testimonials

" I have been a member of The Running Store's Professional Long Distance program since it was founded in 2009.  When I started at the age of 50, I was a novice runner who struggled to run a 5k.  Under the guidance of Coach Mary, I will be running my 8th Boston Marathon next year.  Her coaching and the support of the other runners has been instrumental to my success!" - Ernie N.

"Running was a chore when I was doing it by myself. Now, I really look forward to going to class. Thanks for being patient and kind and motivating. I can see why people come back to you." - John S.

"I always thought I ran at my highest level given my training and times. That was before I met Mary. Her vast knowledge of our sport and ability to tailor training to maximize the performance of each individual runner is second to none. Most importantly, she cares deeply about making every runner their best, and she certainly does that for me! Under her guidance I have gone from a 3:30 marathoner to finishing at the top of my age group in 3:10" - Wendy K.

"I first decided to start running/exercising back in 2015 as a way to try and lose some weight and get into better shape.  I stopped by The Running Store to purchase some shoes and met Ian at that time.  He had me try on a few pairs and suggested a couple different options based on the way that I was pronating.  He also pointed me to a running group that met a couple times each week to help me get started and to set appropriate goals for myself.  It was in that running group that I was introduced to Coach Mary.  I spent that Summer starting out just being able to run 1 minute at a time but gradually adding to that as my abilities adjusted.  I continued to work out with the group and do my weekly assignments that were provided by Coach Mary. That Fall I entered my first 5K race – The Prince William Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning.  After that I was hooked, Coach Mary continued to work with me and help me train for races of longer distances.  At the point in time that I write this and just over 4 years after meeting Ian and Coach Mary, I have completed running my 6th marathon.  I should also note that they all occurred after reaching the age of 50 years old - it is never too late.  What started out as an attempt to lose 30 pounds has transformed into a lifestyle change that I will forever be grateful.  Thank you to Ian and Coach Mary for providing a gift that just keeps giving." - Tom O.

"I started with the Running Store's coaching program in 2018 and have continued without cease since then.  Before I started, I was concerned that I wouldn't be able to keep up with the rest of the group, or perhaps I'd feel so out of place, being a fairly new runner.  That couldn't have been farther from the truth - Coach Mary is personable, approachable, encouraging yet focused on what I laid out as my goals and also helped guide me all the way.  The entire group is supportive, fun and very encouraging.  Each of us is in our own place in our running journey and not only does our Coach meet us where we are and get us all where we want to be, it's also great to have new friends to talk running with and to actually run together with as smaller groups.  Our Monday evening track workouts and our Saturday morning longer runs are a great way to keep current on each other's running progress and I find i pick up lots of tips from the entire group.  Since I started, I've not only built up to be able to run 3 half marathons, I've been faster at each one and am looking forward to more improvement in the future. In addition, during two sessions, one in which i was out of town on an extended business trip, Coach Mary and I communicated over email to keep me focused and encouraged for my goals.  I couldn't have asked for a better Coach, running group, and new experiences and much improved overall health and well being."- Jenne W.

"When I joined the TRS Professional Training Program with Coach Mary in July 2018, I was sort of following the run/walk method and averaging 13 to 14 min/mile long run pace. Coach Mary has helped me transition from the run/walk to running 10:30-11:30 min/mile pace long runs and it only looks to get better from here! Her knowledge and experience has been instrumental in my training, racing and recovery from a hamstring issue. As a Coach, she is great at listening and discussing my goals, whether in person or by email. In my first year and a half, I have experienced significant improvements in my PRs for 5K, 10K and Half Marathon times. Our running group consists of folks of all ages and abilities, which provides a lot of experience to new runners along with a great sense of camaraderie. I find myself looking forward to the Monday track workouts and the Saturday long run meet ups." - Donald W.

 "I starting running at the age of 50 (hated running my whole adult life) by doing a C25K, and from there started to do races in the area. After a couple of years I joined the professional running program at The Running Store, and quickly started to improve. Under the guidance, coaching and personal training plan from coach Mary Davison, I repeatedly improved my racing times, especially at the marathon distance. I have now completed 14 marathons, and was able to qualify for and run the Boston marathon in 2019. I can’t say enough good things about the program!! It’s a great supportive environment to learn to run, get faster and accomplish anything you set your mind to." - Annette B.

"I can’t say enough great things about Coach Mary and TRS training group.  I’m so grateful to have found both! Whatever your running level is Coach Mary meets you there and helps you meet your goals. My one piece of advice- listen to her - she’s a professional who knows what she’s doing and she will get you where you want to be if you follow her plan.  The group is such a positive one where everyone encourages and cheers each other on from the marathon runners to those just beginning. A positive experience through and through!"- Debbie K.