having her coaching and guidance during it. I'm proud to say that I reached my B and C goals for the marathon and was injury free for the entire training cycle. I highly recommend joining her team if you are looking for that extra support and guidance for your next race! - Calla G.

  • "From start to finish, Tammy provided a structured training plan and ongoing guidance that helped me exceed my goals in the 2019 Chicago Marathon. I beat my personal best by over 50 minutes!"

    “The TW Training Group Program exceeded my expectations. From start to finish, Tammy provided a structured training plan and ongoing guidance that helped me exceed my goals in the 2019 Chicago Marathon (my 2nd marathon). In fact, I beat my personal best by over 50 minutes! I received a structured program tailored to my fitness and background, with specific daily workouts detailing pace, effort and distance. As a group, we collectively focused on the “little things” that I would have tended to skip over —strength and mobility exercises that proved to be difference makers in my performance and injury prevention. The program paid off on race day, and Tammy was there at miles 8 and 24 cheering me and the others on, capping off an invaluable and positive experience.” - Richard T.

  • "Working with Tammy taught me to trust my own capabilities before scary long runs, and I gained a more positive outlook on those challenges as the weeks of training progressed."

    “I signed up for the Chicago Group Program because I wanted to feel confident going into my first ever marathon training season, and I knew that she could provide me with expert knowledge and advice along that journey. With Coach Tammy I was able to complete my first ever marathon! But even more than that, I’ve grown so much in mental resilience since starting my training with her. She provided reassurance after hard workouts and celebrated with me after strong quality sessions! Working with Tammy taught me to trust my own capabilities before scary long runs, and I gained a more positive outlook on those challenges as the weeks of training progressed. I knew that I was supported during my training and could reach out for critical feedback as well as calm reassurance when challenges did arise! Tammy is an excellent coach for anyone looking to gain confidence in their own capabilities and tackle their most audacious running goals. - Otyllia A.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The Group Program is a step below Standard 1:1 Coaching, in that your training plan is not customized for your schedule or any individualized activities you’re doing. You also do not receive any 1:1 phone calls. Your paces and your starting point will be customized to you, though, as with 1:1 coaching. You will get guidance on how to shift workouts to accommodate your schedule, and we are always available for questions, but programming won’t take into account your individual scheduling details like 1:1 coaching does.

  • This program is for low-medium mileage runners, who will be starting their training in June running between 15-30 miles/week. The number of marathons you’ve run is irrelevant. Paces are customized for you in the platform, so all levels are appropriate, however, if you are a higher mileage runner or have zero base to start in June, this wouldn’t be a good option.

  • Outside of the monthly run + the team events during Chicago Marathon weekend, all aspects of this program will be done virtually, so you can live anywhere to participate! If you live in the same city as other teammates, you will have the opportunity to coordinate other runs via Slack [if you’d like].

  • Coach Tammy will be the primary coach for this program, with other coaches supporting throughout.

  • Yes - if you are training for a marathon the same weekend as Chicago [October 12-13], OR a marathon one weekend before [Oct 5-6]/after [Oct 19-20], you can apply for the program.

  • Individualized strength workouts are not included, but strength training is written into all plans, and there are a variety of strength workouts available in the team’s resources to support you. Cross training is programmed for some plans, specifically runners who are running low mileage or are injury-prone.

  • While it’s not required to have a GPS watch, it is very helpful. Strava does not give detailed data - especially for speed workouts - so coaches are not able to give as much feedback since we don’t have as much data to look over. VDOT syncs with Garmin and Coros and it makes it a lot easier to execute your workouts, as well. If you don’t have a watch, it will require more work on your end to input accurate data and give additional details so we can provide feedback.

  • Your coach will work with you to help you get back on your feet as quickly as possible if you were to get injured. If you are unable to complete a large portion of the training, you would be given a credit toward a future group program. No refunds will be given.