RUN THE BEST race of your life
ay it with me... "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail."
The famous quote about the results of poor planning is absolutely true for aspiring distance runners.
I can't tell you how many times I've heard friends, family, and others say things like "I think I'm going to run a half marathon this year..."
When I hear someone casually mention a goal like that, I often wonder "Do you actually have a plan to make it happen?"
Even for experienced runners, knowing your goal upfront and then creating a plan to get you to that goal is absolutely essential.
You can't just wing it.
Unfortunately, what happens to many people is that they start with a grand plan of running their first marathon or setting a personal best - but they really don't have a proven plan to get from point A to point B.
In most cases, the result of that is a goal that is never met.
“Many runners start with specific goal in mind, but lack a detailed training plan to get them there. Whether the goal is to finish your first race, or to set a personal record - this is a recipe for failure.
We all know the bleak statistics that go along with things like New Years resolutions... hardly anybody keeps them.
A 2012 study found that 73% of people simply give up on their personal fitness goal without ever achieving it. The most commonly cited reason for quitting was that it's simply too difficult to stick to a training regimen.
Maybe you've tried to set a running goal in the past like completing a marathon or even a 5K, but you found that the training plan was too difficult for you - so you stopped training.
Let's face it - training for a race is hard.
In my life, I've found that quitting is always easier when I don't have someone alongside me to hold me accountable.
Being held accountable isn't always fun, but being reminded and encouraged to keep moving towards your goal can be the difference in achieving what you set out to do or becoming another statistic.
Improved Performance
Tiger Woods has a swing coach for golf. Likewise, even the best runners can benefit from coaching. We'll help maximize your potential as a runner.
Personalized Plan
A first-time runner with a goal of finishing shouldn't use the same training plan as a seasoned runner. We'll build a plan just for you - based on your goals and abilities.
Accountability
If you aren't sticking to the plan, we'll let you know about it. We want to see you succeed and will be the accountability partner you need to get there.
"I've done every training plan out there, but I no longer seem to be improving."
Hitting a plateau is a very real thing. I've seen many people get to a point in their running career where they just can't get over the hump - whatever that might be.
If your personal record time has been eluding you, our coaching program can help you break through that glass ceiling.
Have you had some running goal in the back of your mind for years but never been able to fully commit to making it happen? We can help in 2 ways:
If you've never done distance running before and are ready to start, why not invest in doing things the right way? We'll help channel your excitement into doing the right things - to avoid injury and meet your goals (whatever they are.)
Don't waste time sifting through the thousands of training plans online - get one that is tailored to you.
Have you had some running goal in the back of your mind for years but never been able to fully commit to making it happen? We can help in 2 ways:
As we stated earlier, training for a marathon is tough. It's even tougher when you try to do it alone.
Your running coach will be bought into your success, and encourage you along the way to make sure that you meet your goal.
Having someone like that in your corner can make all the difference.?
Choose Which Plan Works For You..
Depending on your individual needs, we've got 2 coaching plans to choose from:
If you are still on the fence about whether or not personalized training is right for you, let us share more about exactly who you'll be working with...
Stephen is an ideal running coach given his lifelong experience as a runner and his realistic view of what runners at every level face in reaching their goals.
Stephen started running in High School as a successful middle distance runner who later competed as a Division I athlete in cross country and track and field. He is an experienced road and trail runner having completed in races of almost every distance.
Stephen holds 3 course records in Washington State, is a multiple-time participant in the Boston Marathon, and a time qualifier for the New York City Marathon. Now in the master’s division, Stephen remains a competitive local and regional runner, having completed a 2:53 marathon and 1:22 half marathon over the age of 40.
Despite being a competitive runner, Stephen’s passion is more focused on helping others meet their individual running goals.
Stephen can not only bring the experience and wisdom that comes with a lifelong devotion to the sport of running but is uniquely positioned to understand the individual rigors of life that a runner must balance to reach their goals.No matter whether your goal is to finally run that sub-3 or 4-hour marathon or simply to have someone help you through completing that first 5k while balancing your busy live, Stephen can help you reach those goals.
Working with and following Stephen's training plan elevated my running. I went from a 4:20 to a 3:24 marathon time by following his plan in the short time of 18 months. Stephen has the ability to customize running plans to meet the many differences in runners' goals.
I have had the privilege of being coached and motivated by Stephen not just with my training plans, but also running with him during some races. Every time Stephen has been a pacer for me during a race, I've set a personal record. This includes a 3:23:48 marathon time that I never thought I would be able to achieve. Stephen is HIGHLY knowledgeable when it comes to training and running strategies and is an extremely valuable coach to have on your side.
Stephen has been a great mentor in helping me complete my first Half and full marathon. I wouldn't have completed them without him. He is one that can adapt quickly and easily to all levels of fitness from your first marathon to becoming a Boston qualifier.
You are interested in having a specific plan focused on helping maximize your potential in reaching a particular race goal but not as much individual guidance throughout the process, than the customer training program option may be right for you.
As a new client interested in a custom training program, once you sign-up you will receive a detailed questionnaire asking you information about your specific running history, the specific goals of your customer training program, and background information on yourself that will help craft the custom training plan that is just right for you.
After you complete your questionnaire, you will receive you custom, goal oriented training plan within 5 business days. Your training plan will be delivered in a Microsoft Excel format and will include: (1) your recommended training plan tailored specifically for your target race, (2) your recommended strength training over the duration of your program, and (3) specific recommendations for you to maximize the potential of reaching your goal in your target race.
Custom plans can typically range anywhere from 8 to 24 weeks, depending on the nature of your goal.
The cost of a custom race plan is $99 and with it you will receive your race plan and customer support via email if anything is unclear on your plan.
You would benefit more from having an experienced running advocate on your side to help you reach your maximum potential.
Having an individual running coach allows you to have at your disposal not only the guidance on what specific plan that is right for you to reach your goals, but also a champion on your side helping you each step of the way while taking into account your feedback to actively target and streamline your training.
As a new client interested in a custom training program, once you sign-up, you will be asked to complete an initial application for coaching services.
Since individualized coaching a symbiotic relationship between coach and client, the application process help ensure the right fit.
Once selected for the program you will receive a detailed questionnaire asking you information about your specific running history, the specific goals of your customer training program, and background information on yourself that will help your coach help you meet your goals.
The cost of individual coaching services is $99 per month with a minimum commitment of 3 months. Clients can work with the coach as long as they desire with no obligations outside of the initial commitment.
Communications between coach and client will be primary via e-mail correspondence and active feedback from you as a client is expected to be able to help you reach your goals.
Ready to get started?
Now that you know exactly what to expect, all that is left is to pick the best plan for you:
If you are still on the fence about whether or not personalized training is right for you, let us share more about exactly who you'll be working with...
FAQ
Absolutely! If you've ever played organized sports at a high level, you know that a good coach can push you to be your best. A running coach is no different! You could be making honest mistakes in your training and a coach can correct those things as well as push you to a new level.
There are plenty of free training plans available, so why pay for a custom one? That's a common question. The reason is that a personalized training plan accounts for your age, ability, goals, and much more. This means you know exactly what YOU need to do. A generic, free training plan simply cannot do that.
No! This is for all runners who have a goal in mind. Whether that's a 5K, half marathon, or even just to get back in shape for personal reasons. Runners Goal coaching can help you get there.
No. The custom training plan option is just a one time payment. For our personalized coaching service, we simply ask for at least a 3 month commitment because of all the time we'll be investing at the beginning of the process. After that, your coaching service is a month to month commitment that you can cancel anytime.
For the custom plan: There is no ongoing support, other than we will answer your basic email questions if you need help understanding your plan. For the Personalized Coaching: Your coach will be there to answer your questions and to offer support as you need it. Any questions you have will be answered in less than 24 hours (usually much less).
You know your needs better than anyone. If you really need someone to follow-up with you and make sure you are on track, then I'd strongly recommend the personalized coaching services. If you can take a little guidance and run with it (pun intended) then you can likely get by with our custom training plan.