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
I needed the motivation that you provide to keep going and get ready for the summer runs. Thanks Jaime! Your a great coach!
ReplyDeleteCindy
Thanks for all your wonderful coaching that turned me into a runner (never thought I would call myself a runner!). I'm looking forward to future races and I think my daughter is hooked, as well. She's already brought up a couple more she is interested in participating in!
ReplyDeleteJamie was wonderful, very encouraging and supportive. She is a very inspiring individual and an asset to the Sun Prairie Parks, Recreation and Forestry Dept.
- Nicole V
Just wanted to thank you for EVERYTHING—I can’t believe I ran a 10K—really I can’t! I never thought in a million years I would be able to do that. That is officially the farthest I have ever run. Since I met you I have run 10-5K’s and 1-10K—and the year is not over yet! I already miss you……
ReplyDelete- Kim O
I can't thank you enough for all the support. I hope you truly realize how much that means to someone who's never run and doesn't think they can do it, it's everything to have someone in your corner cheering you on and telling you that you can do it.
ReplyDelete- Debi D
Thank you for everything! I never thought I would get to this point! If it was not for your encouragement and the motivation I get from the others, I probably would have still struggled with getting my butt off the couch. Now, I look forward to my next run!!!! You have done some great things, but you should feel real good about how you make other woman feel!!! You are awesome!
ReplyDelete- Patti M
Jamie,
ReplyDeleteThis is well over due: “Thank you for all of the encouragement and advice that you provided me
over the past couple years”.
As a runner you know there are times when you feel great and everything seems to be going your
way. Then there are the many times when you have to convince yourself that it is worth the effort
to put on your running shoes. That’s when you find a friend, a good friend to encourage you to
put one foot in front of the other and just keep moving.
This brings back the great memories of my first ½ marathon, the Haunted Hustle Marathon. After
running for a few miles I noticed we were running the same pace, so I asked if you would help
me keep the pace so I could meet my goal. I asked because you looked like you knew a lot more
about running than I did and it looked easy for you. Later in the race, when I was exhausted and
had several miles to go, you kept smiling and encouraging me and told me that I would meet
my goal if we kept up the pace we were running. It was tough but I met my goal and meeting
that goal was as they say “priceless” . That race and your words of motivation carry me through
difficult runs still today.
As you know I started out running as most runners start out, a few miles a week when I had time
to run. If I didn’t have time I didn’t run or if I had an excuse I didn’t run. As time went on and
I added miles I started to enjoy the time on the road and I saw some physical and emotional
improvements in my life. Over a short time I felt enough improvement that I could run in a local 5k
race and finish within a respectable time. So my first race was a 5k then another and then a 10k
then the Haunted Hustle ½ Marathon. I remember during that run when you were taking about
your first marathon, the Chicago Marathon; I said that I would never run in a marathon. That is
just crazy, 26.2 miles???? Well never say “never”, I have gone from couch to 5k to marathons
and now training for my first ultra-marathon. lt started with a little encouragement from my family
and a stranger in the crowd of a thousand runners.
So, remember that just a few encouraging words and a positive attitude can have a dramatic,
positive impact on someone’s life.
So, Jamie “thank you”
My wife, Linda is training for her first ½ marathon, the Haunted Hustle.
Dan J
Rhinelander, Wisconsin
Jamie - I can't thank you enough for your leadership and motivation. Your Couch to 5k group not only turned me into a runner, but also gave me the confidence to start challenging other boundaries in my life. I met great people, got in better shape and had a blast while doing it!
ReplyDeleteThank you for all the support, motivation and encouragement during the program. You are an excellent coach :) Yarimar, Puerto Rico.
ReplyDeleteHi Jamie,
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to send you a quick note of THANKS! Unbelievably, I am a “runner”. Thanks so much for your encouragement and guidance during our runs.
I felt great about completing the run last night and feel confident about Saturday’s run. There are even moments when I enjoy running. Thanks for helping me discover a more determined me!
Falicia
Jamie,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your story, life, and insight with so many people. You are truly an inspiration. We've had so many ups and downs throughout our lives, together and not. I really want to thank you for bringing running into my life and showing me that I can do it. I haven't completed my couch to 5K program fully, but you have given me the motivation to get back into it and you keep reminding me that I can do it!
Thank you, and thank you for appearing back into my life. Next time I'm in the Madison area, we will have to go for a run together
:) Thank you, Brenda
Hi Jamie,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your content. I came across your blog by accident and I am a runner and didn't realize there was so much more to it. I really appreciate the tip that you have given. I've lost about 80 lbs and started running about 2 years ago. I was curious to know what your diet was? I have had my good days and bad days and i notice my running gets to be complicated. I found this article about smoothies and how it can help you slim down and I was curious to see what you thought of smoothies.
This is the article i was looking at https://bit.ly/37LidKO. ( sorry I hope you don't mind) I am such a picky eater and I have a texture issue with cooked foods. I just hoping to see wanted to see if you had any input.
Thank you again for creating good pointers and great content.
Thank you,
Erica
Hey I love your blog its very motivational and give me hope on my journey to loosing weight :) i have a question what do you think about keto? I Just got stumbled across their website and just wanted to know if its legit ?? are these recipe are something i can use to lose weight ? Hope All as well and continue to motivate those who are on their way to weight lose thanks! :) https://bit.ly/3mKAKwa
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