Gatlin H.

I have been coaching myself as a runner for three years. I have currently been working as a middle and long distance running volunteer coach for the Mortimer Jordan High School track and field team for over one year. I really enjoy helping beginner runners reach their goals and become more experienced athletes. I am an USATF certified coach, and I am currently completing my certification to be a personal trainer under the National Academy of Sports Medicine.

2011 AHSAA Sectionals: 2nd place 3200M
2012 Mercedes Half Marathon 29th overall, 2nd age division
(1:24:22)
2013 AHSAA indoor Championships: 6th place 4x800M
2013 AHSAA State Championships: 4th 4x400M
2013 AHSAA State Championships: 10th place 800M (2:06)
2013 New Park Duathlon: 10th place overall, 2nd age division
2013 Magic City Half Marathon: 2nd age division
(1:25:05)
2014 Hill and Crank Duathlon: 10th place overall, 1st place age division
2014 Mercedes Marathon: 1st place age division (3:11:00)
2014 Magnolia Festival 5k: 1st overall (16:38)
2014 New Park Duathlon: 2nd place overall
2014 Magic City Half Marathon: 1st place age division, 10th overall
(1:23:24)
2014 Vulcan Run 10K (36:35
2015 Regions Superhero 5K: 1st overall
(17:27)
2015 Whistle Stop Duathlon: 4th overall, 2nd male
2015 Oktoberfest 10K (36:20)
2015 Vulcan Run 10K (36:39)

Whether or not the athlete specializes in the 400 meter run or distances beginning with the 800 meter run and farther would decide how training sessions would begin. If the athlete specifies in the 400 meter run, we would start with a 800 meter light jog. A warm-up for a longer distance runner would most likely begin with jogging 1 mile or more. I would typically warm-up with the athlete, getting to know he or she better, in order to learn about their goals as a runner. After the warm-up, we would go into dynamic stretching routines along with drills focusing on form. With the first session, after warm-up and drills, I will assess where the athlete is at in terms of fitness. The fitness assessment includes a time trial of a distance geared toward the athletes preferred event. A 400 meter runner would run a 200 meter or 400 meter time trial; however, an 800 meter and up athlete would typically do a 600 meter or 1600 meter run. Keeping in mind full effort is given during time trials, I would be able to tell the overall fitness level of the beginning athlete. I would also record their run on video to check running form and biomechanics. Following the time trial, the athlete would run a cool down of equal distance to their warm-up. To end the session, I would discuss and finalize a training plan with the athlete to ensure all of their needs as a runner are met.