In Spring 2011, I was contacted by another local blogger who heard that my local recreation program was in desperate need of a running coach. She got me in contact with the coordinator of the program's first Couch to 5K program. They had 27 excited members from the community signed up for a local 5K and were scrambling to find two coaches to train, coach and cheer the newbies to their race in the summer. The instructor was no longer able to fulfill her commitment. I had no coaching certification, just passion and enthusiasm for the sport. And, the rec program coordinator spoke with me on the phone and believed in me and experience and hired me another another local runner to co-coach the group.
Seeing newbies become RUNNERS for the first time was an amazing experience and got me even more excited about my own running, too. It was amazing seeing people initially struggle doing one minute intervals and in just nine short weeks they were running continuously in a 5K ... and excited about it.
After the program ended, I started working with my own clients that were interested in training 5Ks or were just interested in getting outside and getting active. I met some of the most amazing people through this experience and many of them have become great friends of mine. These seven people have achieved great things and many of them have made running a constant part of their lives and their daily routine.
I have now been asked by the recreation program to coach an all female training group for the current season. The group of women is simply fantastic. They are dedicated, consistent and determined. The all female program has been such a success that we will be doing it again next spring. I'm excited that there are so many women that are excited to do something so positive for themselves.
... I might just have the best
running clients ever ...
If you are in the Madison, Wisconsin area and are interested in training for a 5K or having running become apart of your life, please email me at runningdivamom at yahoo dot com for rates and availability.
... Read what my
fabulous clients
have to say ....
have to say ....
Congratulations on helping encourage new runners and teaching them the joys of running as part of the daily routine!
ReplyDeleteHi Jamie. Thank you so much for commenting on my blog. You are quite a little bundle of energy! Best of luck with your running goals and with Little Dude and Little Diva. I have to say that I'm inspired. Keep up the great work!
ReplyDeleteIf I were a new runner, I'd love to have you as my coach :).
ReplyDeleteIt's admirable how you encourage other runners and inspire them.
ReplyDeleteAdmirable!
ReplyDeleteJamie,the Couch to 5K program you coached last spring literately changed my life! When I signed up for the class in January, I had just had a baby a couple of months before. When I did the online sign up I remember thinking "I hope that this is not a waste of money". Well, it turns out that not only was it NOT a "waste of money", it was one of the "best investments" I have ever made in myself. Because of running, I am probably in the best shape that I have ever been in, I have so much energy, I sleep better at night, I am more confident and happy, I am a better wife and mommy, the list goes on and on.
ReplyDeleteI have very much enjoyed running with you again in coaching sessions these last few weeks. You have given me some great tips and advice, but most of all, you have given me MOTIVATION!
Jamie an awesome coach, great blogger and a wonderful lady. If anyone out there is thinking about signing up for the Couch to 5K program or individual sessions with Jamie, DO IT! The feeling you will have when you cross that finish line of your 1st 5k will be amazing!
Wow--this is great! I loved reading the story of how you got here. Every so often I think about training for a 5K. I am NOT a runner and would definitely need moral support, but I'm also not much of a group exerciser. Hmm...
ReplyDeleteI would love you to be my coach!! :)
ReplyDeletelove it. i recently started coaching with a group and it has been such an amazing experience. nothing is better than watching someone who thought they couldn't do it, cross the finish line.
ReplyDeleteFor being one of the ladies in your recent Couch to 5K program, I am extremely excited in my adventure. I have always wanted to run, but never had the endurance. The running I was doing previously was more of a high intensive and fast pace that resulted in my lower back injury. Now that I have recovered some, I have the drive to accomplish running the 5K in November and am hoping to continue running during the winter with the hope to do more marathons next year. Thank you for your motivation!
ReplyDeleteI'm a current member of the Ladies Couch to 5K running group and it is the best thing I have ever done for MYSELF!!! I never thought I would be running AND enjoying it. We have such an amazing women in our group, we have plans to continue over the winter and run CrazyLegs in the spring. Running Diva Mom is the best coach...inspiring, enthusiastic, encouraging and FUN!!
ReplyDeleteThank you!!
Hi Jamie,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed my experience in the couch to 5K program. I found your story inspirational and was very motiviated by you when running. In fact, I still hear your voice encouraging me when I'm running and struggling a bit!
I seriously wish I lived in Madison, Wisconsin right now! We don't have such tight knit support groups in my area, as far as I know. I'm one of those people who would be running in one minute intervals. I've had so many injuries & my lungs are bad & I'm just plain out of shape, so have the ability to run a 5k continuously would be such an accomplishment for me!
ReplyDeleteYou are an awesome lady, Jaime! You are a superb coach, and I love my Catalyst Couch to 5K group. Thank you, Jamie!
ReplyDeleteEileen