Christopher Z.

Although recently relocated to Chicago, I have extensive coaching experience from both working with numerous athletes ranging from beginner to advanced, and working as an athlete myself with numerous coaches. Some highlights include:
-Coaching several high school athletes that I was also teaching at that time to successfully compete in a full distance marathon, all finished top half (have to give the athletes most of the credit for that one!)
-Coaching a middle school cross country team. Several athletes finished top 10 at state.
-Coaching a beginners running program at a running shop I formerly worked at.
-Speaking at running camps about how to best develop potential.
-Interviews in several domestic and international publications about running, in particular fitting effective training into a busy schedule.

Since I am somewhat new to the city and am trying out the CoachUp platform for the first time, I have tried to make my rates as accessible as possible in hopes of getting things rolling. Also, I am planning to begin family medicine residency next July and most likely will have to cut back the coaching at that point. So if interested, don’t wait long.

-Competed in 50 marathons around the world. 19 wins. 12 have been under 2 hour 19 minute Olympic trials standard. Best performance 2:13:45. Course record at Shamrock Marathon in Virginia Beach, Virginia. World record set in the 211-lap indoor marathon event, set at the New York City Armory facility. Featured in the New York Times as “Best extreme marathoner” and on Letsrun.com as “Most interesting man in running”.
-Numerous Half marathons. Best performance 65:30. Course record at Swiss City Half Marathon in Lucerne, Switzerland.
-Competed in high school and in college division 1.

The first step I take in working with any athlete is to set up a meeting (free) either in person at a coffee shop, on a run, or via phone call. (Select “first intro/trial session” option) We will discuss goals, availability, and whether you and I would be a proper fit. Although willing to conduct single sessions, I prefer to work with athletes for some period of time (ie buildup for a race) because it would afford the opportunity to get to know my athletes better and because there are numerous types of workouts that I would not be able to demonstrate in a single session, effective training involves variety. Also, I would find it more rewarding to achieve a long term goal with the athletes I coach.

I would like to work with the athletes at least one time per week in person. Those sessions would involve:

-First doing some core and plyometric exercises to warm up. A cup of coffee, yerba mate, or tea and honey may also be provided, I always have some before my own training sessions.
-We would then proceed with the main running work out. Except for some track workouts, I would run with the athlete at the prescribed paces. Workouts will mainly consist of long runs at regular pace, intervals of varying distances, tempos at approximately race pace, or speed work to develop speed and explosiveness. Most sessions would be done along the lakefront trail weather permitting. For winter training sessions, I may organize indoor track sessions if the athlete would prefer that to outdoors.
-After the main work out, it will be time for a cool down jog, stretching, rolling, and strengthening exercises. I believe strength is important in addition to speed and endurance, so I prefer to assist athletes with post workout weight lifting/strengthening exercises if time permits. Post workout snack will also be provided since rapid refueling helps speed recovery, this will include at minimum protein drink and fruit.

My training philosophy is building the biggest engine possible and fitting it into the smallest possible package. If in person is not possible for a session, I will follow up with a phone call to discuss how it went. I believe frequent, effective communication is important to keep things on track and maintain an optimal level of motivation. Weekly and monthly training schedule will also be provided, I find it helpful for athletes when they know what to expect.

The athlete who would benefit most from my services is one who would like to train for and compete in a marathon or other distance race in a unique or exotic location. My extensive racing experience around the United States and over a dozen countries around the world means I excel at finding exciting races worldwide and the best travel arrangements while maintaining a tight budget. You will not find anyone better to effectively train you and arrange an unforgettable racing experience.

On a related note, I will also be able to provide my athletes with nutrition, supplement, equipment, and injury prevention and treatment advice. My athletic experience and my educational background has left me with extensive experience in these matters as well. I recently completed my M.D. degree and am waiting to start residency next summer, so in addition to being my athlete you would also in a sense be one of my patients.

I am excited to begin working with several athletes and sharing my expertise provided they are the right fit. I am mainly doing this because I think it would be an adrenaline-filled, enjoyable second “fun” job, and hope to make my athletes’ experience a highlight of their week as well.