Major milestone:

I completed my first marathon and managed to qualify for the Boston Marathon 2026. I ran the Chevron Houston Marathon on January 19, 2025 finishing 4th in my age group with a time of 3:10.

What is the secret to your success?

I think this app helped me achieve this goal. Earlier this summer, I registered to run an 18 mile trail race in Colorado. I didn’t follow a plan and basically just tried to get in as many miles as possible. I ended overtraining and injuring myself unable to compete in that race. So I decided this time I would follow a plan.

What is the biggest obstacle to reaching your goals and how do you get over it?

My biggest obstacle is sticking to the schedule and keeping up with a job, housework, etc. If I am really not in the mood to work out, I take a day off. Getting right back to it the next day can also be another motivator. Even if I don’t run all the assigned miles, I at least get some in. Walk breaks also help to keep me motivated and on track.

What is the most rewarding part of training?

The most rewarding part is the feeling of getting stronger and faster. Running feels easier when you are in better shape.

What advice would you give to other members of the Runcoach community?

Just follow the plan. Be consistent and don’t worry too much about what everyone else is doing. I found myself comparing my workouts to what everyone else was doing but in I decided to trust in the plan Runcoach assigned to me.

Anything else you would like to share?

In the beginning, I had no idea what time I was capable of. I had originally predicted 4 hours for a marathon. I had never run that far and had no clue. Based off a 5k and my data, the app predicted I’d run a 3:15 and I thought no way. I finished with a 3:10. I am still shocked and happy.

Major milestone:

My milestone is ongoing. Keeping up with the schedule and staying as healthy as possible.

What is the secret to your success?

I would say my secret to success is I don’t give up easy. There is also determination, positive attitude and support from my family, especially my husband.

What is the biggest obstacle to reaching your goals and how do you get over it?

My biggest obstacle is sticking to the schedule and keeping up with a job, housework, etc. If I am really not in the mood to work out, I take a day off. Getting right back to it the next day can also be another motivator. Even if I don’t run all the assigned miles, I at least get some in. Walk breaks also help to keep me motivated and on track.

What is the most rewarding part of training?

Most rewarding part of training is finishing a run, keeping blood pressure and weight under control.

What advice would you give to other members of the Runcoach community?

Keep trying! It usually takes me about 3 weeks to see progress. Of course, that is sticking to the schedule more often than not.
It is okay to take a day off once in a while, especially if you don’t feel well or need sleep.
There are also different kinds of workouts, like bike, swim, yoga, pilates, strength training.

Anything else you would like to share?

I really like the quote “You get more compliments for working out than sleeping in!"

What feedback would you offer the Runcoach experience?

I really like the flexibility on the website. The schedule tells me what activity is scheduled, but I can also change it. It also lets me know if I am on track with mileage and XT workouts.

Major milestone:

I had an injury, then covid struck, I was honestly beginning to worry about making it to the start line of Marine Corps Marathon! With the help of Coach Rosie keeping me on track, I had a 50 min. 16 second MCM PR!

What is the secret to your success?

Trust your coach and trust the training, being willing to adjust and pivot, and don't be afraid to eat! I had to fuel my body more and know it's ok to actually run less and allow my body to recover. I would be ok!

What is the biggest obstacle to reaching your goals and how do you get over it?

The biggest obstacle was getting out of my head and believing that I needed to trust my body, even at the age of 53 I can do hard things while having FUN!

What is the most rewarding part of training?

For me the TRAINING IS FUN. I like the different assignments but also being willing to pivot and adjust. The communication between Coach Rosie and myself was always working together well.

What advice would you give to other members of the Runcoach community?

Have fun and enjoy the experience. It won't be perfect but if you're willing to pivot and adjust, trust your coach, everything will work out for your race!

Anything else you would like to share?

I've been with the program for years now. There's a reason. It works. Why change sometimes that works?

Major milestone:

I was able to run a marathon 33 minutes faster than my personal best. And it’s all because of the coaching app.

What is the secret to your success?

I am terrible at planning and sticking to a strict run schedule. This year I trusted the coach and made sure to follow what he said and just that alone made all the difference.

What is the biggest obstacle to reaching your goals and how do you get over it?

My biggest obstacle was scheduling runs and not knowing what distances my long runs should be. The coach app helped me know that this weekend I would need to run so much and that I should take rest days. I didn’t want to over do it so I made sure to never go over the mileage too much.

What is the most rewarding part of training?

Honestly, the rewarding part was getting all new personal records at almost every run. The most rewarding part was when I was running my marathon I realized I was much better prepared this time, and when I realized I was so close to getting a sub 4 hour marathon (I was over by 33 seconds and I know exactly where those seconds were). Nothing felt better than crossing the finish line knowing I trained for this and it was all worth it

What advice would you give to other members of the Runcoach community?

Trust the coaches. They absolutely know what they are doing and it shows. I used the Runcoach app twice now. The first time I didn’t fully listen to it. The second time I did and it helped more than I could have hoped for.

Anything else you would like to share?

I registered for the app at the middle of training for a marathon. I realized I was a month behind in my training and I needed guidance. I registered and explained to coach Tom all the different runs I had and my concern that I was behind in my long run distances. Coach Tom immediately adjusted my runs, it was intimidating that I had to start my long runs at 12 miles that weekend but I knew I could do it and with each long run and each daily run I felt more and more confident in my running abilities. I will definitely be using the coach app again next year!