First off I want everyone to know that in no way am I a distance runner by any stretch of the imagination. My running abilities are primarily as a sprinter. I was lucky enough to qualify for the 2017 National Senior Games on my own. After doing so I realized that they are over a year away and I needed to..
A) find a coach to help me get to the national level.
B) find a way to stay in shape over the summer months until it is time to train hard for sprinting.

I had competed in a couple 5ks prior to talking to Coach Ron and my PR was around 28:00. After talking with Ron I decided to enlist his services. In only a few short months, with the structured workout program he put in place for me and my abilities, I ran 4 timed 5k's and one 10k this summer and PR'd in every one. With the culmination of my final 5k of the year, Ron took it upon himself to run with me knowing I had a lofty PR expectation. Previous to the race my PR was 24:28 ( a significant drop from the start of the year) and when I crossed the finish line I ran it in 23:14, shaving a whole 1:14 of my previous PR. I know for a fact I could not have done it with out Coach Ron. Am I a distance runner now? I don't know but after competing in the 50m and 100m in the 2017 National Senior Games I have something to look forward to!

​Sincerely
Darren Wolke

​I’m so thankful for Coach Ron and the friendly, encouraging, goofy, talented Mile to Marathon team! Here’s my story…
It took me a long time (months and months!) to finally approach Coach Ron to ask for some help with my running, but I am so glad I did.
Prior to contacting Coach Ron, I had gone through two very disappointing marathon training cycles where I followed free online training plans. I ended up injured during both training cycles, which resulted in sub-par, painful races. I knew deep down that I could do better if I could just get through a full training cycle healthy.
Enter Coach Ron. He talked me through his training philosophy, gave me multiple resources for injury-prevention strategies, and provided me with a whole new training plan that included a huge variety of detailed workouts. Knowing my history of injuries, he slowly and meticulously worked me up to a much higher mileage than I was used to. Although the higher mileage made me nervous at first, I followed his plan and ultimately was shocked at how effective it was at keeping me strong and healthy! After just 4 months of working with Coach Ron, not only did I make it to the starting line of my goal marathon injury-free, but I somehow nailed a 24+ minute PR, too!
Since then, I have PR’d in the 5k, the half marathon, and again in the marathon, too. And I’ve remained injury-free the entire time!
I live pretty far away from the Mile to Marathon home base of the Twin Cities area, so I do most of my training runs solo. But every once and awhile I am able to come join the Mile to Marathon team for a training run or a race, and it is always a blast! The Team is very welcoming, and takes care of each other no matter where you live. J The group is very active on social media, so it is easy to stay in touch with the team despite the distance.
Coach Ron and the Mile to Marathon teammates are tremendously supportive and always the first to compliment you on your running successes and celebrate the milestones you achieve. Coach’s excitement for your progress as a runner is contagious -- he often believes in you more than you do yourself. J
I’ve had a great experience with Mile to Marathon coaching so far! I encourage anyone who is curious about it to dive right in and join the fun! I only wish I had sooner. J