Half & Full Marathon Training Spring 2025

2025 Spring Half Marathon and Full Marathon Training Program   

Madison’s premier group running program! All levels of running experience are welcome. This program is tailored to helping participants train for the Run Madtown half marathon and Lacrosse Marathon. However, you are welcome to join us if you are targeting another spring running event.  

PROGRAM GENERALS:  

• Duration: February 8, 2025 – May 24, 2025 (15 weeks) 

• Meet & Greet/Kick-Off Event: Saturday, February 8 @ 8:30 a.m. | Fleet Feet Madison (8440 Old Sauk Rd.)  

• First Group Run: Sunday, February 9, 2025 @ 7:30 a.m.  

• Registration Deadline: Monday, February 3, 2025 

• Online Registration Opens Jan 1, 2025

GOAL RACES:  

• Run Madtown Half (May 24, 2025) or Lake Monona 20K (May 3, 2025) 

• La Crosse Half and Full Marathon (May 3, 2025)   

We can help you customize the program to prepare for most spring season goal races. Many participants also use this program to train for the Syttende Mai 20-mile (May 17, 2025), EPIC Marathon (May 18, 2025), and Madeline Island Marathon (May 17, 2025). 
 

LODGING – LA CROSSE MARATHON 

We have a hotel block reserved for Fleet Feet athletes available at the Home2 Suites by Hilton on Friday night. Availability is limited – we cannot guarantee rooms once our block is filled. Hotel is located about ½ mile from the event finish.  

Hotel Information: 
Home2 Suites by Hilton La Crosse 
210 Jay St. La Crosse, WI 54601 
Rate: ~$229/night + tax 
 
Dates: Friday, May 2 – Saturday, May 3 (1 night only) 
*We recommend requesting a late check-out when making a reservation.  

Hotel block is listed under “Fleet Feet.” 
 
TRAINING PROGRAM RATES*:  
-> New Year Special: $20 OFF (January 1, 2025 – January 8, 2025)  

• Early Bird: $139 (Until Jan. 15, 2025) 

• Regular Rate: $149 (Jan. 16 – Feb. 3, 2025) 

• Late Registration: $159 (Feb. 4, 2025 and after) 

*Training program fee does not include registration into the goal race(s) or races built into the training plans.  
Races built into the 2025 training plans (in addition to the goal races):  

• Shamrock Shuffle 5K/10K (March 23, 2025) 

• Lake Monona 5K/20K (May 3, 2025) 

 
MEET AND GREET / PROGRAM KICK-OFF: 
Saturday, February 8, 2025 @ 8:30 a.m. | Fleet Feet Madison (8440 Old Sauk Rd.) 
 
Join us for a morning to celebrate the start of spring training! We’ll have coffee, promotions, raffle items, and more! This meeting will primarily be informational and is an excellent opportunity to introduce you to the coaches and answer questions. Plan on approximately one hour of discussion. We will cover safety concerns and requirements, training plans and program details, group run protocol, the best gear for a successful training session, and discuss how we can help meet your needs this season. No running or workout involved. 
 
GROUP RUNS:  

• Wednesdays – 6:00 p.m.   

• Sundays – 7:30 a.m.  

Group run meeting locations will rotate between west, central, and east areas of Madison.  

• On Sunday mornings, participants are tourists in our own great city running through several popular Madison area parks and trails (e.g. Olin Park, Vilas Park, McKee Farms Park, McDaniel Park, Olbrich Park, Winnequah Park, Glacial Drumlin, Orchid Heights Park, Lakeshore Path, Capital City Trail, Lower Yahara River Trail, SW Commuter Path, etc.).  

• Wednesday group runs will generally be centrally located except for days we have a seminar and/or event, in which case we will meet at one of the area Fleet Feet stores (Madison or Sun Prairie).   

Athletes will cover the majority of the Lake Monona 20K and Run Madtown Half Marathon course throughout training.  

*We will not meet as a group on Easter weekend (Sunday, April 20). 
 
Other highlights of the training program include:  

• A complete training plan leading up to targeted goal events: adaptable plan options based on goals and running experience 

• Warmup and cool down exercises to make every run smoother  

• Recommended strength, mobility, and core workouts to balance your training 

• Hill and performance focused workouts to increase efficiency and running economy 

• Includes prescribed workouts on days we do not meet  

• Expert coaching and guidance  

• Weekly program emails with advice, training tips, route information, and motivation  

• Coaching support in-person and via email to answer your questions along the way  

• Organized and supported group workouts 2x/week for accountability, camaraderie, and fun. 

• Educational and interactive seminar series to supplement your training  

• Sampling of various nutrition and hydration products  

• Fleet Feet coupon book 

• Vendor partner shoe wear tests, promotions, and giveaways  

• Pace group leaders on weekend long runs to help you stay on track   

• Exclusive Fleet Feet Running Club gear item 

• Discounted race entry into Shamrock Shuffle and Run Madtown Events 

• A supportive environment for all athletic abilities that builds lasting camaraderie and friendships!   

BASE MILEAGE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR TRAINING:  
These recommendations are in place to help you stay healthy and injury free throughout the season and build on an existing fitness foundation. If you have any questions or concerns about these recommendations, please contact Megan: Director of Training Programs (sweetm@fleetfeetmadison.com).  

• Half Marathon: 3-4 mile long run, 8–10 mile weekly average  

• Full Marathon: 8 mile long run, 18-20 mile weekly average  

Our programs are inclusive to a variety of pace and ability levels. While there are no pace requirements to participate, most race course time limits request participants be able to maintain a ~15-16 minute/mile average pace.   

CONTACT & QUESTIONS: 
Megan Sweet, sweetm@fleetfeetmadison.com 
Jessica Anderson, jessica@fleetfeetmadison.com 
 
Fleet Feet Madison: 608-833-9999 
Fleet Feet Sun Prairie: 608-834-9999