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Author Archive | Trevor Spencer

Running Retreat in the Alps with Trevor and Angie

By on January 8, 2024 in Travel, update

photo credit: @runthealps, @kimberly.strom

Trevor and Angie will be hosting a nine day run/hike on the famous Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB).

The Tour du Mont-Blanc is the most famous trail running route in the world, and for good reason. Wandering over mountain trails from France, to Italy, to Switzerland and back into France, the “TMB” footpath includes some of the most iconic mountain terrain anywhere.

We believe this trip will be a transformational experience on many levels. You will be inspired by the natural beauty of the Alps, challenged by the distance around Mont Blanc (roughly 165k), and get to hang out with Trevor, Angie, and fellow MTA podcast fans!

The tour starts on July 11th 2024. Please email us if you want to be added to the waiting list! There is currently 0 spots available. Continue Reading →

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Motivation for Your 2024 Running Goals

By on January 7, 2024 in Mindset, Motivation, Podcasts

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In this podcast episode we give you a healthy dose of motivation as you think about your marathon training in the new year! Hear how fellow runners are dealing with setbacks, setting goals, and taking on new challenges. 💪

Continue Reading →

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MTA Podcast Featured by The Telegraph

By on January 3, 2024 in update

Somehow I just found out that the The Telegraph listed our podcast among the “top 40 uplifting podcasts for mood, mind and body.”

The article is from 2019 and behind a paywall but here’s the blurb about us,

At first glance, the world of fitness podcasts is dominated by Wolf of Wall Street-esque motivational speakers, bodybuilders and bikini models promoting their “brands” while gnawing your ear off. But there are gems: the Marathon Training Academy offers tips to ultra-runners. An episode recapping the scenic Loch Ness Marathon in Scotland transported me to the Highlands, convincing me that a marathon might be a goal worth setting, if only to visit the Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye.

The writer, Madeleine Howell, is referring to Angie’s recap of the Loch Ness Marathon.

Also, she probably uses “ultra-runners” to mean those who run a long ways, not ultramarathoners. Thanks Telegraph for the kind mention!

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12 Marathons in 12 Months with MTA Coaching

By on January 1, 2024 in Back-to-Back Races, Coaching, Success Story

Here’s a post from our client Heather Grazzini-Sims who had an awesome year. Enjoy!

“MTA Coach Abby was a huge asset to my success of completing 12 marathons in 12 months!

I started working with Coach Abby of MTA in the fall of 2021. I had several marathons under my belt at this time and had worked on and off with other coaches but I needed a change.

I like the process that MTA has for selecting coaches based on the runner’s profile. I also like that Coach Abby lives in a similar region, so our running conditions are often the same. After working together for about a year, I knew she could help me with my next crazy idea. Continue Reading →

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MTA Holiday Letter

By on December 28, 2023 in update

Here’s the official holiday letter (the first of its kind) that gives a snapshot of what went on here at Marathon Training Academy in 2023.

We had the chance to visit some beautiful places and meet with many clients, customers, and fans of the MTA Podcast.

It was a fun year, take a look.

Continue Reading →

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From 90 Pounds Overweight to a Sub 3 Marathon!

By on December 20, 2023 in Coaching, Success Story

Chris Farrands used our marathon training plan and had three strategy sessions with Coach Nicole. He writes,

“Thank you again for your guidance the last few months. The initial training plan and then getting me linked up with Coach Nicole absolutely made the 2:57 possible.

Last year, in 2022, I ran a 3:50 on the same course.

The training plan held me accountable to not over training. It helped me to keep easy days, easy and hard days hard. The progression and build up worked really well for me. I was healthier throughout the training plan, ate more than the prior year and ran 15-20% fewer miles per week. Continue Reading →

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Running a 3:15 Marathon with MTA Coaching

By on December 17, 2023 in Coaching, Success Story

We appreciate our client Jessie Hogue-Morgenstern for writing this blogpost about what it was like to work with an MTA Coach to both BQ and run a blazing fast 3:15 marathon! She writes,

“I started working with Coach Joel right at the start of the pandemic with the goal of qualifying for the Boston Marathon (a tale as old as time).

In previous attempts I would get close but then end up injured, so I wanted to try out a coach to help me figure out a solution. On a whim I reached out to MTA’s coaching program because my dad was a big fan of the podcast (and I am now too). Continue Reading →

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Have Fun and Enjoy the Experience

By on December 9, 2023 in Coaching, Success Story

Shoutout to our client Christina who ran a new PR of 5:17:39 at the NYC Marathon! She writes,

“I am still a bit in shock about my performance at the NYC Marathon last weekend. It was a good reminder to me that we are stronger and more capable than we believe as long as we put in the work, trust our body and focus on the positive.

It was not necessarily an easy training cycle. I work full time. I have two young children (one is young enough to still be breastfeeding), so a good nights sleep is rare.

There were a lot of early mornings and times when I wanted to hit snooze instead of head outside. There was fatigue, frustration and self doubt. There was also joy, peace and strength. Coach Nicole was instrumental in keeping me on target with a training plan. She was my virtual cheerleader. Continue Reading →

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A Marathon Success Story with Chris Farrands

By on December 1, 2023 in Beginner, Coaching, Interview, Podcasts, Success Story

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In this episode we bring you a marathon success story with Chris Farrands.

Chris started running three short years ago, lost 90 pounds, and transformed himself into a sub-3 hour marathoner!

Listen as he shares why he decided to take control of his health; the misery he experienced at his first marathon, and the smarter training plan he used for his second marathon.

Continue Reading →

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Finding Community in the Running Space

By on November 21, 2023 in Interview, Podcasts

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In this episode you will hear a live podcast recording at the Richmond Marathon expo. Trevor joins Lindsey Hein, Martinus Evans, Cynthia Vissers, and Dr. Lisa Mitro to talk about ‘finding community in the running space’.

They also share advice for first-time marathoners, favorite mantras and pump-up songs, dealing with post-race blues, how to make the running space more inclusive, and more!

Continue Reading →

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Running the Marathon of Life: A Journey of Grit and Determination at 60

By on November 19, 2023 in Coaching, Masters Runner, Success Story

Our client Maripat Rhood ran her first marathon at the age of 60! She’s pictured here with her daughter at the Marine Corps Marathon. This is her story:

From Maripat Rhood

“For many, the idea of running a marathon can seem like an unattainable dream, especially if you’ve never considered yourself athletic. However, life has a way of surprising us, and sometimes, the most remarkable achievements come when we least expect them.

My own journey into the world of long-distance running began in a rather unconventional way. Continue Reading →

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