Emily G.

I have supported numerous friends (women in their 20s and 30s) as they attempt their "firsts" - first marathon, first 5K (for a non-runner), and so on. Although I'm fairly new to formalized coaching, I can make a training plan and I know how to be a motivator! I worked for 2 years at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, known for its Team in Training Program (where I also volunteered as a runner). I ran competitively in Division 2 athletics for the cross-country team at Mines and ran at Cherry Creek High School''s A Team.

I competed as a collegiate athlete in Division 2 at the Colorado School of Mines in cross-country (http://www.csmorediggers.com/sports/xc/2007-08/women_roster). I served as our team captain in 2007 and loved motivating my teammates. I continued running after college but increased my distance to tackling half-marathons and marathons, including road races and trail races.

I have 15 years of running experience - from trail races to high school 5Ks, from the Prague Marathon to the New Orleans Marathon.

I'm most proud of my Boston Marathon finish in 3:14 (that's Pi, and I'm a math nerd)! My favorite race is the Crested Butte "Cart to Cart" half marathon, a low-key race with about 40 athletes in the beautiful fall colors with rewarding/challenging elevation gain.

I grew up in a household where our family vacation destinations were wherever my dad's next marathon was. I watched my mom walk her first marathon in under 6 hours last year. I have friends who are in the Olympic Trials and some who just want to feel good about finishing their first 5K. I love running and I love helping people -- I'll meet you wherever you are in terms of what you need from a coach.

I focus primarily on serving novice runners/joggers or on supporting individuals in their first long-distance race. I am here to be your support system, which means that I'm more like a knowledgeable friend than a coach.

In your first session with me, we'll talk about your goals and review a training plan together - the plan will include running, cross-training, stretching, the right "equipment," and eating well. We'll determine which areas you want to focus on; for example, you may want help getting motivated to do speed workouts or you may have questions about preventing injuries as you increase your mileage during training. I believe that running doesn't need frills and that anyone is capable of running and enjoying it, but it's important that you have the right shoes and that you have the tools to stay hydrated and comfortable during your runs. We'll talk through my no-nonsense approach, and you'll leave the first session feeling confident -- no matter where you're starting from.

After our first session, we'll do what works for you, based on your goals and training plan. This can include any of the following:
*speed drills with me by your side helping to pace you or with me encouraging you at the top of the hill for hill repeats
*meeting up for a long run together
*chatting about your struggles and trouble-shooting (possibly over a cup of coffee)
*support in helping you find the right shoes
*cross-training (possibly while I'm pushing a stroller with my newborn)
*mapping out the best routes for your trail runs