From the Organizer
Start running on the right foot (pun intended) and don't be fooled, running safely is a skill. KAR's Get Ready to Run Training Camp will help you avoid common start up injuries (like shin splints and sore knees), teach you good running form (to make running more comfortable and you faster), strengthen the muscles important to running (to keep your joints strong), and build your endurance (aerobic fitness) necessary to run your first race or just get fit (among other things).
Session Structure
Sessions will start with a warm-up of dynamic stretching and running form drills. For example, to warm-up we will work on opening up the hips and waking up sleeping muscles. Then, before doing any running, we will work on skills like planting your foot safely to avoid over striding (and risking injury).
After warming up, we will work on both putting the form drills into practice and building your fitness by doing intervals of running and walking that match your fitness level (for example, 30 seconds of running and 30 seconds walking over a distance of 800 meters). The better your aerobic fitness, the more running we will do.
To finish off the session, we will build the strength of key muscles with body weight drills. For example, squats (building to one leg squats), step ups, lunges, and more.
Who will benefit
Learning good running form before embarking on a running career is important for new runners of all ages. Whether your goal is to get fit, run your first 5k, or join your school's cross country/track team, developing good habits will make the experience better and increase your ability to run well (i.e. fast).
Time and Location
Tuesdays from 6:00 to 7:30, starting June 16 running through July 21, at WMU's Kanley Track.
Camp Leader
Mike Straubel, Head Cross Country and Track Distance Coach, Valparaiso University for 35 years.
Questions
Mike.straubel@kalamazooarearunners.org
Events
Weather
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
80°
Typical Low
59°
Chance of Rain
39%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Kalamazoo Battle Ck Intl Ap, 4 mi from the venue.
Host City
Population
73,132
as of 2023
Elevation
763 ft
Nearest Airport
AZO
Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport · 4 mi
Major Hub
GRR
Gerald R. Ford International Airport · 41 mi
Time Zone
Eastern Time
From Endurance Grid
A mid-size host city. Enough lodging and amenities to keep race weekend easy, without big-city sprawl.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Get Ready to Run Training Camp, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
8
Days to train
Coming Up
Kalamazoo Klassic
Less than a mile away
KAR 1-Mile Challenge
Less than a mile away
Run Kalamazoo Move Through Summer
Less than a mile away
Miles 4 Smiles
Less than a mile away
From Endurance Grid
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Get Ready to Run Training Camp
Jun 16, 2026