Join Log In Coaching Training Plans

Author Archive | Trevor Spencer

An epic six weeks!

By on November 16, 2021 in Coaching, Success Story

Congrats to our coaching client Chad Brager on his epic six weeks of racing and testing his endurance!

In 6 weeks he completed 3 marathons, 3 half marathons, a Spartan Beast, a sprint triathlon, multiple virtual races including a trail 12K, and OrangeTheory Hell Week.

“I am having some reflective moments . . . and looking back at it, I really cannot believe what I did in October-November. I am not sure I will ever be able to match the sheer intensity and volume of racing that I did over these last 6 weeks ever again.

I want to cry, I am so happy. I thought I would be hating life and want to quit racing after this. I imagined being burnt out. None of it happened. I feel better than I ever have. I am tired, and sore, but I enjoy that feeling. Thanks, MTA Coach Lynn!”

See his list of races . . . Continue Reading →

1

One of the best days of my life . . .

By on November 8, 2021 in Coaching, Success Story

Congrats to MTA coaching client Julia Smith on earning a 58 minute PR at the New York City Marathon yesterday!!🤩

“Today was one of the best days of my life. 4:12:49 at the 50th New York City Marathon and in no small part thanks to MTA Coach Lynn! This was a PR of over 58 minutes (!!!) from my first marathon in February.

I truly had no idea what I was doing before coaching and came to her saying I hoped I could run New York in 4:30-4:45! Well obviously that goal was smashed AND my body feels ten times better than it did the first time.

Whether you run, walk, or crawl, you MUST put the NYC marathon on your bucket list. Strangers were screaming my name the entire 26.2 miles and I don’t think I stopped smiling once. Thank you MTA- I truly ran a marathon and changed my life!” -Julia

0

How do you train for a marathon when you are slow?

By on November 1, 2021 in Listener Question, Slow Runner


MTA Coach Lynn has run a marathon in every US state after the age of 40. She is a certified running coach, registered dietician and an expert at helping “back-of-the-pack” runners.

Question:

“How do you train for a marathon when you are slow? Should you follow the standard program even though the 18-20 mile rubs will take over five hours, or do you stop at a shorter time and just go for it at a race. Also, how do you deal with the course opening to everybody and you are out there wearing a bib all alone. I did it once and the difficulty in being alone was harder than the actual run. I want to do one more marathon next year but have to prepare better.” -Callie Pappas Winner

2

“Can’t wait to see what else I can accomplish!”

By on October 16, 2021 in Coaching, Success Story

Here’s is a wonderful email from Emily, a MTA coaching client, who just completed her first marathon. Congrats Emily on your success!

“Dear MTA, I’ve been listening to the MTA podcast for about 5 years now. Always inspired by the recaps and never really thought I could be a success story due to the fact that training for a 10k or even a 5k would always end up with me developing some sort of injury.

I always wanted to be a runner but I was never consistent enough- I would get discouraged then come back to it every few months. After many failed attempts at trying to train on my own, I bit the bullet and contacted MTA for help. Now today I am proud to say that I am a success story!

I wanted to express my gratitude for having me paired with MTA Coach Antonio to help me get through my first marathon. I was able to show up and successfully complete the 2021 Chicago Marathon injury free! I have gone through so many ups and downs these past few months and Coach Antonio has been nothing but supportive and informative through all of it.

He drew up a training plan that was suitable for me. It was not overwhelming and he really built my confidence up that made me truly believe that I can do hard things! Thank you soooo much again, MTA!!! Running the Chicago Marathon has truly changed my life . . . I can’t wait to see what else I can accomplish!!” Regards, Emily Novak Continue Reading →

0

New personal best by over 48 minutes

By on October 14, 2021 in Success Story

Congrats to Artiea on the solid training build up and shaving 48 minutes off her PR!!

“I’m checking in after running the Virtual Boston Marathon on Sunday, 10/10 in New York City. As you know, I purchased the training plan with a goal finish time of 5:15, I’m happy to report that I finished in 5:20!!! Overall, I’m so happy with how prepared I felt going into this virtual race. I was able to maintain a consistent pace throughout only slowing down to cross through a few traffic lights. This is a new personal best for me by over 48 minutes. Thank you for curating such an excellent training plan. I am running NYC marathon in 4 weeks, hoping to carry this momentum into that race.” -Artiea

0

I Hate Running and You Can Too!

By on October 8, 2021 in Beginner, Books, Interview, Podcasts, Ultramarathon

*[Audio Content Available For Members Only. Click Here to Join Now]

In this episode we speak with Brendan Leonard author of the book I Hate Running And You Can Too -How to Get Started, Keep Going, and Make Sense of an Irrational Passion.

Hear why it’s ok to walk in a marathon and why you get to create your own definition of success.  

We also ask Brendan about what it’s like to make a living as an outdoor writer.

Continue Reading →

0

Shoutouts from the Berlin Marathon

By on October 5, 2021 in Success Story

I’m a week late in posting this but congrats to all our Academy members and coaching clients on running the Berlin Marathon this year. I wish I could have been there!

Cecilia from Sweden earned a PR on a hot day!

“My finish time of 4:11:49 was slower than I had hoped for BUT only after the finish I fully realized how tough conditions had been . . . I still ran a PR of almost 5 minutes 💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻! So in the end I am super happy about the race and the result! Just need to find a cooler one for my next attempt of getting closer to that 4 hour mark 😊! And of course, I need to send huge thanks to MTA coach Joel Royal Pearson who has put up with me for over 3 years now 😉. Without him I would never be in this place today!”
Continue Reading →

0

What strength training exercises do you recommend for runners?

By on October 1, 2021 in Listener Question

MTA Coach Athena answers a question about strength training for runners. Learn about personalized coaching through Marathon Training Academy here.

“My question concerns strength training. We hear all the time that strength training needs to be incorporated in running plans. However, I am not sure what this actually means. Is it lifting weights…or squats…or lunges? What strength training exercises do you recommend for runners and for how long or how many reps would be beneficial? -Thanks for all you do!” Deborah Kiernan

0

Interview with Dave McGillivray -Race Director of the Boston Marathon

By on September 27, 2021 in Interview, Podcasts

*[Audio Content Available For Members Only. Click Here to Join Now]

In this podcast episode we speak with Dave McGillivray the longtime race director at the Boston Marathon. Always picked last for sports due to being short, Dave found running at an early age. He first attempted the Boston Marathon at 17.

In this conversation you will hear what his grandfather taught him about training for Boston and what it’s like to organize the world’s oldest marathon (125 years in 2021). Continue Reading →

2

What about speedwork for half marathon training?

By on September 23, 2021 in Coaching, Listener Question

Coach Nicole answers a question about speedwork and internal training. Learn more about MTA Coaching here:

I started running about 10 years ago at the age of 40. (Late bloomer). I’ve always been slow-ish. My best half-marathon time is 2:20. How can I get faster? I know all the buzz words like intervals and tempo runs. But what does that look like when I’m running around my neighborhood or local park? Sprint from mailbox to mailbox? Watch my Garmin the whole time? I guess I’m looking for home grown suggestions that are easy to follow. Linda

0