Coach Kiprunning Testimonial: L'kel

L'kel set a new marathon PR at the 2022 New York City Marathon, and she also set a new PR at the half marathon distance. Here is her training testimonial.

Running has always been an outlet for me. And although I had run races that included several half marathons and one full marathon on my own, because of my difficult experience with the full marathon, I was pretty convinced that I was going to only run one more marathon in my life: the NYC marathon. My plans were to run this one last marathon and to give it my best shot by working with a coach. I learned about Coach Komen through my running network, as he had a positive reputation amongst DMV runners. After an introduction call with Coach Komen, I decided to move forward with the Coach Kiprunning in-person training program.

What I appreciated most about Coach Komen's training method is that it was tailored for my lifestyle. For example, if I had to travel or if I dealt with injuries, instead of the program remaining rigidly the same, Coach Komen adjusted the plan to work for me, and by doing so, I still kept on track to meet my goals. Additionally, Coach Komen's plan not only provided me with accountability, something that makes a world of difference during marathon training, but it also provided me with a gradual mileage increase that eased my body and mind into longer distances in a thoughtful and manageable manner, reducing the risk of unnecessary injuries. Furthermore, Coach Komen was easy to talk to, allowing for a trust-based, judgment-free rapport that is necessary for a transparent coach-athlete connection.

For example, I could mention various self-doubts or insecurities that inevitably arose over the 5.5 months of us training and working together. Rather than ridicule me, he normalized the experience and dispelled my concerns in a genuine manner. Although the NYC marathon occurred on November 6, 2022, it was a historically hot day—high of 76 degrees and over 70% humidity. Despite this, I felt confident that I was going to have a great race because I had Coach Komen's training and race day strategy that I needed to adjust accordingly. Though the race was tough, I accomplished a 53 minute personal best and walked away from the race wanting to run another! I have Coach Komen to thank for helping me to love the process of training and for being an absolutely wonderful coach who prioritizes runners' health first and foremost.

Coach Komen knows the science of running, and I would recommend him time and time again to any runner who is seeking to unlock their full running potential.

Thank you, Coach Komen!

(See a complete list of trainee testimonials for Wilson Komen.)

Kipresults: 2022 Richmond Half Marathon

It's been a busy fall season for Coach Kiprunning.

This week, we congratulate James for setting a new PR in the 2022 Richmond Half Marathon.

James improved his previous half marathon PR by quite a lot, bringing it from 2:05 to 1:36:26. He was a Coach Kiprunning trainee for one month prior to the race.

Congratulations to James and to all of the race finishers.

Kipresults: 2022 New York City Marathon

Congratulations to L'kel for setting a new marathon PR in this past Sunday's New York City Marathon.

L'kel holding a well deserved finisher medal 

Despite the warm weather, L'kel improved her marathon time by 53 minutes, setting a new PR at 4:31:53.

L'kel trained with Coach Komen for five months prior to race day.

Congratulations to L'kel and all of the finishers.

Coach Kiprunning Testimonial: Tom

Tom recently ran in the 2022 Chasing the Unicorn Marathon, finishing in 3:30:28 for his first marathon finish. Here is his training testimonial.

I connected with Coach Wilson after suffering several overuse injuries when training on my own. He helped me recover from an injury and then skillfully brought my mileage up over time to a point that I didn’t think was possible when I was training on my own. Our work together culminated with a successful first marathon, and I am looking forward to working with him again next season to run an even better marathon time.

(See a complete list of trainee testimonials for Wilson Komen.)

2022 DC Half Marathon: Congratulations Kiprunners

Sunday's racing dual was a success! L'kel and Salvatore each set new PRs at the half marathon distance. L'kel finished in 1:59:34, shaving about five minutes off of her previous 2:04 record, and Salvatore came in at 1:24:19, down from his previous PR of 1:33:20.

Congratulations to all of the runners. Confetti for everyone!

A New Racing Dual: 2022 DC Half Marathon

It has been quite some time since Coach Kiprunning has been involved in a racing dual. The wait, I am happy to say, is over, my friends.

This Sunday, two Coach Kiprunning trainees will participate in the DC Half Marathon.

L'kel is training for the 2022 New York Marathon, and she is using this Sunday's half as a tune-up race.

L'kel, flexing for the racing dual

Likewise, Salvatore is competing in this Sunday's half marathon.

Salvatore and Wilson Komen smiling about the dual

Coach Kiprunning wishes L'kel, Salvatore, and all of Sunday's runners the best of luck.

Coach Kiprunning Testimonial: Sarah Pihonak

Sarah Pihonak recently completed the New Haven Half Marathon in 1:55:58. Sarah has been training with Coach Komen for nearly two years, having started working with him in November of 2020. Here is her trainee testimonial:

Before starting training with Coach Wilson, my running training was not very organized, and I was injury prone. I was uncertain of how to build mileage effectively without getting injured. 

In November 2020 I signed up for a personalized half-marathon training program with Coach. 

Since I began training with Coach Wilson, I’ve been able to realize my goal of running a sub-2 hour half marathon, and have PR’d a full marathon.

His training programs are very detailed and specific to the athlete and their skill level. My training consists of running 5 days a week, a mixture of easy, short runs, as well as faster, more intense runs and long run days; cross- and weight-training days are also scheduled each week. Coach is very accessible and available to answer any questions about the training program. He discussed a detailed race strategy for a half-marathon I ran recently under warm, humid conditions, and I was successfully able to achieve a PR. 

I know for certain I would not have been able to accomplish my running goals without his guidance and training, and I look forward to continuing to improve my race times in the future.

(See a complete list of trainee testimonials for Wilson Komen.)