Testimonials

Today I ran my first ever Half Marathon. I have many people to thank for inspiring me and you are two of them.

Seven years ago I moved to my town that hosts a Half Marathon. At the time I remember thinking I could never ever be with those runners, they're so athletic. I hadn't ever tried to run in my life. It inspired me to try running.

Three years ago I ran in my first race and I was hooked. Still not believing I could ever run a Half Marathon though. I purchased your book having it as a secret dream of mine that no one knew about.

Here we are today and I just did it. I accomplished my secret dream. Thank you for being a part of the team of amazing people that inspired me and made me believe I could do it.

I would go on, but I must go and polish my medal. :)

Have a great night guys!

Hadley

PS, Let me know if you ever come to Fairfield, CT to run our famous Half Marathon. Every year it grows and we even get some of the elite runners! I got to see them run today, just amazing.

Hi Coach Jenny,

I am glad to report that my First marathon went super well!

The weather was not hot after all. In fact, it was a mix of clouds and sun and all runners enjoyed a fabulous 16°C the whole race. It was truly an amazing first experience for me. My goal was to soak everything in (the crowds, the weather, the scenery, the vibrations of the runners).

My husband who did the half marathon that day too was already at the finish line (he ran it in 1 hour 35 minutes — his new PR!) and my two daughters who previously ran 10 k and 2 k the day before (and did amazing), were there too, cheering proudly for us.

I finished the Ottawa marathon in 3 hours 43 minutes and 6 seconds!! A time that qualifies for the Boston marathon!!

So Coach Jenny, I just want to say thank you for your words and your knowledge... even if I did not have to use much of the tips to run a race in a hot weather, they will be useful when I race more marathons in the near future.

Cheers,
Wendy Reyes

P.S.: And yes, I followed your advice. I was wearing that gorgeous medal yesterday and today at work!!

Coach Jenny,

I just wanted to thank you. One year ago I had just turned 39 years old. I weighed over 280 pounds. My wife and son decided to go on a diet. They asked me if I wanted to join them. I decided at that point it was time to make some changes in my life. I picked up a copy of "Running for Mortals". I had run before but didn't stay with it. I followed your excerise program (all three phases for all 36 weeks) and with the help of your book changed my diet. I'm happy to say, one year later on my 40th birthday I now weigh 200 pounds. In the last year I ran in two 5K races and this past weekend ran my first 10K race. My goal was to finish in under an hour and I came in at 59:37. So, thank you very much for providing me the guidance to change my life.

Thank you,
Dan Rastall

I am really excited about the Disney Princess Half Marathon (my first)... and nervous, but mostly excited :). The Mortals program really has been terrific. I used "Running for Mortals" for my first 10K, and knew I wanted to keep with your programs. Every time I set out for a new, longer distance on the program, I am nervous, but then am amazed because I feel so terrific after, both physically and mentally. It really does prepare you very well.

Running (going on my 2nd year) is changing my life, and your books have been a huge part of that. THANK YOU again for the passes, but even more for sharing your knowledge and encouragement with us all, and helping Mortals everywhere make changes for the better.

Thanks again and again,
Wendy

Jenny,

I am thankful for you and John. The last time my husband saw me picking up my battered copy of Marathoning for Mortals he said "How many times are you going to read that thing?"

I'm a 43-year old woman who was a fat kid. Dropped the weight in college but was never athletic, and did my first 5K last February. I'm also thankful for the anonymous bone donor who saved my leg, and was so overwhelmed with gratitude at the end of that race that I was sobbing. It was one of the most purely joyful moments of my life. I wanted more.

Now I'm training for my first half marathon and your book is my go-to reference. The facts are useful, but what I most appreciate is the spirit of inclusiveness and encouragement and humor with which you approach them. I'll be doing the ING Miami Half on Jan 31, have already done a 10 miler, and have every confidence that I'll finish strong (and probably wearing a bra that you recommended).

Thanks for inviting me to come play!

[Posted on Jenny's Thanksgiving Blog]

Dawson Cochran
Cape Coral, FL

I am sitting here having a glass of wine and contemplating updating my blog or uploading some pictures, but the overwhelming thought that keeps going through my head is that I want to keep this day for myself just a little longer. Today, after 8 years and many thwarted attempts, I ran my first marathon. My dog-eared and tattered copy of Marathoning For Mortals is already open to The Post Race Party, my medal is safely tucked in my work bag so I can look at it tomorrow when I need to, and my heart is full. I know you get many of these messages these days (and all well-deserved), but even though we don't know each other, I just wanted to THANK YOU, so many many times over, for your books, your blogs, your kind, humorous and thoughtful words and your support for all of us who didn't think we could do it. I felt thoroughly coached and confident today... at every water stop, I said out loud to myself "get it in you, not on you". And when I saw the back of the pack, many wearing penguin apparel, I teared up a little and cheered for them like crazy. Thank you. Thank you. Oh, and thank you.

Have a wonderful holiday!
Andi Whaley

PS - 4:09:33. I have no idea how that happened. :-)

Coach,

You may not know it, but you have been my coach the past five months. I have always been a good runner but never had done a marathon and have always wanted to run one! This year I decided that would change and so I signed up for the Chicago Marathon. I had no idea how to train for it, as a 5K was the longest "official race" I had ever done, so I used your "Beginning Run Marathon Training Program" on activetrainer. It was a great program! Very easy to use and convenient. Of course my training had the rollercoaster ride of any marathon training program but I was committed to it and only missed a few workouts. When raceday came I was very confident and prepared, it did a great job training me for the race. For my first marathon ever on Sunday in Chicago I ran a 3:41:02! I know I can run even faster and will continue with the sport!

Thank you Coach Hadfield, you have helped me achieve a lifelong goal!

All the Best,
Dave Trinnes

Hi Jenny,

This isn't a question but a statement of thanks and appreciation.
Yesterday I finished my first half marathon (Canada Army Run on September 20 in Ottawa) in a time just shy of 2:08 - far surpassing my goal of "oh whatever, maybe around 2:15 or so". I ran a slightly negative split and finished strong. It was also how I celebrated my 30th birthday (some called me crazy...!)

I had attempted to train for a half marathon before, following what I have now realized were the wrong types of plans as I kept getting hurt and overdoing it.

Before embarking on this plan for the half, I was a fairly regular runner with some experience running 5K and 10K races, I also regularly take part in other activities besides running (cycling for transport and commuting, yoga, weight training, hiking, etc) and I needed a plan that respected my beginner status as an endurance runner but also allowed me to x-train and not alter my lifestyle a great deal. I picked up a copy of the August edition of Runners World (to which I have now subscribed) and found the beginners half marathon plan which you had drawn up in there and I thought I could really sink my teeth into it.

And sink my teeth I did! I didn't miss a single run and it went great. I learned a great deal about endurance training and this plan allowed me to progress in my running to a point I didn't think possible while affording me lack of serious injury, increased confidence, and an ability to sustain my x-training activities strongly.

Today, I took the day off work expecting the worst and my only worries are some moderately sore legs and lingering hunger!

Thanks again for making such a great, easy to follow plan and helping me greatly increase my running confidence and endurance. I will continue to look to your blog/site/literature for plans and tips in the future.

Sincerely,
Sarah

Hi, Jenny,

I just wanted to say, Thank YOU!!!! You and John have changed my life. I am almost 60 years old. I had lost my Dad a year ago (he was 94) and he was my sole surviving parent. I was over weight and depressed. My job was very stressful and I kept wondering if life could be fun anymore. It felt like no matter what I did, I put on weight — I would say, "I just look at food and it jumps on my body! I don't even have to eat it." Outside I looked very matronly but inside I felt like I was in my thirties. I didn't know how to reconcile this "growing old" thing.

In April, I noticed a colleague at work had lost a lot of weight and asked her what she was doing. She told me she was using your book, Running for Mortals. As I listened to her describe the book, I became intrigued and picked up a copy. I laughed and cried all the way through it. I read straight through and then resolved to follow the Phase 1 program. My goal became to lose 18 pounds by my 60th birthday, August 12. I started April 25 and not only started Phase 1 but also went back on Weightwatchers Online. I am now in Week 9 and I have lost 14 pounds! BUT, better than that is the joy I feel every day as I look forward to exercising and I feel myself getting stronger. I didn't think I would ever be able to run again because of my age and a knee that bothered me when I walked down stairs. Your program made sense and it has proven to strengthen my knee.

I have had some obstacles along the way — my sister-in-law died suddenly at age 65 just after I started, and we flew back east for her funeral for a week, but I kept with the program during that time. A second trip east for 10 days to celebrate the 40th day of passing was filled with meals with relatives and RAIN; I stayed with the program!!! Also, after two months on the program, the weight loss was so slow I thought I was going to have to revise my goal. This past week though, as Phase I has increased in running, the pounds seem to be melting away. Now I am just 4 pounds shy of my goal. With just 4 weeks left, I am confident that I will succeed.

When I first started, I didn't think I could run a block. As the weeks and running increased, I didn't know how I was going to do 2 minutes and now I am doing 3! I just keep telling myself that I can and follow your advice about listening to my body and slowing down.

So again, thank you!! I am so grateful to be able to do this. I wish I lived in Chicago so that I could have you as a "live" coach but for now, I am grateful to have you in paperback form.

With much admiration and appreciation,

— Mary
San Francisco, California

Coach Jenny,

Thank you for your inspiration during your panel discussion before the RNRSA marathon. This was my 4th marathon and I learned more tips and techniques than ever before. I am in the process of documenting them on for my friends. I am 52 years young and have been a "Certified Personal Trainer" for more than 25 years. I live in rural Southeast Oklahoma. I have two daughters both are U.S. Marines, Amanda my youngest, 27, is stationed in San Diego, my first marathon in 2006, and Amy 31 in Stugart, Germany.

I have enclosed a photo at the finish line and us after your talk. I want to express my envy of your confidence and wish you well in your quests... "You go, Girl" you are an inspiration.

— Becky Edwards
Antlers, Oklahoma

Dear Coach Jenny,

I wrote you about two months ago asking for advice on how to train for my 1/2 marathon outside when I had done all my previous training on the treadmill. I completed the 1/2 marathon this past weekend and it went great!!! I can't thank you enough for your advice. I feel amazing and I am so proud of myself and my accomplishment.

Thanks again for everything,

— Courtney Jones

I met you on the first day of the Expo at the Country Music Marathon. I know you meet tons of people so let me identify myself a little bit better - I am the girl who lost seventy pounds and was running my first half marathon. Well, I finished the half marathon the day I started, upright and injury free (except for two blisters on my right foot).

THANKS !!! Whether you knew it or not, you coached me through my first half marathon and are coaching me through my second half marathon. I am pleased to say I am heading to Chicago for the LaSalle half marathon in August, and I can't wait. When I decided to run Music City, I picked up Running for Mortals and your book was my guide. I read and laughed and cried and ran. Through this experience, I found out who I am and who I want to be and how much I change with each step I take.

My life is different because I run and because you inspired me to believe I could take the first step and not fall.

— Dana M. Ausbrooks

Hi Jenny,

Just wanted to take a moment and say thanks! I was searching Google for marathon training, and found your blog. You have some really great content on this blog. I'm still a novice, but I picked up a few great tips already.

I signed up for your mailing list. Can't wait to read more!

Have an awesome day!

— Jennifer Miller

Jenny,

I picked up your book at Cadillac Mountain Sports in Bar Harbor, Maine last May. I was immediantly intrigued by what you had to say about long distance running. I read the book over the weekend and by the following week my wife and I preregistered for the half-marathon in Bar Harbor that September.

Well, today we both finished that race. I finished in 2:10 and my wife in 2:45 and we're both very happy with our results and had a really good time. We wanted to thank you for writing such a good book that is so accessible to "mortals." We're running a 5K in two weeks and then we're going to train over the winter for some "little" triathlons and road races next spring. With any luck we'll work our way up to a full blown Marathon.

Once again, thanks!

— Kevin Roberge

Dear Jenny,

I just need to thank both you and John for writing such a fabulous book (Marathoning for Mortals) and re-inspiring me in my running. I live in Columbus, Ohio and am a 37-year-old mother of two little boys. The youngest will be 4 months old on the 24th. I started running in the 7th grade and ran several years of track and XC in high school. I was never very fast but I could always go the distance. Ever since then I have been on again and off again with running. Sometimes I would train well and run a few races. Other times life would get in the way. I even spent the majority of my 20s living in the Back Bay of Boston and still couldn't get my act together to train for a marathon. Although, I did put in my share of miles around the Charles River. Of course, I always had high hopes, but once again… What can I say? I was having a good time enjoying the town and testing all the local brews at all the local pubs. (Yes, I spent many o' night having a great time at the Eliot Lounge!)

After Boston, I moved to Atlanta for a job that fell apart before my very eyes right after I got there. Don't ask. Anyway, during the next 7 years I met my husband, went back to school for massage therapy and had my first child. And I even ran the Peachtree Road Race once! Which brings me up to now. Last year my husband and I decided to move back up north to be closer to family. Several months before our move I was on another one of my great running streaks, jog stroller and all. After we got to Columbus, I joined the local rec center and kept up my running for a month or so until I found out that I was pregnant again. Knowing that my body would not multitask well in that situation, I decided to join a water aerobics class to keep me in half way decent shape while I was pregnant. Well… let me tell you… I had NO IDEA what I was getting into. That class got me into the best shape of my life – while pregnant! The instructor is fabulous and quite an inspiration. She is now in her 5th round of chemo for ovarian cancer. And she still shows up twice weekly to teach us! What an amazing woman she is. And I feel that since she got me through my pregnancy with flying colors, the very least I can do is return the favor and show up for the twice-weekly classes. The funny thing is, she and the class are still giving more to me than I will ever be able to give back. I am back running again (mainly on a treadmill in our basement at 6:00 AM) and I am doing better than ever. The swimming has obviously been a great X-training thing for me. On a side note – I know we are not suppose to worry about times right now, but… once I got going today, I ran a consistent sub-10 minute mile for the duration of my run. And it felt comfortable and good!

You may wonder where I am going with all of this. Several weeks ago I decided to run the Columbus Distance Classic on April 2. So… I went right to the bookstore and picked up your book. Again, thank you, thank you, and thank you. I have never even tried to follow a training schedule before (one of my BIG mistakes) but after reading the book I am now doing the Run A Half-Marathon schedule and doing great with it. I never before considered rest days and I never considered X-training days. What a difference they make!! I have even entered a contest to be on the MomStyle Half-Marathon Team. That's how confident I am that I will be able to do this.

So I don't know exactly what it is that has inspired me the most or gotten me off my duff to do this. Could it be my determination to live a healthy life for my two little boys and husband? Or could it be my swimming instructor who has given me more than she will ever know? Or is it just that running is the one thing that keeps me sane as a stay-at-home mom? I'm sure it is a mix of all of the above. And although I am very sorry that I didn't have the confidence or motivation to do this before, I am very glad that at least I am seeing the light now. Marathoning for Mortals has been a big part of this for me. I feel like every mom-runner out there should read the book and get glimpse into what a little inspiration can do for one's mind and body! (I promise I won't start preaching it on the street corner for fear of giving the sport a bad name!!)

I just thought you both should know what one of your readers thinks about the book. (Obviously I think it's great!) Sorry to be so long winded, but I also wanted you to know where I am coming from as a fellow runner. Maybe I'll see you somewhere in the crowd on April 2nd. I'll be the one with the look of excitement on my face. I can't wait!

— Catherine McMonigle

Jenny,

I just wanted to thank you for your wonderful book, Marathoning for Mortals. I initially found a training prgram that you put together for Cooking Light. I began training just for fun on my treadmill last spring. I ended up getting serious about taking my running outside. I bought your book and completed my first half marathon yesterday. I never could have done it without your book, which I often refer to as my bible for running! Thank you for making us non-athletes feel like athletes! My family and friends are in awe and I owe it all to your book! Thank you!

— Kristin Kult

Coach Jenny,

I just read your "A 6-Step Plan to Speedy Marathon Recovery" article on active.com and wanted to say "thank you" for writing that. I am looking for guest writers for the weekly newsletter that I send to all Just Finish (www.JustFinish.com) members. Articles such as yours are exactly what our members need! Would you be interested in participating? If so, let me know and I can send you more details.

Thank you,

— Kevin Green
Owner, JustFinish.com

Top