Meet Mike "Mac" McMonagle

I have run many races including 7 marathons over 18 years before hiring my first running coach.  That would be coach Ron and I am very glad I did.
 
I was planning on another marathon and with so many plans out there and so much conflicting information, I wanted some clarity.   I looked for a coach who had a lot coaching experience, was also fast, and had great reviews.  Ron had all of these.
 
After my first meeting with Ron, I had confirmed my decision to try for a marathon PR 10 years after my last PR.  An aggressive goal but Ron gave me the confidence and the plan to do it.   Long story short, mission accomplished, I made my sub 3:10 marathon goal last weekend at the Chicago marathon.  I felt confident going in as I loved the negative split plan and I trusted the training. 
 
Beside achieving PR’s, other bonuses of working with Ron is learning and training and running smarter.   Even though I have read many running books, I definitely learned new things too.   Furthermore, reporting back to a coach and running with a group also makes you more accountable and it’s easier to stick to your plan.
Last bonus is getting to know some of the other runners in the group.  It really helps to have some company for those difficult or long runs and the group could not be more sincerely supportive of one another.
 
Mac McMonagle

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