Smart Running

I’ve been running with Marc since Nov 2009. I had just finished my 2^nd half marathon with a 2:12 finish. I am NOT a runner and was training on my own. I wanted to go for a sub 2:00 hr finish for a half but I was bored, my knees hurts and I hated the hills/​speedwork I knew I needed to improve. Smart Running’s program was fun, challenging (I stopped saying «That was the HARDEST workout EVER» after awhile and just enjoyed the burn & endorphins aftewards), varied and — most importantly — resulted in marked improvements. I ran a 1:56:20 in Aug 2010! That’s 14 MINUTES off my half marathon time before I started training with Marc! And I came out of it with intact knees, a better understanding of what works (hills are a MUST, good running form = less effort), and a growing appreciation for running. The class is totally adaptable to runners at any level — we had absolute beginners and those pushing for a sub 5:00 min/​mi pace — and very engaging. If you are looking to get a kick start on your new diet/​lifestyle or looking to push your running performance, I’d totally recommend Smart Running’s program. We meet 3x/​week (Mon and Wednesdays at the Garfield High track at 630pm, Saturdays at the Greenlake track at noon) — but come once a week or 3x/​wk. I now consider the Smart Running days my «workout days»; my days of spin classes and in the gym are now my «rest days.» Just do it.

Marc is an excellent motivator and instructor. He taught me better running form for less injury, and I’ve shaved 30 seconds off my normal running pace. His workouts are varied and fun, but still tough and you’ll really push yourself in a good way.

I’ve been going to Smart Running since January and can easily say that I’m addicted! Each session is different — it’s a mixture of speed work, strength training, form, endurance and ugh… hills! It’s super motivating to have Coach Marc and other running club members cheering you on during the workouts, and most important to me, I can see a definite improvement in my running performance! Smart Running has members of all different fitness levels and members who have all sorts of different goals. The really cool thing is that Marc will adapt the workout to what fits best for the individual. Happy running!

Marc helped me go from never running in my life (I’m 32) to completing my first 5k in 10 months! I have an old knee injury and thought I couldn’t do it, but we met for several private sessions that helped me boost my strength and confidence. Now I go to the group sessions and really appreciate the workout and instruction. Great for runners of any level. I highly recommend Smart Running!

Really good introduction to pose running. The workouts are tough, but Marc mixes them up so they don’t get stale. Running with a group is good motivation and keeps it fun. I recently completed my first half marathon in 1:31:41 – way faster than I ever thought I could. I I’ve also knocked a bunch of time off my mile.