I was first introduced to Lisa Smith during the summer of 2000. I had heard a lot about her through a mutual friend, of how she was very motivational and very inspirational. Little did I know how true those words were, and where those words would take me.
At the time, I had only completed a few marathons, but I had the goal of finishing a 50 miler. So I made the choice to start training with Lisa. My training immediately changed, and I put my faith in Lisa, and her extensive coaching skills. My mileage increased, and I was doing things I had never done before, which I found to be a great change to the normal routine of running. Within a few weeks, I felt myself getting faster and stronger, and set a marathon PR of 2:48 - something I never dreamed I could do. Shortly after, I completed my first ultramarathon - the GNC 100k - in 8 hours and 50 minutes. I was totally elated, within just a few short weeks of knowing Lisa, I had set a marathon PR, and completed my first ultramarathon!
Since then, I have completed dozens of marathons, and numerous ultras, including Badwater, a 208 mile solo run across New Jersey, the Grand Teton 100 miler, and the Ultracentric 48 Hour. Lisa provided me with not only the skills and training to do it all, but the belief in myself that I can do anything I set my eyes on! She is a wonderful person, coach, and friend! Thank you, Lisa!
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