Spring Fast Track 5k & 10k Training Program - Kalamazoo

Join us for the spring session of the 2026 Fast Track 5k and 10K Training Program (Kalamazoo) presented by Kalamazoo Area Runners (KAR). The Fast Track program offers two levels of workouts designed to meet your goals whether beginner or experienced runner. Led by trained KAR coaches, the program targets the Kalamazoo Klassic and includes training schedules, individual guidance, clinics and structured Wednesday track workouts in a fun and supportive environment. The Wednesday track sessions are conducted 6:00 to 7:30 pm at WMU Kanley Track and programs run 9 weeks from April 14 to June 9. Program Levels: * Fast Track II (Introduction to Speedwork 5k & 10k Program) – Geared towards transitioning a runner who has some 5k and/or 10k running experience, but is new to track workouts and is looking for a lower mileage program (under 20 miles/week). * Fast Track III (Competitive Speedwork 5k & 10k Program) – Geared towards competitive runners with 5k and/or 10k racing and track workout experience who are seeking optimal performance and/or a higher mileage (20 + miles week). The program is $35 to members of KAR and registration will remain open through May 15 or until the 50 participant cap is attained, whichever is sooner. Participants may join (new members) or renew (existing members) their KAR membership upon registration. (Membership is $20/student; $25/individual and $35/household per year. FAST TRACK TRAINING PLAN 5K & 10K Training Objective The overall objective of Fast Track is to make you a fundamentally faster runner. That starts with organizing training groups. Training partners make it easier and more enjoyable to run fast. Once we have training groups put together, we will work on several of the secrets of running faster: springy muscles and quicker muscle contraction. Along the way we will improve things like lactic threshold, anaerobic capacity, lactic buffering, and aerobic capacity, all of which is intended to not only make you a faster runn