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Runcoach Success Stories

Runcoach Success Stories (92)

Highlighting the successes of our awesome Runcoach athletes

First Marathon at 66: Crushing Goals and Inspiring the Runcoach Community

Major milestone:

Ran first Marathon at age 66!! Finished 4th in my age group and ran much faster than I expected.

What is the secret to your success?success_story

Set a goal, secured a good coach (Runcoach Cally Macumber), followed a solid training program, stayed persistent.... AND FAMILY SUPPORT was critical! It was also helpful to have a purpose bigger than myself--running as part of the American Cancer Society "DETERMINATION" Team.

What is the biggest obstacle to reaching your goals and how do you get over it?

Lack of confidence. How to overcome: Begin early, take each day as it comes, be aware of your body, be disciplined in training and celebrate your strength and endurance improving every day.

What is the most rewarding part of training?

Enjoying each run, being outside, celebrating as my strength and endurance improved.

What advice would you give to other members of the Runcoach community?

Begin early, take each day as it comes, set realistic goals, be aware of your body, be disciplined in training and celebrate your strength and endurance improving every day. Also, RunCoach was very helpful. 

Anything else you would like to share?

If you're at all interested, JUST DO IT!! When working full time and raising a family, I never felt I could dedicate the time needed to train for a full marathon. So its a miracle at my age that I was able to finish, with no injuries!






From 10-Year Hiatus to Half Marathon Triumph: How Jessica Crushed Her Goal at 51

Major milestone:

Age 51: Baltimore Half Marathon, goal 2:30:00, chip time 2:28:57. First race in almost 10 years! Also very first race over 10k that I did not walk a single step!

What is the secret to your success?Success_Story

Coach Tom, and sticking to the plan. I didn't miss a single workout, which was so easy with Coach Tom guiding me the whole way!

What is the biggest obstacle to reaching your goals and how do you get over it?

I wasn't a morning runner, but I work late so I had to make myself get up and go early, often before daylight. Totally worth it though!

What is the most rewarding part of training?

Feeling strong and having increased endurance. Watching the paces drop, and knowing I can continue to get faster into my 50s and beyond!

What advice would you give to other members of the Runcoach community?

Listen to your coach! They know what they are doing, and are amazing!

Anything else you would like to share?

I am running a 10k in 3 weeks, and even though I told myself I would never run another full marathon after my last 2 were close to 6 hours, I signed up for a race in April and I am dying to start training for it.

What feedback would you offer on the Runcoach experience?

This is the best training program/coach I have ever had! Could not be more happy!






How Tanya Turned a 4-Hour  Marathon Goal into a 3:10 Finish

Major milestone:

I completed my first marathon and managed to qualify for the Boston Marathon 2026. I ran the Chevron Houston Marathon on January 19, 2025 finishing 4th in my age group with a time of 3:10.

What is the secret to your success?success_story_February_25

I think this app helped me achieve this goal. Earlier this summer, I registered to run an 18 mile trail race in Colorado. I didn’t follow a plan and basically just tried to get in as many miles as possible. I ended overtraining and injuring myself unable to compete in that race. So I decided this time I would follow a plan.

What is the biggest obstacle to reaching your goals and how do you get over it?

My biggest obstacle is sticking to the schedule and keeping up with a job, housework, etc. If I am really not in the mood to work out, I take a day off. Getting right back to it the next day can also be another motivator. Even if I don’t run all the assigned miles, I at least get some in. Walk breaks also help to keep me motivated and on track.

What is the most rewarding part of training?

The most rewarding part is the feeling of getting stronger and faster. Running feels easier when you are in better shape.

What advice would you give to other members of the Runcoach community?

Just follow the plan. Be consistent and don’t worry too much about what everyone else is doing. I found myself comparing my workouts to what everyone else was doing but in I decided to trust in the plan Runcoach assigned to me.

Anything else you would like to share?

In the beginning, I had no idea what time I was capable of. I had originally predicted 4 hours for a marathon. I had never run that far and had no clue. Based off a 5k and my data, the app predicted I’d run a 3:15 and I thought no way. I finished with a 3:10. I am still shocked and happy.






Overcoming Obstacles and Staying Motivated: Insights from a Dedicated Runner

Major milestone:

My milestone is ongoing. Keeping up with the schedule and staying as healthy as possible. beach_running

What is the secret to your success?

I would say my secret to success is I don’t give up easy. There is also determination, positive attitude and support from my family, especially my husband.

What is the biggest obstacle to reaching your goals and how do you get over it?

My biggest obstacle is sticking to the schedule and keeping up with a job, housework, etc. If I am really not in the mood to work out, I take a day off. Getting right back to it the next day can also be another motivator. Even if I don’t run all the assigned miles, I at least get some in. Walk breaks also help to keep me motivated and on track.

What is the most rewarding part of training?

Most rewarding part of training is finishing a run, keeping blood pressure and weight under control.

What advice would you give to other members of the Runcoach community?

Keep trying! It usually takes me about 3 weeks to see progress. Of course, that is sticking to the schedule more often than not.
It is okay to take a day off once in a while, especially if you don’t feel well or need sleep.
There are also different kinds of workouts, like bike, swim, yoga, pilates, strength training.

Anything else you would like to share?

I really like the quote “You get more compliments for working out than sleeping in!"

What feedback would you offer the Runcoach experience?

I really like the flexibility on the website. The schedule tells me what activity is scheduled, but I can also change it. It also lets me know if I am on track with mileage and XT workouts.






How Trust, Flexibility, and Fun Led to a 50-Minute PR at 53

Major milestone:

I had an injury, then covid struck, I was honestly beginning to worry about making it to the start line of Marine Corps Marathon! With the help of Coach Rosie keeping me on track, I had a 50 min. 16 second MCM PR! How_Trust_Flexibility_and_Fun_Led_to_a_50-Minute_PR_at_53_1

What is the secret to your success?

Trust your coach and trust the training, being willing to adjust and pivot, and don't be afraid to eat! I had to fuel my body more and know it's ok to actually run less and allow my body to recover. I would be ok!

What is the biggest obstacle to reaching your goals and how do you get over it?

The biggest obstacle was getting out of my head and believing that I needed to trust my body, even at the age of 53 I can do hard things while having FUN!

What is the most rewarding part of training?

For me the TRAINING IS FUN. I like the different assignments but also being willing to pivot and adjust. The communication between Coach Rosie and myself was always working together well.

What advice would you give to other members of the Runcoach community?

Have fun and enjoy the experience. It won't be perfect but if you're willing to pivot and adjust, trust your coach, everything will work out for your race!

Anything else you would like to share?

I've been with the program for years now. There's a reason. It works. Why change sometimes that works?



33 Minutes Faster: A Marathon Transformation Story

Major milestone:

I was able to run a marathon 33 minutes faster than my personal best. And it’s all because of the coaching app.

What is the secret to your success? drink

I am terrible at planning and sticking to a strict run schedule. This year I trusted the coach and made sure to follow what he said and just that alone made all the difference.

What is the biggest obstacle to reaching your goals and how do you get over it?

My biggest obstacle was scheduling runs and not knowing what distances my long runs should be. The coach app helped me know that this weekend I would need to run so much and that I should take rest days. I didn’t want to over do it so I made sure to never go over the mileage too much.

What is the most rewarding part of training?

Honestly, the rewarding part was getting all new personal records at almost every run. The most rewarding part was when I was running my marathon I realized I was much better prepared this time, and when I realized I was so close to getting a sub 4 hour marathon (I was over by 33 seconds and I know exactly where those seconds were). Nothing felt better than crossing the finish line knowing I trained for this and it was all worth it

What advice would you give to other members of the Runcoach community?

Trust the coaches. They absolutely know what they are doing and it shows. I used the Runcoach app twice now. The first time I didn’t fully listen to it. The second time I did and it helped more than I could have hoped for.

Anything else you would like to share?

I registered for the app at the middle of training for a marathon. I realized I was a month behind in my training and I needed guidance. I registered and explained to coach Tom all the different runs I had and my concern that I was behind in my long run distances. Coach Tom immediately adjusted my runs, it was intimidating that I had to start my long runs at 12 miles that weekend but I knew I could do it and with each long run and each daily run I felt more and more confident in my running abilities. I will definitely be using the coach app again next year!



After a Decade Away, Runner Crushes Her Half Marathon

Major milestone:

Age 51: Baltimore Half Marathon, goal 2:30:00, chip time 2:28:57. First race in almost 10 years! Also, very first race over 10k that I did not walk a single step! 

What is the secret to your success? Jessica_Ditto

Coach Tom, and sticking to the plan. I didn't miss a single workout, which was so easy with Coach Tom guiding me the whole way!

What is the biggest obstacle to reaching your goals and how do you get over it?

I wasn't a morning runner, but I work late so I had to make myself get up and go early, often before daylight. Totally worth it though!

What is the most rewarding part of training?

Watching the paces drop, and knowing I can continue to get faster into my 50s and beyond!

What advice would you give to other members of the Runcoach community?

Listen to your coach! They know what they are doing, and are amazing!

Anything else you would like to share?

I am running a 10k in 3 weeks, and even though I told myself I would never run another full marathon after my last 2 were close to 6 hours, I signed up for a race in April and I am dying to start training for it.

What feedback would you offer on the Runcoach experience? 

This is the best training program/coach I have ever had! Could not be more happy!



From Non-Runner to Marathoner: Crushing a Sub-5 Goal

Major milestone:

First Marathon at 40+!! Non-runner. Goal - sub-5 Actual- 4:52:44. Mind blown!! My half PR- 2:08:23! Simply stoked!shwetha

What is the secret to your success?

Consistency, patience, and grit!!

What is the most rewarding part of training?

Keeping on target range per Runcoach!! Absolutely fantastic plan! Cally you go girl!!

What advice would you give to other members of the Runcoach community?

Discipline, go easy on days you can’t control.

Anything else you would like to share?

Just immensely grateful for the most realistic and reasonable plan. Awesome job Runcoach!

What feedback would you offer on the Runcoach experience?

Fantastic!! Made my dream come true and with a mind-blowing pace! I acknowledge I am not Kipchoge but definitely more than that! I am a full time professional, mom of two elementary school kids. And yet I did this! Super proud of myself and the running community. My husband played a very supportive role. Just super thankful.



Runcoach Athlete Breaks 5-Minute Mile for the 38th Consecutive Year

Major milestone:Success_story_Ken_Cooper_Resized

Recently ran sub 5:00 in the mile for the 38th consecutive year.

What is the secret to your success?

Commitment to do something every day. Writing each workout in a training log. Having a goal to chase.

What is the biggest obstacle to reaching your goals and how do you get over it? 

Sleep. Staying healthy. Cannot take as many hits as I used to. Have to train smarter. Listen to my body. Incorporate cross training (i.e. bike).

What is the most rewarding part of training? 

I still love the feeling of hitting exhaustion after crushing a tough workout. The level of satisfaction on the cool down is still magical. It still feels amazing hitting it each year.

What advice would you give to other members of the Runcoach community?

Stay consistent. Set a goal and go after it. Sacrifice for the goal.

Anything else you would like to share?

Set a goal or a number of goals and let people know what you are doing. I have people asking me often how I am doing on cracking 5 mins. It keeps me honest and focused. Dont be afraid of having a crazy aggressive goal. But have achieveable mini-goals along the way so you feel success and stay motivated.

What feedback would you offer on the Runcoach experience?

Trust the training.



Discipline and Routine: NYC United Half Marathon Keys to Success 
Michael_Cook

Major milestone:

NYC United Half Marathon

What is the secret to your success?

Discipline and routine. Working out the same time everyday with the same cadence week in and week out. Monday speed, Tuesday easy, Saturday long run, etc.

What is the biggest obstacle to reaching your goals and how do you get over it? 

To relax, not worrying about missing a workout, or hitting each interval time. Enjoy the process.

What is the most rewarding part of training? 

The race!

What advice would you give to other members of the Runcoach community?

Play the long game. Don’t get into race shape in a week. Plan it out, create the routine and give yourself time, and mostly celebrate the small wins.



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