Matthew Lowe

Introduction:

Hello and welcome my CoachUp page! Let me begin by stating the obvious that searching for the right coach that best matches your needs can be an exhausting and confusing process. You never really know what your criteria is before experiencing the services firsthand. But look no further, because regardless if your an avid athlete or someone who is looking to complete their very first marathon event I’ll be happy to help you reach your athletic endeavors.

My training designs aren’t derived from some cookie cutter programs you’ll often find in most training books. I am a running coach with insightful and practical knowledge on fitness, training, and racing and will create engaging workouts tying into your fitness and health goals. Through my individualized training plans that are backed by exercise science and current training methods are proven to be effective. I work diligently to create unique experiences for clients at any training level and event focus.

I understand how difficult it can be to stay motivated during these trying times, which is why I extend my services through both in-person and online coaching.

Whether it’s through in-person or online services, we will regularly discuss multiple aspects about performance including news, workouts, training modalities, exercise physiology, biomechanics, team cohesion, the running lifestyle, and so much more. You will garner knowledge about the nuances of running well, and we may even learn from one another.

Our growth mindset enables us to work beyond our current abilities, and we should refuse to settle with the proverbial limits of performance.
“There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them” - Bruce Lee

My goal is to train everyone with an emphasis on health, fitness, and injury prevention so people can approach the competition in terrific shape ready to compete with confidence, and reflect the best version of themselves.

No matter your current fitness level, whether you're a seasoned athlete or going from couch to 5k, come as you are and sign up for either group training sessions, personal training, or personalized coaching packages. I’m excited to get to know you and to work with you.

Coaching Philosophy:

I begin by observing and analyzing areas for improvement in an athlete, and assigning tasks geared towards improving athletic abilities and ultimately accomplishing goals. I believe in working with athletes on their weaknesses to improve their strengths. My training programs are carefully designed and methodical using the latest training theory and backed by scientific research with the goal for long term development.

Bio:

BA - Psychology from Brescia University
Master of Sport Science from United States Sports Academy
M.Ed. - Secondary Education from Grand Canyon University
2x All American- 5k and 10k
Hall of Fame Athlete - 2017

Coaching Experience (5+ years)

Kentucky Wesleyan College - 01/2016 to 05/2018
Shelton High School - 05/2018 to 09/2020
Saint Martin’s University - 09/2019 to Present

High school Accomplishments;
3x CIF California state qualifier.
3x All Region in California.
All Region in Kentucky
Placed 5th at KHSAA State cross country
All Region in the 4x800 and 3200m.
Placed 3rd in 3200m at the KHSAA track and field state.
Placed 8th in 4x800 at the KHSAA track and field state.

College accomplishments;
12x National Qualifier (cross country, outdoor and indoor track and field)
2x All American: 5,000m and 10,000m
8x KIAC All Conference
3x KIAC Conference champion in both cross country and track
KIAC Male Athlete of the Year 2013
Currently hold 10 school records
Boston Qualifier

First, I take the time getting to know the client and learn their abilities, experience level as an athlete in general, they're event specialty (sprints, throws, jumps, mid-distance, and long distance), and helping to establish goals and expectations for both myself and the client. My training program will be most effective if it’s followed accordingly. Different training styles vary among each individual and not all athletes will be trained the same way. For instance, an athlete might be capable of handling higher mileage training, whereas another might need more cross training to compliment their training.

Sample training session (up to 2 hours in duration)

Warmup - 10-15 min
Active Isolated Stretches - 5-10 min
Dynamic Drills - 5-10 min
Strides: 5-7 minutes (depending on event specialty)
Workout session - 20-60 min (depending on event specialty)
Strength - 20-45 min (depending on event specialty)
Light Stretching - 10-15 min
Cooldown - 10-15 min
Debriefing - 5 minutes

Focuses in each item within a typical session:

Warmups: prepping the body to take on the workout for the day.

Active Isolated Stretches: adding movement to stretches where the individual holds a stretch for 1-3 seconds. Typically performed while walking up to 20 meters.

Dynamic Drills: enhances running form through focused repetitive movements, and builds general agility and speed.

Strides: enables the individual to get a feel of race pace and how to adjust their pacing to meet the pacing demands of a workout.

Workout: this solely is dependent on the individual’s ability, event specialty, where the individual is presently in their training, etc.

Strength: typical in-session strength exercising methods include calisthenics, kettlebell, medicine ball, speed ladder, and mini hurdles. If throwers are being coached then they will need to have access to a weight room facility either at a school or public gym.

Light Stretching: normally consists of light yoga type stretched and static stretching.

Cooldown: normally easy running/ walking around to flush the body’s system of by-products due to lactate accumulation.

Debriefing: time spent with the individual to discuss how they felt about the workout they completed, and to cover any questions related to exercising.