What runners are saying…
Having played competitive sports through college, I’ve had a lot of great coaches over the years. Yet none compared to the level of devotion, caring, and attention to detail as Mary. This really shows in how she sets up her training plans.
I’m not your typical runner and I questioned whether I even should be running at my size, 6’6” and 270 lbs. She told me I was crazy for even thinking that. As such, she became my biggest supporter I’ve had on my fitness journey. Through triathlons, running, and whatever it may be, she took a giant of a man who’d only done short sprints in football, to a true runner who completed the Disney Dopey Challenge.
She sets you up right and pushes you through the finish line.
-Tyler Compton
Mary has been my coach since June of 2013. I had been following a generic running plan for over a year, and I was getting nowhere fast! Mary took me under her wing and began breaking down my bad habits, all the while she built my confidence not only in running but in many other areas of my life. She has coached me in the following distances: 5k, 5 Miles, 10k, 10 Miles, Half-Marathons, and Full Marathons.
Mary knew I had more in me, and she took the time to mentor me and to further my education and become a running coach. As a result, I have become a certified personal trainer and a certified running coach. She has shown me it was okay to be myself, how to care on a deeper level for others but more importantly, how to dream again. Coach Mary has changed my life forever!
In Mary, I not only found a running coach but my very best friend.
-Denise Powers
Mary is a fantastic coach that truly cares for each and every one of her runners. I connected with Mary September of 2022, when I decided to train for a marathon. Mary helped me build up to my marathon goal in a perfect way to avoid risk of injuries. She would help me sign up for races based on different factors to utilize as benchmarkers to see how my training had been going. Mary accommodated all my schedule changes and always checked in with me to see how my training was going and felt. If I felt like I could push it a bit more, she would change up my workout plans to test my feedback. Mary knows her runners very well and what they can produce.
After a year and a half with Mary, I officially began my marathon training block, and when race day came, I thought my time was going to be around 3:30 but she told me I could easily do 3:12. I ended my first marathon at 3:15, close to what she predicted! It just goes to show that your coach knows best! I definitely recommend Mary to any runner, from any experience level. If you are needing a coach who cares but pushes you, personalized workouts that are as flexible as you need them to be, or if you just need a positive person in your corner that you can count on and reach out to any day of the week.
Thank you Mary for all that you have done!
-Christhian Perez
Best Running Coach Out There!
I can’t say enough great things about Coach Mary. I came to her as a casual runner looking to improve my speed and endurance, and in just a few months, she’s completely transformed the way I train. I went from running one mile to running half marathons with her help. Her knowledge, patience, and ability to tailor workouts to my goals have made a huge difference in my performance.
Not only is she incredibly experienced, but she also knows how to push you just the right amount without burning you out. Every session feels purposeful, and her feedback is always spot-on. She’s also just a great person—super motivating, positive, and genuinely invested in your progress.
Since working with her, I’ve shaved minutes off my race times, built way more endurance, and gained a new level of confidence in my running. I've even placed and won my age group in local races! Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned runner trying to hit a new PR, Coach Mary is the one you want in your corner. Highly recommend!
-Francisco del Bosque
I started as a beginner and because of Mary’s coaching, I was able to complete the New York City Marathon and I did so injury free. Coach Mary’s expertise gave me well rounded weekly plans that progressed my training thoughtfully and with a realistic approach. She cared about me as a person and coached me through many days where I wanted to give up. Mary taught me a lot about the science of running and even more about consistency. I’m a successful runner because of her coaching.
-Toni Carstensen
I found Mary by an online search for running coaches back in 2018 because I wanted to better my Marathon performance. Turns out she is literally five minutes from me and it was the best decision I’ve made to have her as my coach and friend. With Mary’s experience and training she has guided me through three Marathons, countless other races, general running, and recovery over the years. You know those moments of saying to yourself “There is no way I can do that”, well, Mary watches closely, and she knows what you can do. She guides you to accomplish those things you said you couldn’t. She is well versed even in recovery and taking care of yourself after your runs. Mary is the person that gives her heart and soul into this sport and her runners. She is there to guide you, push you, absolutely believe in you; even jump, cheer and cry with you at the finish line!
-Melinda Ardoin
I started my running journey in early 2022 and completed a successful, but very painful trail marathon in Seabrook, Texas. What I learned after training myself for that race was that I was under trained and needed a coach to help me achieve my running goals. I researched and discovered Northside Running and Tri, and since I lived in the area, I connected with Mary and after a few conversations, we mutually decided we were a good fit for her to coach me.
Mary trained me properly and I successfully completed everything from 5k, 10k, 10 Mile and Half Marathons while under her tutelage. Mary was always willing to talk about my training, give coaching advice and was always pushing me to be the best version of myself even when I didn’t think I could be.
Mary is a trusted friend and is my running mentor. Her enthusiasm combined with my goals have pushed me to be a much better runner. Mary has also encouraged and motivated me to pursue becoming a running coach. In 2025 I will have completed my Lydiard Coaches Certification Levels I and II as well as RRCA Certification.