Evan D.

Rachel (CoachUp client)

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Andrea (CoachUp client)

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Deniz (Testimonial)

I have always been active and energetic in my life. But my “being active” only consisted of lifting weights, running around the lake or on a treadmill for a certain time without paying attention to my speed and exertion level, and casually swimming in a lake or at a pool. So I guess one cannot get as newbie as me. In late October 2012, I have started working out with November project, and started making friends who are very knowledgeable about fitness, athletics, and competitions. Evan has been one of these friends, and the most influential one. In less than a year I have participated in numerous athletics competitions of all kinds including 2 marathons and a triathlon. I am running another marathon in 3 weeks. I have also signed up for Ironman triathlon in August 2014, and currently training for it with Evan. Apart from being one of my closest friends, he has always been a great coach for me. He is very knowledgeable about biking and running, yet he is extremely good at getting down to the level of a beginner, understand and help with the challenges. He has helped my pick and purchase a bike and accessories, by paying attention to each and every single detail. He has helped me get familiar with biking, learn and do it the right way. I have already completed several 30+ miles biking tours with his help, and I feel great about my bike and the way I enjoy biking right now. It is always great to run with him. I always feel that I become a better runner when I am around him, and learn more about how to make my form better, how to run faster and use my body and energy wisely. His attitude is never bossy or derogatory. He will always patiently reiterate what I can do better, and make me feel good about what I am already doing well. He has helped me train for a marathon I recently ran with the hope of qualifying for Boston marathon. We have done numerous long runs together, where I have learned so much about all aspects of running (such as form, nutrition, footwear, mental challenges). Moreover, he has been kind and thoughtful enough to travel to Erie, PA from Boston, MA (about 1200 miles round-trip) with me to accompany me during the marathon. He ran about 18 miles of the marathon with me helping me pace myself, stay calm, hydrated and determined. I missed the Boston marathon qualification by 27 seconds. But I still consider it as a great success, as I almost made it with less than a year of running. And below is what Evan told me after the race, which rally makes me feel proud and accomplished: I'm honored that you would entrust me with your time, exertion, and BQ opportunity. I'm proud of your efforts (you ran your heart to the limit) and your strategy (from prep to consistent pace). I consider Erie a huge success for you, having given it your all. It takes courage to take on a challenge at your limits. I hope you also feel proud of your whole experience. I am confident that I will qualify for Boston marathon in the very near future. I will continue to train with Evan for our Ironman triathlon in August, 2014. I am very lucky to have such a friend and coach around me!

Kate (Testimonial)

I wanted a coach because I have a terrible time motivating myself to run or work out. I'm fantastic at finding excuses not to go for a run, like there is a 10% chance that it's going to rain, or I just ate a sandwich and don't want to get cramps while running. All total BS, but that's just how my mind works. By signing up for a 5K and having someone hold me accountable, I was able to finally get into a regiment of running. Evan gave me the encouragement and the guilt trips that I needed in order to stick with it. By recording each run with a little bit of feedback about the run, I ensured that Evan knew I was actually going for runs and trying to get better. The best thing he did was make me explore all of my excuses to not go for a run. If I thought it was going to be too cold out, he had my buy warming running clothes. He encouraged me to run when it is raining outside so I could see just how harmless it is. I think that was the most valuable lesson that I continue to use while training for my next 5K (my third this year!). He loves what he does and he wants everyone to be healthy and happy, which is his greatest strength.