You could describe me as a typical Gemini: I got bored after twenty years of “power” walking seven days a week and decided to give running a try two years ago at age 57. After running for several months with a group of friends and finishing my first half marathon in Sarasota in 2:23:50 in 2009, I decided I wanted to become a better, more efficient runner and knew I had to do more than just run. I needed an overall training program to improve my endurance, strength and speed. My key goal, however, was to maintain the joy of running and prevent injuries. This is when I had the good fortune to call and hire Debbie Leslie-Minier as my Custom Coach. I have run injury-free with continuous improved finish times since my very first half marathon.
I have completed five half marathons and two full marathons in a little over a year. I finished the 2010 ING NYC Marathon (my second marathon) in 4:40:08, 18 minutes faster than my very first marathon (Marine Corps) in 2010.
I crossed the finish line in the 2010 Women’s Half Marathon in St. Petersburg, FL in 2:11:35 which is 00:12:15 less than my first half marathon in a one-year period, almost a minute per mile or 10% faster. Most importantly I am running injury-free, never feel tired, have never crashed or “hit the wall” (whatever that means) and am enjoying my long distance runs.
Custom Coach Debbie has created custom weekly training programs for me for over a year now. My weekly training regime involves running, hill repeats, bridge repeats, speed work at the track, cross training such as bicycling or water running, pilates, core exercises, weight training, walking and rest. I have also learned from Coach Debbie how to fuel and hydrate properly, especially critical in the oppressive heat of Florida’s summers and in preparation for my lengthy wave start time in the ING NYC marathon. Good nutrition was the key to maintaining my high energy level throughout the 12-hour day the NYC marathon requires from getting to the start line, running, finishing and exiting Central Park.
My goal is to reduce my average pace per mile to be consistently under 10:00 within six months before I turn 60 and to eventually complete a full marathon in less than 4:30:00. I am confident that I can achieve my goals with the customized training program that Coach Debbie will create specifically for me to optimize my running ability for my age and physical condition.
Donna D’Agostino, Age 59
Sarasota, Florida
This content is restricted to registered athletes of Custom Coach Success. If you are a registered athlete, please login. New athletes may register below to be contacted about becoming a registered athlete.