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University of Hawaii--Manoa (HI)
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18 years
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Qualified Private Coach
Passed Coach Course
Linda C.
Running
Background Check Verified
Learn MoreThis coach has passed an identification, basic background, and sex offender check.
I am a competitive runner and coach with over 18 years of experience helping others optimize their running and health status. Check out my Instagram: Destination Sport Domination! View all coaching experience
Training Locations
- 10560 Main Street, Fairfax, VA
- McLean High School, 1633 Davidson Road, McLean, VA
- Oakton High School, 2900 Sutton Rd, Vienna, VA
Coach is willing to travel up to 10 miles
Packages
1 session package with Coach Linda. 60 minute session length
Session Length: 1 hour
$80 1 session + applicable fees
3 session package with Coach Linda. 60 minute session length
Session Length: 1 hour
$225 3 sessions ($75/ea) + applicable fees
5 session package with Coach Linda. 60 minute session length
Session Length: 1 hour
$350 5 sessions ($70/ea) + applicable fees
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Adults, Kids, Teenagers
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Middle Distance, Marathon, Cross Country, Long Distance
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Breathing, Drive Phase, Gait, Pacing, Stride, Form
Credentials
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University of Hawaii--Manoa (HI)
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18 years
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Qualified Private Coach
Passed Coach Course
Services
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Adults, Kids, Teenagers
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Middle Distance, Marathon, Cross Country, Long Distance
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Breathing, Drive Phase, Gait, Pacing, Stride, Form
More About Coach Linda
Education/Certifications:
Degrees: Health Education BSEd, Counseling Psychology MA, Clinical Psychology PsyD (private practice: health & medical)
National Board Member USA Track and Field: Psychological Services Subcommittee (appointed in 2017)
Certifications: Certified Personal Trainer (AFAA); USA Track and Field (USATF) Coach; National Anger Management Association (NAMAS.org) Instructor
Experience:
I coach middle distance and long distance running. I have taught at the youth, high school and adult level in both Hawaii and currently in Virginia. I coached for 27 seasons at The Potomac School in McLean, VA where I was the head long distance coach for boys and girls for indoor and spring track as well as the head boys cross country coach. I was the coach of the individual junior boy 2014 Footlocker South Regional National Champion in cross country (time: 15:42) as well as the 3rd place Emerging Elite boys Distance Medley Relay team at the June 2015 New Balance National Championships. On November 13, 2015 my top boy cross country runner earned the individual first place state title in the Virginia Independent School State (VISAA) Cross Country Championships at Fork Union School with a time of 16:21 and was named First Team All-Met 2015 in the Washington Post. My second boy runner placed 7th, also earning all-State honors. In the fall of 2023, my top boy athlete, Charlie Ortmans, was the Washington Post All Met Cross Country runner of the year with a personal best of 14:29 in the 5k as a senior.
Other areas of specialty:
Sport Psychology (helping athletes optimize athletic performance) I currently work with National Football Association quarterbacks as well as track and field/cross country athletes and swimmers.
Trade Marked Sport Psychology Workshop Series: Destination: Sport Domination
I am also a Certified Sport Nutrition Coach (CSNC) through NASM.
Government Fitness Tests. I also specialize helping government employees/academy candidates prepare for physical fitness tests by providing baseline testing, form correction and training plans for all aspects of testing (push-up, sit-up, 300m, 1.5 runs or standard military PT tests). As noted in my "Athletic Highlights" I am a former military psychologist/member of USAF National CC Team.
Behavioral Health Educator--I also specialize in working in addiction (Obesity and Addiction Medicine). I am an opioid first responder with Narcan (REVIVE--VA State-funded program).
Current: Member of USA Track and Field Master's Division: 5k/10k
2007 United States National Cross Country Championships, Boulder, Colorado.
Member of US Air Force Team. Silver medal team finish. One of six women to run nationally
for the Air Force.
NCAA Cross Country Scholarship athlete at Virginia Commonwealth University (All-Conference Team
Sunbelt Championships). University top runner.
NCAA Cross Country Scholarship at George Mason University (Junior/Senior) (17:11 Burke Lake course)
Lake Braddock Secondary School--All Time Top Ten Cross Country record holder (17:42 Burke Lake course). Inducted into Lake Braddock Hall of Fame in 2014 for my records (top 15) in: cross country, mile and 4x800 relay.
Youth sports: Figure Skater for 6 years (highest level achieved Freestyle 6), Basketball 3 years.
My training sessions are interactive and extend beyond our time together, as needed through limited phone/email consultation. I am an active coach who will demonstrate and train with you, as appropriate, to assure you have been introduced to proper form and technique. Prior to our initial session you will be provided general background/wellness forms to fill out in effort to optimize your first and subsequent sessions. I provide a baseline assessment which is monitored during agreed upon intervals based on your need/length of desired training sessions. In addition to our physical sessions, I also include health-related information and "homework" assignments as total wellness is primary focus of my training style. Any professional development handouts, training logs, and professional books are provided at no additional cost.
Action Photos
Client Reviews
Abhi (CoachUp client)
Coach Linda is doing wonderful job with our son.
Ambreya (CoachUp client)
(no details provided)
Berk (CoachUp client)
After just my first session with Linda, I can already tell how exceptional she is as a coach. She taught me that running is more about stability and energy management than speed, and this insight has already made a big difference in how I approach my training. If you’re looking for a coach who can help you build a strong foundation from the start, Linda is the one you need.
Andrew (CoachUp client)
Coach Linda is outstanding. On the physical side of running, she uses the science of running and exercising to provide effective training routines and teach proper form. On the mental side of running, Coach Linda understand what motivates and demotivates us, and she uses that knowledge to build stronger runners and athletes. We highly recommend Coach Linda for anyone wanting to improve their running performance or overall fitness!
Cathy (CoachUp client)
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Austin (CoachUp client)
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Will (CoachUp client)
Coach Linda is Awesome!!! She created a great environment and explained things to my daughter (age 10) where she could understand. She is looking forward to her future sessions already and ready to train some more.
Kia (CoachUp client)
(no details provided)
Sabrina (CoachUp client)
Coach Linda was wonderful! I'm not a competitive athlete, but Linda tailored the session to my level and made me feel like there were no silly questions. She is great!
Kashef (CoachUp client)
Coach Linda took the time to go through the mechanics of my running and showed me how my flexibility (lack of) is negatively impacting my running.
Sonya (CoachUp client)
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Kyle (CoachUp client)
We couldn't have asked for a better running coach for our young son than Coach Linda. Our son wanted a running coach to help him improve his running for soccer and baseball season, and Coach Linda helped him with his mechanics for some immediate success. Since then, she’s continued to help us through various drills and exercises. Our sessions over the last year have helped improve the mechanics and his confidence. She always makes his sessions fun, and he loves meeting with her.
Carly (CoachUp client)
Coach Linda has vast knowledge in coaching and over-all wellness. She was very attentive to my needs and goals in my first session with her and spent ample amount of time getting to know me. She accommodates clients with different needs and came up with a plan that is best suited for me. I look forward to how she can help me progress in my fitness journey.
Amy (CoachUp client)
Great first session! Leila really enjoyed it.
Wanda (CoachUp client)
Coach Linda is wonderful! She focuses quickly on deficits and provides specific home exercises/running schedules to meet your goals. With Coach Linda, you will learn how to train properly. After only three visits and following her recommendations, I no longer have shin pain.
Mikeal (CoachUp client)
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Alexander (CoachUp client)
My son's first session with Coach Linda was superb. Her expertise and professionalism was outstanding. First she had him demonstrate his muscle flexibility. Then she had him run a mile, where she analyzed his performance, noting how his flexibility shortcomings adversely affected his efficiency. Afterwards she designed a program to address his needs. We will be following up with additional sessions with Coach Linda to implement this program. We definitely give her the highest recommendation.
Dion (CoachUp client)
Just amazing.. Coach Linda is truly passionate, caring, and the real deal. I am looking forward to seeing my son turning into a top athlete!!
Mike (CoachUp client)
My first session with Coach Linda was invaluable. She is extremely knowledgeable and has an immense depth of experience. Coach Linda "meets you where you are at" no matter what athletic ability you are. I've run a little bit here and there, from 5k's to even a few marathons but have never properly trained for them. Since then, I have been pretty sedentary and wanted to change that but had only found myself "floundering" in my attempts. Coach Linda is genuine and comes across as someone who values her trainees. The bottom line is that I am already feeling better about the direction I'm going. More to follow.
Paul (CoachUp client)
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R (CoachUp client)
Coach Linda is very knowledgeble. She provides a lot of information during the sessions on how to improve core strength and running style. Futhermore, she provides help out of sessions as well, such as sending updated pace charts. Coach Linda does not rush through the sesssions.
Paul (CoachUp client)
Coach Linda gave me great advice and good exercises to fix some problems in my running. Once I have incorporated what she taught me, I will definitely schedule more sessions for a tune-up.
Bobbi (CoachUp client)
Love someone that knows their stuff! She is a no-nonsense chic that gets straight to the point and her vast knowledge of running is not something you are going to find on a search engine. My first run after our session came with ease and my breathing and swallowing issues were not present. I really enjoyed running again and I didn't feel like I had been through a war when it was over.
Richard (CoachUp client)
Linda is amazing! She is incredibly knowledgeable and her training style is perfect for anyone who is willing to put in the work. I assure you she is effective, precise, efficient and knows how to get results.
Scott (CoachUp client)
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Christine (CoachUp client)
Very helpful! Took the time to demonstrate all exercises. Listened to my concerns/needs. Helped me reach my goal of passing a physical fitness exam!
Chris (CoachUp client)
We had a very productive first session with Linda. She reviewed my son's past race performances, including the way he prepares for races. Then she discussed training theory with him, conducted a muscle/flexibility assessment, and gave him an individualized plan for improving his form, fitness, and pacing. He came away from this first session with a better understanding of his strengths and challenges as a competitive runner, as well as more confidence that he can meet his goals.
Chris (CoachUp client)
Coach Linda is a great coach. After our first meeting I have all of the confidence in the world she will help me improve to the level I need to be at.
Her knowledge and experience with physical fitness is only matched by her passion for living healthy life. I look forward to continuing to work with Coach Linda and obtaining the goals that she will help me reach.
Lidia (CoachUp client)
I really appreciate Linda’s extensive knowledge and coaching experience. We discussed a plan appropriate for my age (50+) and goals. Linda is candid, well organized, and enthusiastic. I look forward to getting fit with her guidance.
Summer (CoachUp client)
She is friendly, professional and really knows what she's doing.
Marlene (CoachUp client)
My daughter and I had a great session with Coach Linda this past weekend. She explained her philosophy and what we could expect from her as a coach. We've booked additional sessions with her and look forward to working with her.
Todd (CoachUp client)
On time and on target. Coach Linda was very personable and great with my girls. We will be booking with her again soon.
Laura (CoachUp client)
Linda has been fabulous so far. I’m not a good runner but she has already been able to make improvements in just one session by listening to my goals and challenges, watching me run, then making initial suggestions. She then provided a plan of action for improvement. I can’t wait for additional sessions.
Gina (CoachUp client)
Coach Linda's initial meeting with my son hit the mark. She understood his challenges, and her approach to training, nutrition, and overall fitness really resonated with him. We are very impressed with her credentials as well as her passion and caring attitude. My son is looking forward to working with her again.
Kate (CoachUp client)
We had a great experience with Coach Linda. Our initial meeting covered her training philosophy and the athlete’s goals. I have a minor, so I appreciated being included for the first 20 minutes of the meeting. She is an educated coach with extensive experience.
Jessica (CoachUp client)
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Musumaula'i (CoachUp client)
She’s great!
Caitlin (CoachUp client)
Coach Linda's training plans have not only helped me with endurance and speed, but have actually made my training easier. She is a great motivator and tailors plans to fit your fitness level and goals. She understands what works and makes plans that are simple and achievable.
Monte (CoachUp client)
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Jennifer (CoachUp client)
Coach Linda was great. She listened to my concerns and took them into consideration when designing training plans for me. She also stayed in touch between our sessions and spent time outside of our sessions together designing my plans. She was really helpful and helped me to run a BQ!
Rachel (CoachUp client)
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Rafik (CoachUp client)
Very personalized approach
Patrick (CoachUp client)
Coach Linda is a phenomenal coach! I couldn't be happier with our first session and am looking forward to some follow ups. She immediately began informing me of some issues I had, which she helped me correct, and helped me understand the reasoning behind it all. Coach Linda used her knowledge and experience to set me up with a more efficient and safe plan to achieve my current and future goals. I highly recommend her to anyone looking to improve their running and fitness.
Cecilia (CoachUp client)
Coach Linda is awesome! I've received more advice than expected. I have to run for government fitness tests, but I struggle with them. Coach Linda is encouraging and provides excellent training plans for running and exercises to help with muscle imbalances. She is very perceptive and realistic in setting running goals. I've reduced my running time noticeably in two weeks without injury. I look forward to continued training with Coach Linda.
Justin (CoachUp client)
Linda is great! She cares about your goals and you as a person. Her coaching brings multiple layers of improvement. Will seek more sessions in the future.
Wesley (CoachUp client)
Coach Linda has had a huge impact on my running. In addition to moving me through progressively more challenging training routines, she's solved all my aches/pains. I've made great progress over 18 months and look forward to continue progressing under her guidance.
Shawn (CoachUp client)
Coach Linda is the running coach I've been looking for. She been very flexible with my odd schedule and has addressed all of my concerns regarding my injury history with running. After just one session I feel extremely comfortable putting my training needs in Linda's hands and trusting her to get me to where I want to be. Overall, I'm extremely happy working with Linda.
Beth (CoachUp client)
She is definitely an expert, is a great communicator, a motivating coach. I'm looking forward to working with her more in the future!
Dominique (CoachUp client)
I strongly recommend Coach Linda. She is more knowledgeable than any of the coaches/personal trainers I've encountered. And, in addition to creating a workout plan for me, Coach Linda paired me with a Dietitian to help ensure my success. Great Coach!
Kan (CoachUp client)
Linda is an excellent Coach who understands your needs / goals and will try to synchronize the training plan to align with them . I would recommend Linda to any one who has long or short time goals in running , Track&Field.
Tracy (CoachUp client)
My daughter and I met Coach Linda for our first session last week. She was extremely thorough and I love her holistic approach of addressing a multidisciplinary approach to track and field running (from nutrition, psychological, mental, strategies, being a better human being, patience, etc....)We look forward to working with her!!!
Shannon (CoachUp client)
My son plays AAU and middle school basketball and has been working with Coach Linda for the past couple of years. We are so impressed with her knowledge of fitness and sports psychology and her professionalism. My son's strength and conditioning has improved, which has translated to greater confidence on the court. He really listens to what she says and respects her opinion, which is important for a middle school student. I highly recommend Coach Linda to anyone who wants to gain an edge in their respective sport.
Lynn (CoachUp client)
After my daughters 1st session with Coach Linda, she said she already felt like a better runner. Not only does Coach Linda's expertise shine in her discussions, she also investigated my daughter's running experiences, and listened intently to what we are looking for. These are great attributes and my daughter cannot wait until their next session!
Tony (CoachUp client)
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Aleksandr (CoachUp client)
I had my first running session with Coach Linda today and already got some invaluable tips on how to improve my running form and give a better structure to my training.
She explained very well what would it take to reach my immediate running goals and what tools could help me to get there. She was extremely friendly and helpful.
I enjoyed our first training session a lot and looking forward to working with Coach Linda in the future.
Christine (CoachUp client)
Coach Linda had very valuable information. She was extremely nice and welcoming and very easy to talk with. I would definitely recommend her to other runners. I look forward to working with her more in the future.
Kannan (CoachUp client)
This was my first session with Coach Linda but it won't be my last. She is knowledgeable, patient and went over our allocated time to explain the processes and exercises to me great detail. I look forward to working with her again in the near future. Thank you!
Philip (CoachUp client)
Her approach is systematic and hands on. My last session was Linda was very helpful and informative. Would recommend her to anyone who's serious about taking their running to the next level.
Ronicia (CoachUp client)
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Scott (CoachUp client)
First session was extremely productive. Coach Linda is very personable and has an extremely effective teaching style that will greatly enhance personal performance. Looking forward to more sessions to refine and master that which she is instructing.
Megan (CoachUp client)
I really enjoyed my first session with Coach Linda. Right off the bat, she gave me some good info and tips to get started. I have a specific goal and she is working a program based on my needs and current abilities. I'm excited to see some progress and what Linda has in store for my training program next!
Veronica (CoachUp client)
Coach Linda spent a lot of time with my daughter and really explained her training philosophy and plan. She made her feel comfortable and ready to start her training. We are really looking forward to working with Linda over the next few months!
Sheri (CoachUp client)
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Eric (CoachUp client)
Coach Linda is a very informative and knowledgeable coach. She's very organized and detail orientated. My son received a lot of valuable information under her and would recommend her to anyone.
Ajay (CoachUp client)
I worked with Coach Linda for nearly a year. As an older runner with injuries, I needed very personalized help. She was flexible with her schedule, and generous with her advice. She ran with me as we trained and talked me thru what I was feeling (in my knees, ankles, breathing, etc.) right there during the work out! I found this incredibly helpful. She was patient and treated even the most trivial questions seriously. I felt comfortable talking to her about the smallest issue. If my schedule permitted, she would be my coach for life. Highly recommended.
Georgiann (CoachUp client)
We met with Coach Linda for an assessment session with our 9th grade daughter as she is finishing out her first season of Cross Country and we want to keep her stamina up over the winter months. Coach Linda was extremely knowledgeable on the sport and was very personable, approachable and likeable with my daughter. We are now ready to move forward this winter with some personal training and assisting by Coach Linda as my daughter prepares for her next season of Cross Country. We are so happy to have found and met Coach Linda. My daughter is looking forward to her winter sessions and her ability to move up in the sport. Chandler and Georgiann Howell
Renato (CoachUp client)
I'm really confident after our first session. You can tell Linda's been doing this for years. She anticipated allot of what I had to say and had allot of prepared material for us to go over to include an overview of her coaching methodology and in my case (because I'm injury prone) allot of injury prevention stuff.
Margaret (CoachUp client)
Had my first workout session with Linda yesterday. She is very personable, knowledge and encouraging. She is very down to earth and supportive. I felt like I was working out with a great friend! Can't wait for my next session with her 😊
Amber (CoachUp client)
Coach Linda made me feel comfortable in our first session, and she encouraged me with her positive view of the progress I could make with a specific training plan. With her extensive experience, she can provide real examples of how various strategies have worked. I look forward to working with her more!
Kathy (CoachUp client)
We had a great initial session with Coach Linda, and we can't wait to get started on our program!
Evelyn (CoachUp client)
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Dawn (CoachUp client)
Coach Linda was fantastic at our first meeting! She is extremely knowledgable how to address the running concerns presented to her and proceeded to formulate a game plan for the coming months. My daughter is extremely excited and looking forward to working with Coach Linda.
Fatema (CoachUp client)
We had our first session today with Coach Linda and my son is already looking forward to his sessions. She took her time to explain to us what they sessions will entail and the reasons behind the different exercises and drills. Coach Linda went beyond the physical aspects of the training and explained to my son the mental and nutritional side of it, which I think finally hit home with him. We both can't wait for him to start the training. I believe that that this is going to give him the confidence to excel in his sport.
Constance (CoachUp client)
Coach Linda was wonderful! She speaks the running language and knew just what to say to inspire my distance runner.
Sean (CoachUp client)
I met with Linda for my first assessment and she was great. We went over everything I can imagine and she came totally prepared with training plans with the information I emailed before we met. I'm looking forward to training with Linda!
Derek (CoachUp client)
Coach Linda had numerous references prepared for me ahead of my first session, covering among other things, nutrition, pacing, and training plans. Coach Linda's credentials speak for themselves, and her passion and dedication were immediately evident. We started on time and the hour-long session was kept moving with thorough efficiency. I highly recommend working with her!
Michael (CoachUp client)
Coach Linda is very good. Great with kids, too. Encouraging, fun and a pleasure to work with. Highly recommended.
Mark (CoachUp client)
Linda is terrific! I am trying to get back into running regularly after a 20-year break, and I keep pulling calf muscles. I was worried that a coach wouldn't be that interested in helping me because of my age (56) and modest goals (12-16 miles per week without injury). Linda listened carefully to my issues and asked lots of questions. She then provided a broad range of input - on everything from nutrition to stretching. She even stayed 15 minutes overtime to work with me. I only signed up for one session because of my skepticism about what a coach could do for me. I can't wait to sign up for more sessions! I give Linda my highest recommendation.
Steven (CoachUp client)
Best coach for all ages!!
Lesley (CoachUp client)
Coach Linda was very extremely knowledgable and immediately provided us with useful tips and advice on how to make running easier and less stressful. We look forward to working with Coach Linda to enhance our children's running ability.
Carrie (CoachUp client)
I'm a slower, older runner and Coach Linda has been positive, encouraging and inspiring. She brings much experience and talent to her role as a coach and I feel like I'm learning what I need to learn to improve my performance and enjoy the journey more.
Suzanna (CoachUp client)
Highly Recommend. Coach Linda is extremely knowledgeable in all aspects of running. As an elite/accomplished runner herself, she was very helpful in guiding my daughter in proper pre-run drills and running form. She was always professional, patient and personable. She provided a very detailed regiment after discussing what goals' my daughter wanted to achieve. She always looked forward to her sessions!
Mary Ann (CoachUp client)
I am an older runner and after reviewing the profiles of several coaches on Coach-Up, I chose Coach Linda and it has been one of my better decisions. Coach Linda is a seasoned professional whose passion for the sport of running is motivating. Her comprehensive training program allowed me to enjoy the sport injury free this past season.
Kyla (CoachUp client)
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Scott (CoachUp client)
Coach Linda is simply the best there is to offer and an absolute amazing find. With a true understanding of sports psychology as well as anatomy and training, she brought my son to the next level with tackle football. He increased his speed and quickness by understanding what he could improve and what steps it takes to get there. Coach Linda found ways to motivate my son that were unique to him and he looked forward to his sessions each week. I was amazed at how much he enjoyed working out and learning.
Linda trains and conditions with a full 360 package in mind. Motivation, mindset, technique, conditioning.
She is an amazing find in the VA area!
Shelly (CoachUp client)
Not only is Linda a tremendous athlete, she is also a tremendous person. She has a true passion for fitness and nutrition. I am so glad I found Linda on the CoachUp site! She is the perfect coach to help improve my running times and reach my fitness goals .
Yan (CoachUp client)
Coach Linda is a great coach. She is very flexible and patient. Both my daughter and I have overweight problem and too lazy to workout. She always pushes us to work a little bit more and guide us on getting the right nutrition. We really enjoyed her coaching and look forward to get back to normal shape. I would recommend Coach Linda to anyone.
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