Half Marathon & 5K Training brought to you by

Welcome to the Life Time Chicago Half Marathon & 5K Training Hub brought to you by HOKA. 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.

Before you begin your training, be sure to watch the video on the right for important information about the training programs and how to maximize your training with some pre-training prep work.

Over the next 12 weeks, HOKA and the Life Time Chicago Half Marathon will take you on an epic training journey as we follow participant, Kayla Jerred, and the infamous Coach Mike Thomson, through the most important aspects of training to help you achieve your goals on race day.

FOLLOW ALONG HERE

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.

LEARN MORE ABOUT COACH MIKE

HOKA Shoe of Choice

Easy/everyday run shoe: Clifton 9

GET YOURS HERE

Speed/race run shoe: Mach X

BE LIKE MIKE

Recovery run shoe: Gaviota 5

MATCH MIKE

Meet HOKA Training Series Athlete

Kayla Jerred

Kansas City Native

Kayla ran cross country all through high school but took a break from running/races while in college. She started going to Life Time in 2019 and quickly grew to love Alpha Strength and UltraFit.

UltraFit reminded Kayla of her love for running and picked racing back up in 2021 with a 5k alongside other Life Time members. Since 2021, Kayla has run numerous 5Ks and 10Ks, but finally decided to run her first half marathon in 2024.

She ran Rock the Parkway in Kansas City, followed by the Chicago Spring Half this past May. On September 29, at the Life Time Chicago Half Marathon presented by HOKA, Kayla hopes to PR her half marathon time, connect with other runners, and also remind herself that running is a gift when the race gets tough.