SDTC - Rockin' 'n' Runnin' Marathon Training Program Endorsements

Rockin' 'N' Runnin' Marathon Program Endorsements

SDTC RnR Endorsements/Testimonials

     I was 56 years old when I ran my first Marathon. The 3 races we ran during our RnR training were the first running races I ever ran in my life. I grew up an asthmatic child and I was never active in sports, never took gym class in school, (I always handed out the towels) and I always had to moderate my physical activity. My asthma followed me into adulthood but was held at bay by using inhalers and allergy shots. I could walk long distances but I could only run a block before I started running out of air.
    I first heard about Marathon training while living in Los Angeles and a business associate told me about his involvement in a Marathon training program in Los Angeles. The seed was planted! I often thought about the training program and thought it would be a great goal to accomplish. Then a coworker shared about the RnR training program. I researched the program and signed up. My family was stunned when I told them I was going to train for a Marathon!!
     From our first RnR meeting I was excited. The program took someone who had no running experience to a person who had complete confidence in running a Marathon and finishing. The program was always positive, never a negative word. I can remember running and hearing Joe “relax your shoulders and run like train“ Crosswhite and Paul “I love you guys“ Greer cheering us on during our training and during the Marathon.
     After I finished the Marathon (with a sprint to the finish line) I felt great. In the days following people would ask “Did you think you would finish the Marathon?“ And my reply was that I had been trained both physically and mentally to accomplish the goal I had set for myself. And with the superb training that I received I never doubted that I would finish the Marathon.
     Thanks Paul and Joe, you helped me realize a dream.
Liam O’Shea, November 2007

     As early as January 2007, all of the conversations I had with family and friends about my plans to run a marathon led to the inquisitive look that I might have lost my head. But I knew from the initial meeting with those training for the Rock and Roll marathon through the San Diego Track Club and meeting the wonderful coaches and volunteers that I was not crazy. I realized then that I was going to learn to persevere, get proper training and support and I was going to run my first marathon.
     I know I am not a fast runner but I felt at ease with my running peers in the RnR Marathon Training Program. Words of encouragement flow naturally from the coaches and volunteers to all the runners. Everyone knew that we had the same goal and it was obvious that camaraderie lent itself to successes at every track club meeting as we went through the 22-week training. Time and/or mileage increased week after week but so did our desire to ensure everyone benefited by running faster, smarter and longer.
     My first marathon was an amazing experience I will never forget, but the training program is what led to the amazing feeling that I will never let go. One thing for sure, it is what will keep me coming back year after year.
Judy, 2007

I recently completed my 5th marathon and my 2nd San Diego Track Club's RnR Marathon training program. It's hard to imagine ever training again for another marathon without joining and being a part of this wonderful group. From the selfless volunteers and coaches to the great people you meet, it's an experience that seems to make training for a marathon a lot of fun and a little less arduous in nature. After running 3 marathons, my interest was in improving my running (to be a little faster and lot more efficient). Well, what a difference the training program has made on my finishing results - almost 50 minutes shaved off my marathon finishing time during the two years I've run with the program. And when I sign up for a 3rd year, I would be willing to bet that more improvement is on the way. Whether the goal is completing your 1st marathon or your 20th, I can't recommend this program enough and look forward to starting the 08' training.
Danny Dahlke, 2007

I could not have completed my first marathon without SDTC and their marathon training program and it wasn't just the schedule that told me what to do every day that got me through my first marathon. The support and encouragement of the coaches, the training and advice, and the friends I met and trained with were invaluable. I cannot recommend the program enough! If ever there was a program to prepare you both physically and mentally for a marathon, this is it.
Stephanie, 2007

A runner is always looking for the next race to challenge the limits of their body. When I decided to challenge my body to a marathon, the best decision I made to succeed in the endeavor was signing up to train with Coach Paul and all of the wonderful people that shared my passion to run. The training program, the organized long-runs, and the energy I felt with my fellow track club members really gave me the mixture of fun and discipline to complete my first marathon. I can’t wait to run with them again in 2008!!!
Renee Sisneros, 2007

     The San Diego Track Club's RnR Training Program ... I have run all eight of San Diego's fabulous Rock and Roll Marathons, thanks in large part to the SDTC's marathon training program. Each year this multitude of hundreds is divided into three primary groups - based on average running pace/mile. Our beloved coach, Paul Greer, gives a moniker to each group (changes every year) corresponding to a well-known rock group. Over the years I have been a proud member of Guns & Roses, Rolling Stones, B-52s, Smithereens, Wings, Journey, Jagged Edge and The Grateful Dead. One year I was terribly disappointed that one of the other groups got the name Sex-Pistols and for a brief, possibly insane, moment considered running slower to join them. :-)
     What an interesting and eclectic group of people this training program attracts!!! We're all over the place in terms of age, occupation, economic status, hobbies, family background, running attire, talkative-ness, ethnicity, running experience, personality, you-name-it. But we have one thing in common, a wacky desire to run a marathon, or in the case of a good many of our members, numerous marathons. We're a wild & crazy group, we know it, and we thrive on it.
     Over the five-month training period, we become almost like "family". Every year there are new faces and old, friendly, familiar faces. We all sweat together, feel pain together, moan&groan&bitch, compare maladies, tell war stories from the miles on our feet, laugh our heads off, support each other, irreverently & unmercifully tease each other, learn from each other, but most importantly share our marathon dreams, occasional heartbreaks, and numerous successes. I ran 19 marathons before having this wonderful group to train with and can honestly say running a marathon has become way more "fun" (relatively speaking, of course) since being a part of this truly unique group. The camaraderie we share is exceptional. The stories of friendship and support are endless. Our coaches, Paul Greer and Joe Crosswhite, are stellar both as coaches and as human beings. Our volunteers constantly amaze me with their dedication, expertise, and hard work. Without a doubt there is not a better marathon training program/coach/volunteers/participants anywhere in the world. Be There and Be a Rock Star!!!
Marilyn Carpenter aka "Tough Old Bird", 2005

I've trained with Rockin’ ‘n’ Runnin’ for many years. I'm expecting to run my 8th RnR. I have also trained with other local marathon training groups. Rockin’ ‘n’ Runnin’ is absolutely outstanding. Nothing else compares! The design and organization are excellent and the entire friendly atmosphere makes it fun and exciting for beginners as well as accomplished runners. Everything from the program’s great coaching and the informative web community to the phenomenal volunteer support makes Rockin’ ‘n’ Runnin’ a fantastic marathon training experience. I would never have made it to Boston without Rockin’ ‘n’ Runnin’. I can't wait to get started again... Happy runnin'.
Alann, 2005

     Back in January 2005, my oldest daughter Michelle announced to our family that she wanted to run in the Rock N Roll Marathon in June and had signed up for a marathon training program with the San Diego Track Club. This took us all by surprise because although she was a very competitive swimmer in high school, she didn't like to run at all. We saw her commitment to her training during the program and were extremely proud of her when we saw her cross the finish line at the Marathon. I was so impressed by what she accomplished, that I told her I wanted to run in the marathon with her next year. I must have been caught up in the moment, because why would any 59 year old in their right mind, who never did much running in their entire life let alone enjoy it, ever commit to such an unthinkable goal? It must have been a senior moment thing.
     Well, in any event, after telling too many people about my goal, it was too late to back out, so in January of '06 Michelle and I signed up for the San Diego Track Club's "Rockin 'N' Runnin Marathon Training Program". It was a 22 week program designed to gradually increase your endurance so you can complete the marathon, but I can truthfully say that it was a lot more than just the excellent training I received. It's about setting a goal and having the support of others to achieve that goal. It's about a first class organization with very dedicated and motivational coaches. It's about the many unsung volunteers who are so essential to the program. It's about the camaraderie of all of the people in the program. It's about the numerous experiences of the Tuesday night work outs and Saturday morning runs. It's about the quality seminars. And it's about the increased bonding of a father and daughter during their training together. In summary, it was one of the most gratifying experiences I have ever had and it is something I will always cherish.
     Oh and by the way, I did achieve my goal of completing the Rock N Roll Marathon and will be signing up again in January with the San Diego Track Club.
Dick Barber, 2006

Learn to run faster. Learn to run smarter. Learn to run longer than you have ever run before. Learn to run for a lifetime. That's what I learned after my first season with SDTC's RnR program. I had trained for 2 previous marathons to benefit a charity for a great cause. The focus of the marathon training was simply to finish. My 3rd marathon was "for me". Through SDTC's RnR program, I learned a lot more about how to train, to diet and to improve my marathon time. The knowledgeable SDTC coaches, the experienced participants and the first-time marathoners were a tremendous help in achieving some personal running goals and continued to inspire me throughout the many weeks of training. At the same time, there is a nice social aspect of the group too. A marathon and all the long runs that lead up to it are psuedo-traumatic events that bond people together. I improved my marathon time, but there is still some work to do. So, I'll be back with RnR 2006 and am already registered for Coca Cola Zero RnR Marathon. All runners are welcome. There is no need to be intimidated by the fleet of foot in the group. Be careful though, you may get addicted to running and maybe marathoning.
Jay Simbulan, 2005

Fabulous! The focus is on running and having fun. This was my first marathon and I can attest that, if you stick with this program, you'll cross that 26.2 mile finish line. I was constantly impressed at the program's staff -- they were well-organized, dedicated and enthusiastic. Each run had easy-to-understand course maps on the website, good stretching and warm-ups beforehand, and, at every few miles, dependable water stops well-staffed by volunteers. The runs were well-attended by a good range of runners, from beginner to amazing, and I was inspired by their challenges and abilities. As the runs got longer, I got to know more people to talk with, and when the big day came, I had the confidence of mileage behind me and friends around me. I'll be signing up for next year's program -- hope you do too!
Andrew Hudson, 2006

I started training with the San Diego Track Club’s Rockin’ ‘n’ Runnin’ (RnR) marathon training program eight years ago when the first Rock and Roll Marathon was held in San Diego and I will start training with RnR number nine in January! I am so grateful for all the love and encouragement, training and dedication that the San Diego Track Club has given to me over the years. Coach Paul and Coach Joe are amazing men! Their concern, support and knowledge of the sport are invaluable. Every Tuesday out on the track - learning about form and speed work. Every Saturday – doing long runs that gradually get longer. I love when we all do the runs together! The Clinics provided me with the information I needed about shoes, food, stretching, mentally preparing for the big day. 3 miles, 6 miles, 12 miles, 18 miles, 22 miles ... Marathon Day! Anyone can have “A Marathon Story”. Mine begins and will continue only because of our coaches and the San Diego Track Club. I have met the most wonderful people and am having so much fun!!!
Carin Weisman, 2005

     I can sum my experience with the R and R program up in two short stories:
     One Tuesday evening after our speed workout in Balboa Park we recognized all those runners who had qualified and were leaving for the Boston Marathon the following Thursday. I walked over to them afterward to congratulate them individually and was made to feel instantly like I was part of their group. They were absolutely convinced, unlike me, that I would qualify for Boston one day. Instead of gloating about their accomplishments they showered me with encouragement about my running abilities. Here I was among elite marathoners being treated as if I was just as capable a runner as any of them. If you want to train with humble winners, join the R N R program.
     During one of our longer training runs I was tired and thirsty. As I approached the last aid station a volunteer handed me a cup of water and asked me how I was doing. I recognized him as one the members who, in his sixties, had finished the Boston Marathon the weekend before. As I ran the last few miles I though to myself “Wait a minute, that guy ran Boston last weekend and he is out here supporting ME today?” A few miles later there was Coach Paul making it perfectly clear to me in a loud voice that “I was the champion of the world”. I finished that run with a grin and a sprint.
Tim, 2006

I had not intended to run a marathon anytime soon, but I decided to give it a try after hearing great things about this program. I used to do all my running by myself, however training with this group made a WORLD of difference - I doubt I could have made as much progress as I did without them. With Coach Paul's encouragement, and the encouragement provided by the friends I made in the program, I realized that it WAS possible for me to run a marathon. I'm already making plans to do it again next year.
Mark Ganzer, 2005

I ran 7 marathons before joining the SDTC RnR Marathon Training Program, and for each one I trained alone. I liked the flexibility to run when I wanted, sleep in when I wanted, and skip a run if I felt like it. For that reason, I was hesitant to join a group. After some deep thought, I joined the North County group to train for the Rock n' Roll 2005. I was amazed at the difference the coaches and members made in my training. Making the scheduled long runs and track workouts came easy. Sleeping in never even occurred to me. And if I even thought about skipping a run, I had a group of new friends that would not let me forget it. The coaches, the members, and the structured running schedule were all key to my training success. Thanks to the RnR Training Program, in 2005, I finished the RnR with a personal best.
Kevin Reindl, 2005

I had a three marathon bibs hanging on the wall before I joined the SDTC R'n'R program the first time. Training on my own or with charity fund-raising teams I was able to complete the distance, get the medal and enjoy the moment. Training with the San Diego Track Club put everything I thought I knew into a whole new dimension. Tuesday night speed work and hill workouts combined with the long slow distances on Saturday were the foundation on which I re-built my marathon structure. The knowledge, enthusiasm and support of the coach, mentors and other members helped me complete three more Rock and Roll marathons, six other marathons and achieve new personal records in some of these recent events. Using these training methods, I will be doing the Dublin Marathon (my number 13) on October 31, 2005 and then another Rock and Roll in 2006. Many, many thanks to the coaches and the whole SDTC team!
Dave Holbo, 2005 Custom Fit Personal Training and Pilates

Although I had been a sub-5 minute miler in High School and College, I hadn't run in many years. I sat at my computer all day and added on calories and pounds. Whenever I talked to people who attempted marathons, I just shook my head at how utterly impossible it was to wrap my head around the idea of even considering one, let alone completing 26.2 miles without a -- Pick one: A Car, Bus, Motorcycle. I met a business client who was 48 and still doing them. Ye gads! But thanks to persistent positive reinforcement, an easy to follow training schedule set up by the marathon training program coaches, a 20-something former cheerleader who just wouldn't let me quit, and the will power I gained doing the Rockin' 'n' Runnin' group long runs, in the last 3 years I have entered and completed 3 San Diego Rock And Roll Marathons. Now, add to this, the fact that I STARTED TRAINING FOR MY FIRST MARATHON AT THE AGE OF 55! Whoever is reading this has got to say, "If that old geezer could do it, I could at least sign up and see what happens." It's not about how fast you run, or whether you even finish or not. It's about setting a new marker out there on your road through life, and then, enjoying the journey.
Michael Weisman, 2005
P. S. That 20-something cheerleader is my daughter Carin.

My experience with San Diego Track Club's RnR marathon training program has been outstanding! I recently finished my second year and will definitely be back for my third. The fellow runner camaraderie is what RnR is all about. There is no way I'd get out of bed at 6:00 am on Saturday mornings unless I knew two or three hundred other people were all doing the same thing and heading to HoPo (Hospitality Point). I know my SDTC friends and pace group will be there to help pull me along over the last few miles of the long training runs - and I'll be there for them on their bad days. Plus, the coaches’ guidance and support is invaluable, especially for people new to the sport like myself. RnR is a great group of people who provide the knowledge, support, and camaraderie to achieve a formidable athletic goal.
Steve, 2005

Having been through many seasons with the Rockin’ 'n' Runnin’ program, I can enthusiastically say that is a great way to train for a marathon. The support of the San Diego Track club for the program encompasses all aspects of marathon preparation, and every year the club has made the program better. The inspirational coaching of Paul Greer and the dedication of all the volunteers who support the runners is phenomenal. The camaraderie of the training groups is an enormous benefit for beginner as well as veteran marathoners: there's just nothing like the energy of running with friends as the miles pass by! Every marathon presents its runners with challenges and opportunities, and the Rockin’ 'n' Runnin’ program helps us to make the most of both.
Steven Elliott, 2005

In January of 2000, San Diego Track Club coach Paul Greer introduced himself to me at a Tuesday night track workout. After making running recommendations for my son, Paul turned to me and asked, "Mike, why don't you join the training program and run the Rock and Roll Marathon?" Surprised and sure that he was joking, I thought, "Could you train this 61 year old overweight body to run the marathon?" The rest is history. This year will be my 6th running of the Rock and Roll Marathon and training with the track club’s RnR marathon training program. Age and physical condition keeps me leading a nice group of slow running athletic wanabees at the back of the pack. We have a nice group of jogging friends doing our very best while having a good time. What I appreciate most about the training program is the SDTC leadership, the skilled RnR coaching and the many cheerful volunteers all of whom make a difference in my life.
Mike Mullert, 2005

I had thought about running a marathon … yeah right … in my dreams! I wasn’t a runner nor was I in any shape to run around the block, let alone 26.2 miles! A friend of mine had mentioned that the San Diego Track Club had a marathon-training program. So I thought to myself: if I can actually make it to that first morning of the program (we met at 7:00 am), I would have a decent chance at really running a marathon. From the moment I started training with the Rockin’ ‘n’ Runnin’ group, I began one of the greatest adventures of my life. Those six months that I spent with the coaches, the experienced runners who help out with the program, and other runners like me taught me more about myself and my abilities than I thought possible. The support and encouragement you get from everyone in the program is amazing. Everybody pushes himself or herself to achieve new goals each week and they tackle the challenges head on. You soon realize that a marathon….yes, 26.2 miles … is within your grasp! I ran it and cried when I finished, not because I was glad it was over but I was sad that my marathon training for that year had come to an end. Since training with the SDTC, I have successfully changed my career and have begun projects that I previously considered to be “just dreams”. I know that if I could run a marathon, I can do ANYTHING! Thank you SDTC for showing me the way!
Carla Sharpe, 2005

Last year, I started the SDTC's Rockin’ ‘n’ Runnin’ marathon training program to prepare for my first marathon. What I got from this program was so much more than I ever expected. Sure, I learned about stretching, nutrition, pacing, and participated in great workouts on Tuesdays and Saturdays. More importantly, I found a group of people who truly cared about one another and were a lot of fun! From the workouts where everyone cheered one another on, to race day where that enthusiasm continued, I was so proud to be a part of this group and glad for that support. During the marathon, I saw runners from our group at various points along the course and they always lifted my spirits and came over to say hello. Training for a marathon takes a big time commitment but this group made it worthwhile and special. The coaches are wonderful and were there for us on race day as well. I tell everyone I meet who contemplates a marathon to join this group and experience the true joy of running with a great group of people."
Dana Peters, 2005