Amanda W.

Shinji (CoachUp client)

Getting better at anything takes time and dedication. While it is up to you to put in the time and effort, getting to your goal can be a series of trial and error attempts or a much easier with a coach. Even better a really good coach that individualizes the process to reach your goal and prevents injury. The theory of deliberate practice (K. Anders Ericsson) indicates that feedback from an expert allows the learner to minimize errors and frustration. This tends to lead to better skills performance. Coaches are worth it if you want to get better as fast as possible.
Amanda is a great coach. She takes the time to assess your running mechanics, listen to what your goals are, and make notes of injury history. This coach takes the time to create a program that is specific to you. She’ll clean up bad habits in running mechanics with drills. Set up a training schedule that is both tailored to you to meet your goals and avoid injuries. The training worksheets are challenging and help push you to the next level safely. I know that I had issues with either going to hard too quickly and then getting hurt and having to take time off or not going hard enough and staying at the same level for far too long. Personally, I tried to get better at running on my own for a long time. Using online research like couch to 5K, online apps, or just trying to run as long as I could. It never worked out so well for me. I went from having trouble running 10 minutes at a time to running a 5K in about a half a year (which was my goal). I continue to work with my running coach Amanda because I want to get better and have a faster 5K time. Because coaching works and totally worth it for me in reaching my goals.

Katie (CoachUp client)

Coach Amanda was super helpful and willing to answer all of my questions. It was clear she had a vast knowledge of running, which she was more than happy to pass along.

Julien (CoachUp client)

Coach Amanda is absolutely amazing. I have now had 3 sessions with her and can already feel a real difference. Her initial assessment of my level was spot on. Since then she has given me the perfect info, advice, tips to get me to become a better runner. After each session, she sent me a very thorough follow up email with a recap of the session, videos, summary of drills. Her emails have really helped me implement the drills and stretches. Coach Amanda is very serious, super enthusiastic, knowledgeable, fun to work with. I feel both excited and reassured to be working with her to train for my first marathon. I highly recommend Coach Amanda!

Melissa (CoachUp client)

Coach Amanda is exactly what I was looking for in a coach! So far I've completed a goal setting session, where we discussed my goals, my history, and what I'm looking to get out of my training. I also chose to do a gait analysis to see exactly what I need to work on. On the spot, Coach Amanda pointed out a couple of things I could improve and it really helped me to see the video of myself running so I could see exactly what she was talking about. I also decided to do a training plan and I can see specific comments in the plan about things we have talked about that specifically relate to me. The plan is tailored to the level of runner I am and the workouts I've been doing. It's not just a one size fits all plan, it's specifically made for me. Everything she says teaches me something I didn't know, and I know with her I will reach my goals. I'm very happy I chose to work with Coach Amanda!

Suzanne (CoachUp client)

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Ross (CoachUp client)

Coach Amanda has met my expectations after just one session. I recently hired her for an extended session for running analysis and injury prevention, based on what I saw in her CoachUp profile, and I got everything I had hoped for and and more. The full 90 minute session was held at an excellent outdoor training facility (chosen by her) that was easy for me to get to. Coach Amanda filmed my running from different angles and at different speeds. She counted my cadence, and provided expert analysis on my running form and technique. She gave me an extensive overall running analysis session in which she covered all of the points in a structured and organized way, while explaining the science behind it all. She pointed out what I am already doing well, and she pointed out what parts of my technique that need improvement. I found the ratio of time spent on track work vs time spent in discussion, to be appropriate for the agenda that we had decided on. I appreciated Coach Amanda's friendly but businesslike and professional manner and efficient use of time during the entire session. She exercised great discipline in sticking to the agenda, and did not waver or deviate from it in any way, even though it was clear she could have greatly expanded on any topic. I found it easy to get on the same page with Coach Amanda, and I did not disagree with anything she said. She communicates in a way that is easy to understand, while giving you an opportunity to ask questions. I frankly ran out of questions because I was so saturated with new information! A day or so after the session, I received a full set of notes from Coach Amanda on everything that was discussed. She also attached the most pertinent film results plus YouTube video references to backup some of the points that were discussed. She also took the time to answer my followup questions. I hope to have more sessions with Coach Amanda, and, based on this one extended session, I would highly recommend Coach Amanda to anyone looking for running analysis or form improvement.

Casey (CoachUp client)

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Tony (CoachUp client)

I highly recommend Coach Amanda. She is working with my son who is a sophomore cross country and track athlete. She has given him great tips each session and even homework so he can develop the habits required to get to the next level. Coach Amanda's knowledge and enthusiasm for the sport of running is a perfect combination for runners of every level. We look forward to continuing to work with Coach Amanda.

Pirjo (CoachUp client)

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Kate (CoachUp client)

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Dan (CoachUp client)

I've been working with Amanda for a few months and I couldn't possibly say enough good things about it. I have always found running to be quite painful and it has hindered any progress I could make in either time or distance. After this short time working with Amanda I have already more than tripled the amount both distance and time I can run, setting PR's and running races I didn't believe I ever could with the pain. She is incredibly passionate about her craft and shows the work she's put in with her extensive knowledge and experience but more importantly her ability to diagnose issues like mine. Breaking down what I was doing wrong as well as how and what to do to fix it. She consistently goes above and beyond any expectations I had going in and I have already recommended her to all my friends, family.

Patricia (CoachUp client)

Amanda was on time, thorough, helpful, beyond my expectations. She has a wonderful knowledge of anatomy and physiology and the running form. Her ability to break down how you move and where your weaknesses may be is an asset as a coach. I will recommend her and this site to my running friends.

Valerie (CoachUp client)

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Kevin (CoachUp client)

Coach Amanda is great!

Manolis (CoachUp client)

Amanda is a great coach who understands and does an excellent job teaching the science behind running. Her feedback on running form and biomechanics has helped me a great deal become a faster, more efficient runner and stay injury free. I now follow her advice and training program to the letter and I am amazed at the rate at which I am improving.

Julie (CoachUp client)

I spent an hour working on mechanics and just talking about the science of running with Amanda - I learned so much and can't wait to improve my form! She really shows an appreciation for the science behind the sport, and she's extremely knowledgeable.

Taylor (CoachUp client)

I had a great experience with Amanda, in our first session she was thourough and very helpful! She gave me feedback on my running form that I had never heard before! I look forward to working with her in the future and would reccomend her highy

Dylan (CoachUp client)

In just a few sessions, Amanda has already made a huge difference in my approach to running. She has great insights, explains the concepts very clearly, and has helped me progress very quickly. I crushed a previous PR in my first race after working with her, and am completely injury free. I'm in great hands and am enjoying running more than ever.

Laura (CoachUp client)

Coach Amanda was awesome and answered every question. She was great and attentive.

Xiang (CoachUp client)

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Molly Parshley, Boston Marathon Finisher 2012 & post-collegeiate runner (Testimonial)

Amanda wrote my training plan for The Boston Marathon in 2012. I had never run a marathon before and she took into account that fact and my current mileage when creating my schedule. Amanda also made sure that I was taking care of an old injury by scheduling 2 cross training days instead of 1 and she checked in frequently to make sure that I was not getting hurt again. Amanda was also readily available throughout training to talk about concerns that I had or help me make adjustments if I was sick or having a hard time training. Her approach for me was time - not miles and this was perfect! I trained and was well prepared for the race when the day came. I would not hesitate to ask Amanda for another training plan if I decide to run another marathon.

Meg Sisson, 2014 Boston Marathon Qualifier (Testimonial)

During my first marathon in July 2013 Amanda voluntarily paced almost 16 miles of the race. She was incredibly motivating and without her help I do not think I could have achieved the same results. With Amanda's constant motivation and help along the way I was able to get my first BQ! I found it better to run with someone when trying to run a certain time. I continue to consult Amanda with frequent running and training related questions.

Anthony DiPaolo, Client & Competitive Athlete (Testimonial)

Amanda is the most passionate runner i have ever met and she carries that passion to her coaching. In my first 5k I ran about 22:00 minutes after having never run. After training and being coached by Amanda, I ran 19:30 over a minute and a half PR. Since beginning my journey, I have run my first 10k, my first 15k, and my first 5 mile cross country race in 30 minutes and 47 seconds.