Approach

my approach to coaching

I may be the only running coach that blends architecture with running. Yes, there are innumerable similarities between architecture and distance running! The obvious connections include the ability and experience to plan, organize, test, analyze, and research, while maintaining unique individual focus to solve problems. My experience as an architect has taught me to apply skills such as listening, practicing patience, and using discipline to achieve a successful running outcome.

As an architect, most of my clients were people who were totally unfamiliar with the design and construction process; yet I consistently achieved successful results for my clients diverse needs.  My clients honored me with a great deal of their trust. In turn, I showed my respect and appreciation for each individual client by always delivering my best work.

I believe the same is true of running clients. Each runner seeking a coach is simply seeking someone they can trust - someone who they can rely upon to deliver the assistance and guidance they seek to reach their specific goal. Instead of creating a building, a runner may want to train to finish a race, or train to win a marathon. As your coach, I take on your goals.

My business approach to coaching is to provide a personal, one to one, individual attention to each client. In order to assure my client satisfaction, I take on a limited number of clients. Clients may range from the very new runner to the very experienced marathoner. My focus is to get you to reach your goal. The training design process starts with an assessment of where the runner is in their running career and a discussion about what they seek to achieve. It is important to determine if the goal and the ability to reach a goal is feasible. This assessment consists of a questionnaire, personal discussion, and general outline of what the plan will entail.

Following the initial assessment, a detailed plan will be developed to meet the runner's goal but this is just the beginning. Whether our plan is several weeks or several months, the plan is scrutinized and adjusted accordingly, usually on a weekly basis and sometimes more if circumstances dictate. 

Services can be provided via digital format or in-person. Rates may vary for in-person training that are generally beyond a 50 mile radius of my location (Novi, MI).

Following the completion of the plan, there is a two-way evaluation where the runner provides input to me and my coaching services, and I advise about next steps. Hopefully, this evaluation leads to our next session of coaching and successful running to help the runner meet new, exciting goals!

Designing a building is a unique challenge because an unlimited number of variables must be adequately addressed to assure success. The architect must rely upon experience and preparation because there is only one opportunity to do it right. The same is true with running. Runners only have one chance to compete in any given race: the successful runners are the better prepared runners.

Call or email Coach Lee: 248-773-9970 or TheRunningArchitect@gmail.com