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Runcoach Success Stories (88)

Highlighting the successes of our awesome Runcoach athletes

Runcoach Success Story: Andrew

Written by Neely Gracey December 12, 2018

At Runcoach, we provide training paces for every single run, and the number one thing we find is that a lot of people run too fast on their recovery days. This leads to fatigue, illness, and higher risk of injury. As a pro runner, the best thing I do is run very slow and easy on my recovery days. Andrew started relaxing and enjoying his easy miles, getting faster by understanding that the hard days should be hard, and the easy days should be easy helped him qualify for Boston and crush his goals.
Major milestone:
Setting an all time PR and qualifying for Boston for the first time fifteen years after I ran my first marathon!
What is the secret to your success?
I've been running marathons since I was 19 back in 2003. Still, I'd never qualified for Boston and thought my training had plateaued. The Runcoach program helped me gradually add weekly mileage in a sustainable way that helped keep me injury free. The speed and tempo sessions throughout the program helped me sustain my ability to run at a race pace onto of the mileage I was building.
What is the biggest obstacle to reaching your goals and how do you get over it?
I'd used other training programs and had injuries that disrupted my training (plantar fasciitis). Runcoach helped in that many of the runs were slightly slower than I thought I need. The steady accumulation of miles ended up being much more meaningful than the focus I had on just pace alone.
What is the most rewarding part of training?
I set not one but two personal records this year- 3:14 at the San Francisco Marathon then 3:02 at California International. There's no feeling like maintaining and even increasing your pace in the last six miles of the marathon.
What advice would you give to other members of the Runcoach community?
Other running communities such as Strava helped me find people with similar running goals so I could follow their training and ask them questions as I went through the program.
Anything else you would like to share?
I considered five or six other training programs before I settled on Runcoach. I have a wife and a young daughter (18 months) who also have very busy schedules! In addition to liking the training itself, I really liked that if my weekly schedule had to change, I could make a few quick adjustments in the app and get a new training calendar generated (as opposed to editing dozens of upcoming sessions in iCalendar).
What feedback would you offer on the Runcoach experience?
I really like the app. It does seem to double upload many of my Strava runs, however, so I have to delete them. Annoying!

Published in Runcoach Success Stories

Runcoach Success Story: Joseph

Written by Neely Gracey November 08, 2018

Joseph ran his first 26.2 mile race at the Columbus Marathon this fall. He loved the feeling of setting a goal, working hard, and achieving it! We are thrilled to have been a part of his first marathon and believe his message on being consistent in training helps all of us who are reaching for our goals.

Major milestone:
Completing my first marathon!

What is the secret to your success?
Consistency, Runcoach app, and the support of friends and family.

What is the most rewarding part of training?
The most rewarding part for me was seeing how each week I was hitting new distances and new times.

What advice would you give to other members of the Runcoach community?
Stay consistent with your training, don't let a bad training day ruin other days, and just keep going.

What feedback would you offer on the Runcoach experience?
The app was great for my training, It helped keep me consistent and really helped me stay on track towards my goal. The speed and threshold workouts were great.

Published in Runcoach Success Stories

Runcoach Success Story: David

Written by Neely Gracey November 08, 2018

We learn from David 's story that positive self talk is essential to success. That goals take time and diligent effort. That the support of a coach can help you achieve your goals. This newbie-to-running shares his journey training for his first marathon.

Major milestone:
I have two that, to me, I would see as my biggest milestones. Loosing weight, and in my first year of running, I am proud to say I completed my first marathon in Dublin, Ireland.
What is the secret to your success?
I find the secret to my success is creating a balance to my daily and weekly life. I set a weekly plan based on my work schedule and how I will spend my time on days off. Training for races and what types of training I do both in the gym and outside of the gym. I also set myself weekly/monthly goals that I aim to achieve and how I aim to achieve these goals over time.
What is the biggest obstacle to reaching your goals and how do you get over it?
I find that one of my biggest obstacles is training alone, I tend to do my training alone. I do plan on joining a local running club soon. I have noticed it is great to run with others and it can be great motivation for not just yourself but others too.
What is the most rewarding part of training?
I can be honest and say in the past year I never realised how much stronger I could become both physically and mentally. I become more positive and driven to achieve your goals.
What advice would you give to other members of the Runcoach community?
The best advice I can give is don’t be afraid to talk to others in the community, and the trainers from Runcoach are always happy to give some great advice. Always remember to tell yourself "I can and I will" and instead of saying to yourself one day I will do this and that, you allow yourself to say "today I will achieve my targets I set out for myself".
Anything else you would like to share?
I find the support from the coaches here is amazing. They are so easy to talk to and share your progress with. A huge thank you to everyone at Runcoach who have supported my training and my progress.
What feedback would you offer on the Runcoach experience?
I think one of the great things about Runcoach is not only the support and advice they offer personally, but their posts on Instagram can be very inspiring too.

Published in Runcoach Success Stories

Runcoach Success Story: Uma

Written by Neely Gracey November 02, 2018

Uma is a story if inspiration. She shares the importance of consistency in training, and how following a training plan can help everyone remain accountable in the pursuit of their goals. But most importantly, Uma shares the benefit of the coach-athlete relationship and we at Runcoach are grateful for all of the runners we get to support.

Major milestone:
Marine Corps Marathon 2018 - Ran it in 5:06, which is almost an hour faster than the last two times I ran the same race. 2016 - 6:01 and 2017 - 6:05

What is the secret to your success?
Following the schedule given to me by Runcoach, which consisted of speed work, cross training and yoga.

What is the biggest obstacle to reaching your goals and how do you get over it? Consistent training and training alone combined to form the biggest obstacle for me. I trained alone for the most part, and was lucky enough to run with my local running group for a few of the final long runs. I tried to get over it by committing to reporting my workouts to the coaches at Runcoach and uploading my workouts through the app.

What is the most rewarding part of training?
Self awareness - Realizing that I am stronger than I thought - physically and mentally.

What advice would you give to other members of the Runcoach community?
Stick to the schedule that the Runcoach app gives you. Report back to the coaches via email. It creates a commitment. Don't skip out on speed work. It was very challenging for me, and I had no track nearby where I felt safe to train alone in the dark hours of the morning. I tried to get in as many speed workouts as I could and that helped a lot to improve my pace.

Anything else you would like to share?
I would like to say that the timely encouragement from Coach Cawood and Coach Hiruni went a very long way to help me PR my race. I felt like they were my personal coaches. During a difficult phase during the race, when I wanted to walk the bridge, I told myself that I would not let Coach Cawood and Coach Hiruni down, I would run that bridge. And I did it!

What feedback would you offer on the Runcoach experience?
The overall experience was very awesome. I will do it again. The app needs some upgrades. For tempo workouts, I reported warm up, cool down, drills+strides, speed run and cool down separately so coaches could see my pace, but the app did not total them correctly. So I had to delete all of that and enter one aggregate number which did not show the effort I put into the workout.

Share your story here!

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Lauren Smith Stroud's Road to the Houston Marathon

Written by Neely Gracey October 01, 2018

We reached out to new mom Lauren Stroud, a Texas native, who is aiming to return to marathon racing this January at the 2019 Chevron Houston Marathon. Her preparation for this race will be different than what she is used to, as she rebuilds her endurance and mileage, Lauren will utilize the adaptive Runcoach training to help take her fitness from where it is now to where she wants it to be in January. With a new baby, Lauren needed a progressive plan and a supportive coaching environment, and we at Runcoach, are thrilled to work together towards her goals. She loves to race, and has her sights set to qualify and compete in the 2020 Olympic Trials Marathon. We wish her the best in this journey.

Hello everybody!
Screen_Shot_2018-10-01_at_2.39.53_PM

I am so excited to run my first Chevron Houston Marathon! I will have a little extra challenge this year, as I gave birth in August, and I'm learning how to manage my time wisely as a mom. My last marathon was in 2016, and while I love to race and get after shorter distances frequently, the marathon is a whole different challenge.

I had never heard of Runcoach, but I absolutely love how convenient and easy the app is to use! Runcoach is an app that tailors training for you as an individual. As difficult as it is, I know I have to be patient with my body and my fitness and I believe that using Runcoach this year will help me ease into my training as I balance life as a working mom and runner.

I started my transition back into training at 3 weeks post partum, and my first run back felt amazing because I missed running so much. I was fortunately able to run up until the day I delivered, but most of my last month of training before delivery consisted of run/walk intervals.

Here's an example of how last week's training looked:

Sunday - Long run
Monday - Easy run
Tuesday - Short leg turnover workout
Wednesday - Easy run
Thursday - Medium long run
Friday - rest day
Saturday - Easy run

I can't wait to take my fitness to the next level with Runcoach!

You can follow Lauren's road to the Houston Marathon (and see cute pictures of baby Sadie) on her instagram @Laurun123 Screen_Shot_2018-10-01_at_2.40.07_PM

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Runcoach Success Story: Ali

Written by Neely Gracey September 10, 2018

Ali's story represents so many of us. Learning from mistakes, growing as runners and people as we create our goals and then journey towards them along the never straight path to success. Ali has learned what his body needs to complete over 165 races: Consistency in training, a healthy diet, enough rest, and access to experienced coaches who can guide him along the way.

Major milestone:

What is the secret to your success?

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

What is the most rewarding part of training?

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

Anything else you would like to share?

What feedback would you offer on the Runcoach experience?
The Runcoach website has been built very carefully. The live chat's have been a way to keep my training at a efficient level. The website has many features that are helpful.

Published in Runcoach Success Stories

Runcoach Success Story: Melinda

Written by Neely Gracey June 26, 2018

We are so thrilled to be a part of Melinda's Marine Corps Marathon success.
Her attitude of setting big goals that are scary, and then putting in the work to make them reality by pushing herself beyond her comfort zone, is what the journey of running is all about! From those who just ran their first mile ever, to the greatest Olympian, every runner goes through these same emotions so we wanted to share this story with you so you know you're not alone!
Major milestone:
Finished the Marine Corps Marathon 2017
What is the secret to your success?
Patience with myself, discipline & I trusting my training. I put my training in the hands of others that know better than I do.
What is the biggest obstacle to reaching your goals and how do you get over it?
The mental challenge!! I have a busy life makes it pretty normal to have days where you just don’t want to...(enter whatever here. Run, Gym, Work, Clean the house) Getting over that goal defeating monologue that can run through my head. I remind myself daily I am pretty sure that is just part being human. It’s Okay to feel that way but I am not going to achieve what I want if I give into it.
What is the most rewarding part of training?
Sense of personal achievement. I am a slooow runner, I am never going to win any races, get any trophies...I am okay with that. Running has always been a challenge for me, I have to push myself daily physically & mentally to do it. There is nothing more satisfying than completing something that I don’t think I can!
What advice would you give to other members of the Runcoach community?
Be gentle with yourself & Trust your training. Take each workout as it comes and do your best at that moment. It’s cliche but if this was easy everyone would be doing it, so embrace that fact, celebrate it, celebrate your training!
Anything else you would like to share?
I have always had a image of what a runner is. I don’t fit that picture. I am super slow, I am not skinny, I have thick legs, I carry extra weight. I like sweets and pizza...I can go on and on with my “doubts” on the fact that I am a runner. What’s the truth is I have completed a marathon & 10+ half marathons. I have logged thousands of miles in training and I love to run. That is what makes me a runner.
What feedback would you offer on the Runcoach experience?
Runcoach has been an awesome tool for training. It takes the guesswork & “my way” out of the equation. Left to my own devices I would probably over or under train. Last year was a great experience.

Tell us your story!

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Runcoach Success Story: Kayla Munter

Written by Jennifer Van Allen December 11, 2017

kaylamunter Just eight months after being diagnosed with Lymphoma, 61-year-old Kayla Munter is training for the Aramco Half Marathon. "Running has helped me realize that cancer can't take away who I am," she says.

Name: Kayla Munter

Major milestone: I completed my first half marathon at the age of 56 in 2013 with much better time of 2:10:57 thanks to Runcoach.

What is the secret to your success? Put everything you have into your training and stay on track, when race time comes you will be ready. Determination and hard work pays off.

What is the biggest obstacle to reaching your goals and how do you get over it? Right now I am training for the Aramco Half Marathon in January. My biggest obstacle is the fact I am 61 now and I was diagnosed with Lymphoma in March of this year. After my first doctor's appointment I knew I had to get back to running so I could stay strong physically and mentally to beat cancer! Running has helped me realize that cancer can't take away who I am!

What is the most rewarding part of training? This training season has been hard because of my illness, but every time I complete a run even if I can't do as well as I did a few years ago, I have a feeling of accomplishment. I will complete this half marathon even if my time will never be better than it was in the past.

What advice would you give to other members of the Runcoach community? Stick to your running schedule. If you do, the race will be so much better. But you must also listen to your body. If your schedule has you running 9 miles and your body just can't go more than 8 miles, pay attention and stop. Maybe you are just tired that day. You want to push yourself, but not to the point of doing more harm than good.

Never stop moving and never give up no matter what life throws at you. Runcoach has been absolutely great for me. I do not like to be on a group schedule, so this works perfect for me. I could never have done as well with my previou races without Runcoach.
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Have a story to share? Tell us about it!

Published in Runcoach Success Stories

Runcoach Success Story: Yateesh Mallya

Written by Jennifer Van Allen December 07, 2017

Two years ago, Yateesh Mallya would have laughed hard if anyone suggested he run even a half marathon. But he’s come a long way. Last year he ran his first marathon. This year, he ran 3 marathons and 3 half marathons, and completed a duathlon, a 100-mile bike ride, and countless long runs to push through 26.2 on race day. At the 2017 California International Marathon, his courageous pursuit of the most unlikely goal paid off with a 3:27 personal best, ever closer to achieving his goal of someday qualifying for the Boston Marathon.

His advice?

“Believe in your training, trust your efforts. Hard work does pay off at the end no matter what your goal is.”

Name: Yateesh Mallya

Major Milestone: I set a PR of 3:27 at the 2017 California International Marathon, beating last year’s time by 11 minutes. This was my fourth marathon—the third one I’d run this year.

What is the secret to your success? Pacing. I went into the race and stuck with the 3:22 pace group for first half of the race. I pushed ahead for another 10k, slowed a bit for the next 5-K and pushed the final stretch to the finish strong with a chip time of 3:27.

What is the biggest obstacle to reaching your goals and how do you get over it? I felt some stomach cramps and slight leg cramps during the race. I took 30 seconds to one minute to let it relax a bit. Then I got back on the course. There hasn't been a race this year where I had a great run without any issues along the way. I’ve been having stomach issues the entire year. I pushed through it just to toe the line and achieve my goal.

What is the most rewarding part of training? The most rewarding part of this training has been to get the results despite all odds. I've had great support from Runcoach with their amazing training plans which are custom made to suit your specific needs and races for the year.

What advice would you give to other members of the Runcoach community? Stick with the training. Follow it through. There will be days when you feel under the weather and don't want to do it. Thinking of the journey you have endured so far will help you achieve your goal.

Have a story to share? Tell us about it!

Published in Runcoach Success Stories

Runcoach Success Story: Maggie Flanagan

Written by Jennifer Van Allen November 10, 2017

Maggie Flanagan

Major milestone: I completed my first Marathon—the 42nd Marine Corps Marathon.

What is the secret to your success? Perseverance

What is the biggest obstacle to reaching your goals and how do you get over it? Injuries. I spent tons of money on [doctors]! Illness in the last month leading up to the race meant no training and changing my goals. I switched my race goal. I focused on just finishing, instead of the time goal that my training had indicated was achievable.

What is the most rewarding part of training? The workout sessions that I was able to complete with others. Solo training is such hard work!

What advice would you give to other members of the Runcoach community? Train with others. Complete all your workout sessions - including strength & conditioning.Be realistic about what you can achieve, but don’t be afraid to change if life gets in the way.

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