Marathon Matt

Before working with Matt, I was an oft-​injured trail runner with dreams of getting into «ultra» distances. Every time I tried to up my mileage, I would injure myself and have to back down. I decided I needed a running coach to help me break through the injury barrier. I did a internet search and found a trainer in my area. But after she learned about all the things I wanted from a coach, she recommended I reach out to Matt. I can’t think of a better recommendation than one running coach recommending another. As it turned out, Matt was the key that unlocked my running potential and helped me to realize my ultra dream.
Working one-​on-​one with Matt for almost five months was a fantastic (and extremely successful) experience. He coached me up on injury prevention, running technique, speed work, warm ups, warm downs, hydration, fueling, muscle cramp prevention, visualization, racing strategy, and so on. He’s highly responsive, warm hearted, funny, punctual, and personally invested in my running success. Our semi-​monthly workouts together were efficient, challenging within the context of my training regimen, and always enjoyable. I saw myself getting better, stronger, and faster virtually every week. The customized workout charts he prepared for me were outstanding. After working with him, I now know how to get myself ready for my next ultra.
Whether working with Matt one-​on-​one or in a group, you’ll benefit from his extensive knowledge, personal experience, and commitment to your success. I recommend Matt well beyond the five-​star limit imposed by Unilocal

This was my first season with Matt and the Run Club, when I sign up for the Golden Gate Half, there was a training option and it caught my attention, I checked out his website and the videos on YouTube, even though I live in Richmond CA, I wanted to try it out and actually complete a race without giving up half way through the training, and what better way than to accomplish that, than to run with a group of other runners!
My first day we met at Runners Mind, the minute I saw the group I felt motivated to be there, I was greeted by Matt, I will always remember that moment because he was very excited and happy to be there, those 2 miles were intense for me because I hadn’t run hills before, but I did it! Having that motivation and meeting other runners, some beginners like me and others intermediate, and others advance level, that was the best part, very friendly and welcoming group of people.
November 8 was my first official half marathon, and I couldn’t had done this without Matt, Tobby and the Run Club, my husband who never wanted to run, he joined us a little over middle of the season, and completed his first 5K on Nov 8 as well. So excited we already sign up for the new season starting 11/​21, training for our next race in February.
I would highly recommend Run Club, you will not be disappointed,

Marathon Matt’s Run Club helped me get back on track after a 4-​year running hiatus. Running with a group made the transition easier, less daunting. The group workouts are lots of fun, with a supportive coaching team. I’m in my third season of Run Club, and intend on continuing to sign up. I highly recommend Marathon Matt!

From an outsider’s perspective, you would think I like to run. Not true! I much prefer napping, dozing, sleeping, cat-​napping, and slumbering. But because I run with Matt and his friendly group of coaches, I keep running and getting better at it, practically against my will.
My pace is faster, my stride is better, and running with the group makes it fun. After a few depressing half-​marathons I ran on my own, where I had to walk parts of it, I had my PR last year and keep getting stronger.
I highly recommend Marathon Matt and his Run Club. Stop making running a slog.

I’ve run one full season with Marathon Matt
I PR’d my half marathon by over 10 minutes, won first place in a local 10k, and had a lot of fun.
Matt is supportive, friendly, and knows how to get you running or get you fast.
The massages after a few of the runs are super fantastic. And Matt picks great scenery.

Matt will change your game.
The Marathon Matt difference was noticeable from the get go. He worked with me to understand my goals, straightened out my biomechanics, gave me a solid plan, and put me in the right mindset to win. There were points at which I felt I couldn’t go on due to tiredness or a hard day at work, but Matt wouldn’t let me fail. He always had a fun story to tell to pick me up and get my head focused on the run. In a nutshell, Matt built me from the ground up.
His awesomeness extends to group-​runs as well! He gives individual attention to each one of his runners to ensure everyone is having fun and doing great. The clinics and ART sessions after group runs are educational, therapeutic, and encourage over-​all well being. Moreover, Matt’s running groups attract great folks! I look forward to catching up with new friends during my run group on Saturday mornings.
I can fairly say I’m addicted to the sport of running thanks to Matt :).

I am primarily a restaurant Unilocaler but I looked up Marathon Matt on Unilocal because I want to write a five star service review. I joined Marathon Matt Touchdown 13.1 program last Nov, ever since my running has gone swimmingly. I waited till I accomplished my first half marathon race to wrap my review with a solid result.
I have to say that I had doubt at the beginning as I’m always self motivated and disciplined, I can run by myself, so why would I pay to run? What will a running program do to me? But I gave the benefits of the doubt and it turned out to be the best decision I made for my fitness training in 2014.
The most thing I was impressed by Marathon Matt is the consistency of personal care to each individual. I found it rare among all kinds of activities that I did before. Usually unless I am a private client, I would not get much attention in the group. However, I noticed that Matt cares about everyone in the group, and I am talking about a big running group! When I first joined, I barely knew the coaches, both Matt and Toby had written long emails to answer my beginner questions. It’s been a while, I am still getting full detailed response for every single question. I was really touched! I only paid a group program, I felt overwhelmed. There is a solid plan to cover all different levels. I was not intimidated as a beginner as I usually would be. In fact, Matt and Toby cover different paces in each long run, and captains/​trainers are covering different training at various locations throughout the city every week. I need to mention that all the trainers that I have met so far are amazing. For instance, besides running, we started new strength training session every Wed with Gabrielle Alicia Miller. She is fun to work with. We laughed out loud at the first trial session. I would also like to thank Nichole Gorka, who has always been there to support every run I have done since we first met. I think the entire Marathon Matt running program is very comprehensive, at least I have never seen one club can have such all around coverage.
Secondly, I enjoyed the benefits of Marathon Matt’s professionalism, knowledge and enthusiasm. No kidding, Matt and Toby are hardcore runners, they don’t just watch us run, they run with us. I enjoy working with people who are still active on top of the glory they had before. Nothing can be more convincing and encouraging when you run with coaches with full passion and energy.
Thirdly, Marathon Matt is a fun club. Matt has brought all the running related resources to us. Through Marathon Matt, I got to know sports massage, healthy sports food, night running gear, etc… We enjoyed discount from all the merchandisers he brought together, not to mention the goodies from the sponsored post running events. In the meantime, non-​profit initiatives are Marathon Matt’s mission, so I feel good that we run for good causes. This really rocks!
By the time I wrote this review, I just finished my first half marathon race at Kaiser today. I made a new PR at 1hr 52 mins 30 seconds which is faster than my rehearsal run. I am thrilled as I am quite new to running. Once again, kudos to both Toby and Matt who extended their care to me prior to and during the run. Can you believe Toby reached out to me before I was about to ask help as I was having some first race stress. Matt ran with me at critical miles at the race! I cannot express how grateful I am.
Last but not least, Marathon Matt is a great community. I enjoyed all the support from members who share the same passion and goals. I made new friends. Moreover, because of my constant bombarding the news from our running club, I have greatly inspired others. At least five of my friends who didn’t run started running, people who saw my posting on social media had ran more than usual, my boss who doesn’t exercise even started walking. Running is amazing. It has changed my life. I discovered a new sport that I can actually do well naturally with Marathon Matt. I will keep running and I hope more and more people will join this amazing journey!

I cannot say enough wonderful things about the Marathon Matt program. I have always been a runner, but never longer distances more than about 3 or 4 miles. When I finally decided to take the plunge to run a half marathon, I knew I needed some guidance. I looked on Unilocal and the Marathon Matt program had the best reviews and it seemed like a great program for a beginner like me.
I started running with Matt in January of 2014 and we trained through a lot of cold, wind, and rain. I know that without being part of the group, I never would have logged the miles through such treacherous weather on my own. Matt provides runners with a comprehensive training schedule for various running levels that is easy to follow and really builds up your strength in a manageable timeline. There are group runs twice a week and a boot camp or speed work workout once a week. The group runs are great for both support and making friends. After the weekday runs the team goes out to dinner to socialize and get to know each other. Not only did I make friends with my fellow runners, but Matt and Coach Toby are both great! They get to know everyone who is there consistently and are so helpful with any running questions you have.
I ran my first half marathon in April 2014 and did so much better than I had expected. I felt strong and totally prepared for the race. I saw Matt close to the finish line and he gave me a high five, which gave me a huge boost of energy to finish. I liked the program so much I immediately signed up for the next one so that I could still hang out with my friends and maintain my level of running fitness. I enjoyed the second program just as much as my first, but ran my weekday runs with Toby in Golden Gate Park instead of Matt in the Marina, which just happened to be a more convenient location for me. I ran my second half marathon at the end of July 2014 and felt even stronger than the first time. Toby even ran with me for a few miles, which did wonders for my morale.
I would highly recommend the Marathon Matt program to anyone, no matter your fitness level. Matt, Toby, and the other coaches are super knowledgeable about running and you can tell they absolutely love what they do. Thanks Matt and Toby for all your hard work and encouragement! I never thought I would love to run the way I do now.

I joined Marathon Matt out of a desperate need for a positive change in my life.
After reading multiple reviews on Unilocal,I decided to sign up for Marathon Matt. I was attracted to the friendly, supportive environment that other Unilocalers described and liked the idea of doing something active that might help me lose weight as well. Granted, I was scared crapless. I have always HATED running and am a slow runner. Even at my peak fitness level (and, btw, I used to be quite fit!) I didn’t like running! But, since I tend to find that I feel the most rewarded after tackling something slightly outside of my comfort zone, I decided to give it a shot.
Although there were many runners at many different skill levels, I turned out to be THE slowest runner at Marathon Matt. I really, really was. In fact, to check if everyone made it back, the group would just look for me. Seriously, the leader would say «Is everyone here?» then people would look around and someone would yell «Linda’s here!» which meant that everyone must be there.
Despite how pathetic that might sound, I never felt pathetic. Everyone was so supportive there and I used to joke that because everyone passed me up running to the turnaround point and passed me up again running back, I got twice the praise that everyone else got! And I was never left behind because someone always ran back (usually a leader but sometimes a fellow jogger) to jog in with me or waited for me at the finish line.
I really loved participating in Marathon Matt but injured my knee early-​on so had to drop out. I will definitely re-​join once I’m able to. The group really is filled with a bunch of positive, up-​lifting people and is definitely a must try. Not all groups are like that — you really have to find the right one that promotes the right environment and this is that one. In fact, I spoke with people who used to be solo joggers or drive in from out of town to participate in Marathon Matt because it is such a great environment. If you’re hesitant about joining, don’t worry because there are plenty of people there that will ease you through your fears and I think that they allow you to test the program (the first couple of meets) for free. If you’re still hesitant, message me and maybe we can join together. I think I will be cleared to join by winter 2014.

I had barely run 2 miles before I signed up and just completed 13.1! I never could have done it (or believed I could do it) without MM! I am so glad I did this– running will now be a permanent part of my life.
Matt is readily available via email and the Facebook group. The price is more than fair. The results are amazing. This has been one of the biggest accomplishments of my life.
Not sure if it is always an option, but Matt was accommodating with a reduced cost for his program because I would only be able attend about 50% of runs. Honestly, I would have still paid the full price for the program and it would have still been well worth it.

I was hesitant to join Marathon Matt’s program at first. I could barely run a mile when I signed up, and I assumed it would be full of hardcore triathletes who would put me to shame. Contrary to my assumption, the program had a good mix of everyone from first-​time runners to speed demons going for a PR (as intimidating as that may sound, they were incredibly encouraging and motivational!). Matt breaks down each run for beginner, intermediate, advanced, and race-​level runners.
Regardless of how fast or slow you are, you can bet that Matt or one of the other AMAZING coaches (shout-​out to Toby!) will run with you for part of the way. They are more than willing to answer any and all questions you may have, and Matt even brings in various professionals to hold clinics after some of the runs that cover topics from running form to mental preparation to nutrition.
One of the best parts about this program is the fun, social atmosphere that Matt is so great at creating. He hosts team dinners after weeknight runs, and even breaks out a cooler of beer after long runs! In addition, the people that this program attracts are quite possibly the nicest, most encouraging group of people I have ever met. I never thought I would enjoy running, but I honestly found myself looking forward to every run.
I went from barely running one mile to running 13.1 miles in ten weeks. Marathon Matt’s program helped me transition from dreading running to actually enjoying it. If you are anything like I was and are on the fence about joining this program, take my advice: SIGN UP RIGHT NOW! The knowledge, fitness, friends, and passion for running you will gain are truly priceless.

This review is really long overdue!
I started running with Matt about a year ago and have already participated in 3 of his programs (soon to be 4 since I already signed up for the next one!) and have loved every minute of it (OK minus the pain you feel sometimes after you run a distance you never thought would be possible to do!)
Matt is extremely knowledgeable, personable, and truly cares about his «road warriors». He has surrounded himself with a great group of coaches who help out on many of the runs… and the individuals who participate in the program are all fantastic.
When I joined the first program I had been training on my own for about a year, and in that time I had completed a number of races. The only purpose for me joining was that I wanted to improve my time and get faster… well I got a LOT more out of the program… even though I have been a Bay Area resident for a number of years, and have a healthy group of friends here, the people that I have met through this program have quickly become some of my closest friends…
So I keep coming back for more… it keeps me motivated and I now run about 6 to 7 races per year — and when I run I am surrounded by friends! What more can a person ask for?
No matter what level runner you are, there is something in this program for you!

This is as good as it gets. Life in the gleaming beauty of the San Francisco Bay, wind in your hair, fresh salt water spray at your side, the seagulls gliding along next to you as you approach the golden gate… It’s Marathon Matt’s running program!
One of the best parts of this program is that everyone runs at their own pace, and sets their own goals. I used to wonder how that works for gatherings /​timing etc but it is so perfect. Everyone meets up at prescribed place and time (3 days a week for about 2.5 months per season — weekend locations change to keep up the variety of SF running possibilities), everyone goes off to run at their personal speed, and then we meet after wards for some cool down, stretch, chat, brunch, bar, dinner! I really enjoy how personalized and team the program manages to be all at once.
I joined last year when my friend kept talking all the time about how fun it was and now I’m the same way. I’ve completed two ½ marathons now and can’t begin to explain how that makes me feel. The sense of accomplishment, the excitement for the next one, the looking forward to the training! I was a very casual runner before joining, doing max 3 miles once in a blue moon. Now I really crave my training days and my races. I love how I have discovered so much of the city through this program, after having recently moved here. There are so many perks to Marathon Matt’s setup, besides the fantastic coaching — you get a T-​shirt with each season, constant free fun running stuff like energy food/​drink, clinics and workshops almost every week with tips on biomechanics, proper nutrition/​hydration, stretching, etc etc.
This is all launched each season with fantastic kickoff party including free beer + mimosas, DJ, raffle prizes, and a rockin good time at Sports Basement in the Marina.
I recommend with every ounce of my recommendation capabilities this team, group, network of people. It’s no wonder there are so many alumni who keep coming back season after season, year after year.

This Unilocal review is WAY overdue!
I run because I never thought I would… I run because I know I can… I run because of the success of training with Marathon Matt.
I was never really the athletic type… sure I could hold my own on a hike or on ski trip, but I never really got into sports. I started a desk job last spring and realized it was not going to be friendly on my figure! My mom is a runner and my dad will sometimes join her. I thought… if they can do it, surely I can at least do a mile. It was challenging at first, and I took the run/​walk approach to build up. I soon realized in order to stick with it, I needed a goal. My parents were planning to come up from So. Cal for the SF Giant Race in September. I decided to go big and signed up for the Half Marathon too! While on the website, I discovered Marathon Matt. I knew if I wanted to do this right, I would need help. I signed up. On the first day of training in early July, I showed up… nervous and unsure of what I was doing there! I ran my first 2 miles ever the first day of training. From there I learned from Matt and the various coaches how to properly increase my mileage, eat right, train right, and how to run. I also had the opportunity to make new friends, go to running dinners, and learned about the importance of massage from PSOAS.
After 10 weeks of meeting Matt, I ran the half marathon and crossing the finish line was exhilarating! Since then, I have ran a 10K, signed up for my second round of training with Marathon Matt, and plan to run the Tinkerbell Half Marathon in Disneyland next week. I know without the training from Matt and his team, I would have not accomplished my lofty goals. I recommend whether you are a veteran runner or a newbie like me, joining Marathon Matt will change your life!

This program changed my life.
Go ahead: roll your eyes. I know I have abused that phrase before. I believe I once used it to describe a plate of beignets and homemade jam at Just for You café in SOMA. I also use the phrase almost every time I eat Iranian kubideh kabobs (Lavash in the Inner Sunset, I am winking at you right now.)
But seriously, this program changed my life because it made me believe that I could achieve something I thought impossible: complete a half marathon.
A disclaimer before I continue: I don’t like running. I really don’t see the point in running when there is the option of, well, walking. And really didn’t the invention of the Segway make running obsolete?
Sorry – what’s that? Oh the founder of Segway died while using a Segway? Ahh…
Ok here is the thing – you don’t have to like running to join Matt’s group because as I always tell Matt, his program is really about building community. The running, the race, and the corresponding runner’s high is a nice bonus. But the real reward are the friends you make. (woah, did I just type that line?)
When I signed up for Matt’s program, I had run the Chinatown 5k where I was destroyed –destroyed – by 13 year old boys dressed in dragon costumes. Then I ran the 10k Presidio which broke me mentally because I had to walk most of the race
My problem? I was not training right. I was running too much. I was not taking enough time to rest. I did not incorporate enough cross training. I was not strengthening my core through sit ups, etc. And I was filling my body with shit – tasty shit like Farley’s donuts – but shit nonetheless.
So I joined Matt’s program to train for the SF half marathon. When I showed up, I expected to see a bunch of waif looking runner’s in racing singlets and uncomfortably revealing shorts with way too high slits.
Thankfully, I was wrong.
I met other runners who don’t like to run. I met East Coast transplants like me who just wanted to make new friends. I heard runner’s tell me they are training because they are trying to get over a bad relationship, a divorce, a shitty job.
Some told me that they run, as I do, because it helps keep their depression at bay. I even met a guy – a guy who killed me in every run – who smokes 10 ciggs a day.
Maybe I have lived in DC too long but there was something so honest, so raw in the people I met. I felt perfectly comfortable revealing to people I had just met that the idea of running 13.1 miles is utterly terrifying – about as pleasant sounding as being forced to listen to Katy Perry.
But here is thing: Matt is not about berating people and turning you into a runner who wears a business suit with an Ironman watch (God save us from this species of people, please). He heard me complain so many times about running up hills and he politely did not tell me to STFU even though he really should have.
His philosophy is that if you are in decent shape (ie you can do cardio for about 45 mins), then you can run a half marathon. I tell this to everyone I meet but no one believes me. (Damn you, people.)
Matt’s program is about building a base of fitness and gradually increasing. Before Matt’s program, I was actually running more – sometimes 5 times a week. With Matt, I was running three days – Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. I swam on Monday/​Wednesdays, and did light back/​stomach weight work a few times a week (I highly recommend this).
And on Saturday evenings, I ate all those things Matt told us not to eat the night before our long runs: burgers, fried food. Food so greasy I could comb my hair in the butter covered shiny sheen of my naan bread.
So why do people keep coming back again and again, especially given that many runners don’t even like to run? It’s the people. Matt wants you to socialize – he wants you to meet new people, to build new friendships. His program builds this into its DNA – there are team dinners, bar nights. I met some of my closest friends in the program and I am grateful for all the friends I gained, especially Matt.
And when we got together for brunch, drinks, we always said the same thing: this program is one of the best things we have ever done.
On July 29, I completed my first half marathon. As I reached the 11 mile mark, my friend Irene turned to me and noticed me struggling, wanting, as I always do, to walk, to rest.
«Remember every step we take is the farthest we have run,» she said.
All runners say – and hear – these cheesy things as they near the finish line. But eloquence gives away at about mile five, coherence at about mile nine.
And Irene was was right: I went father in Matt’s program then I have ever gone before.
This is not something we can say often in life – that we set goals, we stared down those goals, we met them, we exceeded them.
I can’t think of a better reason to run and I can’t think of a better way to tell you this: please stop doubting yourself.
Sign up.

I’ve just finished my first half marathon training program with Marathon Matt, and I cannot recommend it enough! The coaches in the program are extremely friendly, and are a wealth of advice and knowledge about everything from injuries to nutrition and running gear.
This has been one of the most positive experiences of my life because it’s such a great opportunity to make new friends while staying in shape. I simply couldn’t have run 13.1 miles without Marathon Matt.
One of the most striking things about the program that speaks to its success is the number of people who’ve taken it 3, 4, or even 5 times in a row. I’ve already signed up for the next program in a couple of weeks, and am very excited to continue!

I just finished my third half marathon training program with Marathon Matt. I live in Santa Clara, but I make the drive every Sunday morning to the city to run with this fantastic group of people. Sure, there are lots of programs and groups closer to home that I can choose from, but I haven’t found any that compare to Marathon Matt’s program.
Matt, Toby, Gaby, and Micah are friendly, down-​to-​earth, and knowledgeable coaches. I’m usually chugging along in the back of the pack, and the high fives and pep talks they give me while I’m silently cursing all those damn hills in San Francisco really help me get through the long runs. I’ve never felt like I was holding back the group, and the coaches make sure they see each one of us during the run.
The program attracts people of all abilities and walks of life. This is what I love about it. There are the really fast runners who make 6-​minute-​miles look so easy, runners in the middle of the pack, and then slow pokes like me. Regardless of pace, everyone in the program is friendly, waving and encouraging the rest of the runners in the group. I’ve met lots of neat people through these programs.
Matt’s training schedule is manageable. I’m a working mom of a toddler, so I’m short on time most days. I’ve been able to fit in most of the workouts, and I’ve always felt prepared for race day. Matt sends out weekly e-​mails with the training schedule for the week. It’s as if he’s reminding me, «Hey! Put down that _​_​_​_​_​_​ (insert doughnut, BBQ Pringles, fried chicken) and run!» Matt also provides stretching clinics, teaches you how to run more efficiently, and gives the most entertaining pep talks before long runs.
So, put down that doughnut and sign up for Marathon Matt’s next program. I highly recommend it!

OK so this is how I began my journey with Marathon Matt… for the past 3 or so years my good friend K kept harassing (yes I said HARASSING) me to run with her. ‘Come on, come out and run with me…’ I would keep saying ‘Shut the bleep bleep up I am not running. Why would I put myself through such horror??!’ Fast forward to July 2011 and K asked me once again to run with her, but this time I caved… she must have caught me at a vulnerable moment and I said ok… I’m gonna run with you and even more I’m gonna sign up for a Half Marathon!!! She says to me ‘WHAT…Seriously…WHAT? That’s awesome… now you need to join a training group.’ URGH I wanted to kill her, but I already said I was going to run a half so I found Marathon Matt and joined…
I joined Marathon Matt with MUCH reluctance… in my first group run we went around and introduced ourselves and why we joined the group… here’s how my intro went: ‘Hi, I’m M and I HATE running! (giggle giggle from the group) NO really I HATE running! I don’t want to run, I’m only doing this because I want my friend to stop harassing me about running!
Needless to say 2.5 months later after training for my very first Half Marathon, which I ran on Oct 29^th in Healdsburgh!!! Prior to joining the group I would run only if I was a) running towards food or b) running towards a shoe sale or such, you get the picture. But after Matt’s training… I can say Marathon Matt should rename himself Miracle Marathon Matt as I no longer HATE running, I rather… umm…cough cough… dislike, well leaning towards LIKE running! ;-) I am even considering running another Half and even maybe just maybe a Full marathon! But shhh… shhh…don’t tell Matt or my friend K… they will never leave me alone then! :-)
Stop thinking you can’t run or you hate running or whatever lame excuse is going on… just get yourself fitted for shoes and join Marathon Matt… you won’t regret it! You too will be able to run 13.1 miles like it was no sweat! ;-)

One of the best things I ever did for my physical and mental well being was sign up for Marathon Matt’s running program. Thanks to Marathon Matt, I ran injury free during my training and ran my first half marathon in 2:22!
Why you should sign up too:
1 — The training schedule developed by Marathon Matt tells you when to run and for how long and at what pace. The training schedule also includes rest days which allowed me to rest guilt free and run stronger on running days. This schedule prevented injuries also.
2 — There are race level participants so you are inspired by them and also inspired by the coaches who look like and are real runners. All the coaches are fantastic! (There are many so they can pay attention to everyone.)
3 — Cool people in the group, duh they are runners — some have become very good friends!
4 — Downtown meet up option for Tuesday night runs — easy access for FiDi workers.
5 — Speed training or boot camp on Thurs. Who needs a gym at this point?
6 — Beautiful long Saturday runs around the park, over the bridge, in the Marina, along Great Highway, etc.
7– Hooked up with Fleet Feet and Psoas — this is a complete deal!
8 — E-​mails and newsletters throughout the week to keep you pumped up!
I’m signed up for the next one and the next one and I can’t wait to run more and run faster. See you out there?!

«Of course it was painful, and there were times when, emotionally, I just wanted to chuck it all. But pain seems to be a precondition for this kind of sport. If pain weren’t involved, who in the world would ever go to the trouble of taking part in sports like the triathlon or the marathon, which demand such an investment of time and energy? It’s precisely because of the pain, precisely because we want to overcome that pain, that we can get the feeling, through this process, of really being alive.»
— Haruki Murakami, in What I Talk About When I Talk About Running
Yeah, not gonna lie… training for my first half marathon was painful. As I learned how to run long distances, I was repeatedly required to make the decision: succumb to the pain? Or keep going?
I was never a runner before. I never in my wildest dreams envisioned myself ever CHOOSING out of my own free will to run 13 miles without stopping. Because it’s so easy to stop! Or to walk… for a long time.
But I now know it’s possible. I finished my first half marathon in 2 hours, 22 minutes, and 14 seconds (which included numerous treacherous hills and the Golden Gate Bridge and back.) I only walked twice to drink water and eat energy gels.
And it’s one of the greatest feelings in the world to know that as much as it hurts to go on, as exhausted and fatigued as I am, and as hopeless as I can become – I can push through it. I can overcome the pain. I CAN achieve even my wildest dreams!
Whoa, I digress. Marathon Matt’s training program for this past San Francisco Half Marathon, «The City 13.1,» was truly the greatest investment I’ve made this year. Matt’s program is totally doable for beginner and intermediate runners like me, as well as a challenge for advanced level runners. He sticks to a rational, organized training schedule that prepared me well for my race. And in addition to Tuesday 6:30pm short runs and Saturday 9:30am long runs (and a «Wildcard Workout» conditioning session every other Thursday), he’s also pencilled in quite a few fun social events (I met a lot of really cool people of all ages and running levels). Matt is also great at encouraging fundraising.
Had I not joined this running group, I honestly don’t know if I would have been able to push myself through the pain on my own. But now that I know that I can, I’ve realized: it’s not just about running.
It’s about life!