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Super prepared for 50 Miler

By on February 20, 2023 in Coaching, Success Story, Ultramarathon

Congrats to our coaching client Zach who conquered his first 50 miler!! He was kind enough to share some thoughts on how MTA coaching prepared him for this challenge. He writes,

“The race was amazing. As you may remember, I attempted a 50-miler in September (training by myself, mostly around my neighborhood). But Coach Henry had me so super prepared (physically, for the trails, for the hills, mentally), I felt great crossing the finish line (looking at the video, I was still moving okay for 50 miles I think.

A few other thoughts I’ve had about coaching:

  • I felt good (not just less sore, but honestly “good”) after the race. My body has never felt like that even on shorter distances
  • I’ve so appreciated (and needed) having a coach still providing me with maintenance work the weeks after a race; typically I would just stop running for a while, decided I want to do a race, then start (from a less fit place) on a “new” 12-week plan

I don’t know what’s next! I think this fall I want revenge on the 50-miler in Alabama that go away from me last year.

Thanks again for being such a great introduction into the program and pairing me up with Henry. He’s the best.” -Zach L. Continue Reading →

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“I would have never believed it”

By on February 3, 2023 in Beginner, Success Story

Big congrats to our client Maria on conquering her first marathon at the Clearwater Running Festival in Florida! She writes,

“If you told me 1 year ago that I would train AND run a Marathon I would have never believed it.

My journey began in January 2022 when I ran a 5k race for a work function. I was immediately hooked and I set the goal for a half marathon in November 2023. The day after my half marathon I decided to sign up for Clearwater’s Running Festival Marathon.

MTA Coach Carri assured me that I was not crazy for wanting to train for my first marathon in 10 weeks, and I got to work. 

Suddenly, running had changed my priorities and disciplined me in ways I would have never imagined. My usual Friday night Margaritas changed to Friday night carb loading, and being in bed by 9pm to prepare for my Saturday long runs. 

I am so happy to have found this sport/community, and I can’t wait to see where it takes me”. -Maria C

Continue Reading →

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It’s Worth It!

By on January 23, 2023 in Coaching, Success Story

Congrats to our client Charis who overcame setbacks and finished her first marathon last weekend! She writes,

“I am a marathoner! Last weekend I ran the Phoenix Rock n Roll Marathon, a race that has been over a year in the making.

I started training in the summer of 2021 to run it last year, but I was hampered by a quadriceps injury, then got COVID the week of the race and had to defer to this year.

In an effort to prevent injury, I decided to get a running coach through MTA. The best decision I ever made. Continue Reading →

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Cruising Through the Dopey Challenge at Age 70!

By on January 13, 2023 in Back-to-Back Races, Coaching, Success Story


Major congrats to our coaching client Dale Moss who finished the Disney Dopey Challenge (which included his first full marathon!). He writes,

“In anticipation of passing my 70th birthday in 2022 I decided to do something to celebrate. I signed up for the 2023 Disney World Marathon Weekend Dopey Challenge. The Challenge, for those who don’t know, is running a 5K on Thursday, a 10K on Friday, a half-marathon on Saturday, and a full marathon on Sunday during the Weekend.

I have run many 5K’s, 10K’s, and half-marathons but this would be my first full marathon.

I realized that to complete this I would need a coach. After looking around the Web and finding great reviews for MTA I contacted Coach Nicole and I was placed with Coach Kristen.
Continue Reading →

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I finished my first 100 miler

By on December 26, 2022 in Success Story, Ultramarathon

Super congrats to Academy member Marty Gardner on finishing his first 100 miler! He writes,

“Good evening MTA family! I just wanted to share with y’all don’t see my personal posts that I finished my first 100 miler this weekend at the Daytona 100. It goes from Jacksonville, Florida to Ponce Inlet, which is just south of Daytona along the coastal highway.

Wow, what an experience! I had a great crew supporting me. Conditions were tough, but we got it done. I have been a part of this awesome family since 2 weeks after my 1st marathon in 2018. I learned a ton from MTA coaches Lynn and Henry that definitely played a huge part in my success yesterday.

I have a ton of stories and great memories of this incredible weekend to share, but for now just wanted to include y’all in my good news.” -Marty ✌️❤️

Find him on the Miles with Marty Podcast

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I feel strong and fit

By on October 20, 2022 in Coaching, Success Story

Here is a note from one of our clients, Elizabeth, to her coach -MTA Coach Athena. Shared with permission. This is what we live for!

“Thanks for all your coaching and support. Before you were coaching me, I was struggling, feeling like I was not going to be able to feel good when running ever again. But I feel strong and fit.

I am 43 lbs lighter. You helped me to run PRs in the 5k and 10k and one of my fastest half marathon times. I just can’t say enough about what a difference it made. I know I can hit the 4:30 marathon eventually. You’re a really great coach.” -Elizabeth S.

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“My face hurt because of how much I was smiling”

By on October 15, 2022 in Success Story

Congrats to community member Joanna R. on running her first marathon!

Thank you Angie and Trevor and the entire MTA community, I did my first marathon today- Chicago marathon. I was supposed to do it in 2020. I’ve been listening to the MTA Podcast since then and truly it has been so helpful in my training and keeping me motivated.

My face hurt because of how much I was smiling. Well, everything hurts but I felt SO GOOD! It was an incredible experience and I finished feeling so strong.

I ran it with my husband, who struggled with extreme nausea for the last 6 miles (I think he over dressed and had electrolyte issues) and our time wasn’t at our A or B goal- but I was SO proud of him for rallying, trusting my advice, and finishing with me. So between that win and how amazing I felt when we finished- I couldn’t have asked for a better day.

I said this was the only marathon that I ever really wanted to do, but that statement went out the window today. I can’t wait to get back out there again, and actually my husband said he would do it again too (he needs a redemption marathon!)

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“Run a marathon and change your life.” I can honestly say that statement is true!

By on October 11, 2022 in Success Story

Check out this awesome write-up from a first time marathoner in our podcast audience. Congrats Katelyn Mann on conquering 26.2!!

“Well I did it, I ran my first marathon!

Yesterday’s Twin Cities Marathon race was beautiful. It was a perfect morning, but the afternoon did get warm in the later miles. The crowds were unbelievable.

People say is a 26.2 mile block party and they are not kidding.

Seeing my family along the course was the best part though. I felt really good for the first 20 miles, but all the hills from 20-23 were hard, and by 23 I was ready to be done. Continue Reading →

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Running Every Day for 1,000 Days

By on October 6, 2022 in Success Story

Academy member Mike McMullan shares what it was like to do a 1,000 day running streak (at least 1 mile per day). Mike makes his living as a cardiologist. He writes,

“Reflections on my 1,000 day journey. I began a running streak on Jan 1, 2020. The first day of a new decade seemed a great time to rededicate myself to some healthy habits, and although a regular runner since 2007, I had never done a run streak. I also decided it was a great time to close all of my rings on my Apple Watch everyday. Yes, my obsessive compulsive tendencies certainly played a role in accomplishing both of these goals.

Here’s what I have learned? Continue Reading →

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Goals can change your life!

By on September 25, 2022 in Success Story, Weight Loss


Check out this amazing story shared by a community member in one of our FB groups. Thank you Jessica for sharing and congrats on your BQ!

“Goals. They’re wild and can change your entire life. I just wanted to be better. I focused on my nutrition and just… moving. I went from step goals to actually signing up for a 5k. I was terrified.

My husband joined me and we started running a 5k every month together. I lost over 100 lbs. People joked about me doing marathons and I figured I’d never be able to run that long. COVID hit as I was training for my first half and I was determined not to let it take down what I had built.

This lovely group and MTA gave me the extra boost I needed to keep pushing my goals. Not only did a marathon become an attainable goal but I also stood a chance to qualify for Boston.

I missed it on my first attempt by 6 minutes so I signed up for my second attempt the moment I arrived back home. That training cycle was awful but I kept going. I didn’t think I was going to have it in me but I felt great.

At mile marker 20 I realized that I was not only going to qualify but I was going to do it with time to spare. I had 9:42 in the bank when I crossed the finish line. I’m still sitting here in amazement. Training for one little 5k has brought me all the way to the Boston Marathon.

This community has been so important to me. The support and inspiration is like nowhere I’ve ever seen on the internet. Thank you”. ❤️

-Jessica Fragione

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MTA Member Chat -private inner circle group for Academy Members and Coaches. Join Academy to be added to the group.

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Training and consistency made a HUGE difference on marathon day!

By on September 14, 2022 in Coaching, Success Story


Congrats to our coaching client Marie-Eve on finishing her first marathon in 3:52! She ran the Yellowknife Marathon in the Northwest Territories of Canada. She said,

“I was extremely happy with my first marathon and was able to achieve my time objective! Training and consistency over the last three months definitely made a HUGE difference on marathon day!

I very much enjoyed training with MTA Coach Kristyn! She prepared an excellent training program and was always so quick to respond to all of my questions.

Her training program was very well adapted to my level and body – I didn’t have any injuries or body pains during the program and felt great on marathon day. I learned a lot over the summer! Continue Reading →

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