Testimonials
“The most amazing feeling in the world is to cross the finish line of your first marathon amid cheers and shouts from people who not only know your name, but know the length of your journey. That’s what I found from training with Run Far. It is more than coaching; it gave me the ability to be confident about running far and finishing it healthy and with the power of the group behind me. Without heroes you never know what you are capable of doing. The coaches in this group are my heroes!”
Beth Colling“There are not enough words and not enough time to express my gratitude for the RFYL marathon/Half marathon training program…… in 2010 I considered myself a leisurely runner and joined the Piper Glen location for its 2010 training program with a goal of logging a few miles and making a few friends. Now, in 2013 I consider myself a marathon runner, a coach, and a lifetime member of the Piper Glen Speed Demons! I have gone from participant to coach! I have completed 8 marathons, 6 half marathons, set many PRs, and become 1st in my age group in the Resolution Race Series! I have gained so much knowledge about running, nutrition, speed work, training plans, cross training, BUT most importantly I have gained so much knowledge about who I am as a person!!”
Morgan Millett“Training for a marathon is hard work, but with the right group it can be kind of fun! I have completed 3 marathons and the last one was the best, probably because I improved, but I fully believe the power of the group allowed me to be pushed and gave me my best time. When people work together to help one another achieve their goals, then greatness happens. This is what I get when I run with this remarkable group.”
Erin Burns“The marathon training program is simply amazing! From the first Saturday morning run to crossing the finish line after 26.2 miles, all of the coaches and other runners are there for you every step of the way. Make no mistake, training for a marathon is tough… but with the support of a team, anyone can do it. If you are on the fence or want to tackle a goal race, please know that anyone can do this and this program is the best way to get there!”
“I am a runner! I would not have been able, nor would I have wanted to say that prior to this training program. The important piece and what drives the PRs is the enjoyment and camaraderie that comes from the “power of the group” which makes a solo sport like running a team sport. I now look forward to getting up at 5am in the week and working hard with my friends, look forward to long weekend runs catching up on work, family, relationship stories with people you enjoy spending time with, and look forward to seeing how your “team” did in that weeks races. These great benefits are what kept my engaged and my passion fueled for running and now I can’t imagine not running, so guess what….. I am a runner! I would encourage people of all abilities and goals, from beginner to someone trying to Boston Qualify come out and see what the “power of the group” can do for you.”
Brett Miller“I was the new girl. I didn’t know anyone and really wasn’t sure if I was a good enough runner to do what I was setting out to do, but I went for it anyway. I arrived feeling a little uncomfortable because it seemed everyone knew one another except me. And then it happened…….on the very first day I met the people who would become my cherished friends, the people who would support, encourage, and train with me to run my first half marathon! But the real magic was that I was able to offer the same support and encouragement to them. We were a team…no man left behind. This year we will train for our first full marathon together. I’ve said it many times……this running group changed my life and for that (and for them) I’m so very grateful!!”
Julie Horanski“I am a runner! I would not have been able, nor would I have wanted to say that prior to this training program. The important piece and what drives the PRs is the enjoyment and camaraderie that comes from the “power of the group” which makes a solo sport like running a team sport. I now look forward to getting up at 5am in the week and working hard with my friends, look forward to long weekend runs catching up on work, family, relationship stories with people you enjoy spending time with, and look forward to seeing how your “team” did in that weeks races. These great benefits are what kept my engaged and my passion fueled for running and now I can’t imagine not running, so guess what….. I am a runner! I would encourage people of all abilities and goals, from beginner to someone trying to Boston Qualify come out and see what the “power of the group” can do for you.”
Keith Weidman“This is not just a running group, it is a running family. The group is comprised of runners of all levels that are passionate about running and enjoy seeing themselves and others achieve the goal of completing a Marathon or Half-Marathon.”
Tony Dinola“I have been a recreational runner for the past 20+ years, but I always did it to try and stay in shape – not for the love of running. Once I joined this group things changed greatly. The people are fun and friendly, supportive and dedicated. I really look forward to our runs together. Since I joined, last June, I have increased my weekly mileage to the point where I have run 4 half marathons. And I am currently training for my first full marathon! But best of all I have met some amazing people and made so many new friends!
Margaret Finke“Great coaches who helped me improve my running pace and race times. Runners of all ages and paces encourage each other along the way. I’ve made some great friends and always look forward to our next group run. We even plan a couple destination travel races each year.”
Holly Hassen“The running group with RFYL is awesome! It’s a group of runners of all paces. It has great coaches pushing you every step of the way to help you reach your running goal. The other runners keep you focus and motivated. I think it’s the best running group in Charlotte!
Amber Houston“Last summer a friend recommended to me to go check out the Run for Your Life running group. Probably one of the best decisions I ever made for myself. I came for the training and I stayed for the camaraderie. What I really like about the group, is that we were divided into pace groups, which helped me find people who I could train with and who were going through similar goals. Our coaches ran with us and gave us great tips on nutrition, stretching, and other relevant advice. Weekly emails helped me keep my focus. The bonus was that I have also made some wonderful new friends. This group and these friends helped coach and prepare me for my first half marathon-a goal I had never entertained. I’ve enjoyed training and running races with members of the group, and this has made my goal of making time to stay fit even more rewarding.”
Monique Elliott“When I moved to Charlotte in the summer of 2010, I was 36 year old mother of 3 who came to this new city 3 months prior to my husband and children. I didn’t know anyone and knew I had to keep myself busy and meet new people while I awaited my family to come and our house to be built. I was not a runner, but I met Joe Schlereth who invited me to join an amazing running group who teaches individuals to run either a half or full marathon. I was a bit nervous, but I knew it was just the right thing to challenge me, help pass the time and to help me meet new people in this new city. I encourage everyone I meet to join us. I want others to know and experience this special group. It has changed my life and it will change yours too!”
Tara Daley“This program gave me the confidence that I could do a half marathon, and later, a full marathon. I never would have been able to accomplish either without the Power of the Group, or the advice and feedback from the coaches.”
Marcus Shore“Before joining the the program, the longest I had run was a 10k. I joined the Program in June 2012 to train for my first half . By the end of the program, I had already run 2 and added 2 more earlier this year. This group is full of amazing runners of all paces. The awesome part of it is the constant encouragement you receive for every running milestone. You will make new friends who will cheer for you or pace you at your races and celebrate with you as you cross the finish line. You will become a part of a fabulous family.”
Sudeshna Banerjee“Before I started running with this group I was stagnated, my time and distance levels were just not improving. Then I found this training program! I am now running distances I never even dreamed of aspiring to, and my times keep improving with each half marathon! I can’t wait until the next season starts and I begin training for my first full marathon! The structure and guidance provided by the program outline and coaches have been so very valuable this past year and I have full confidence that this next year with the program will take me to new lengths and at new speeds! Bring it on, with this training program I now know that I can do it! Thanks!!”
Lisa Buhrmester-Rowland“I did not begin running until age 60. After doing a few shorter races I was hooked and decided to add doing a marathon to my bucket list. At age 63 I join an organized training group. One of the best things I ever did. I have never been involved with anything before that had so many people encouraging me. This included a very dedicated bunch of coaches, coordinators as well as fellow runners and in November ran that marathon. Many of us in this training group have became friends and continue to run together on Saturdays. Can’t wait for the training groups to start up again as I will participate again!”
Ron Montgomery