Looking for a Coach

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Many of us know about personal trainers. If you want to get fit someone will tell you to get a personal trainer. What many people don’t know is if you’re into endurance sports (long distance running, cycling, triathlon etc.) you can hire a coach much like you would a personal trainer.

An endurance coach works much like a personal trainer except their area of expertise is endurance athletics. A coach can work one on one or with small groups to help you achieve personal bests in whatever sport you’re competing in. A coach can meet face to face or can do most of their coaching online through email and a variety of other different tools such as www.workoutlog.com.

Many people don’t feel the need for a coach and if you’re a recreational athlete who trains just to stay healthy this might be the case. I’ve had a number of athletes come to me stating that they were training six, eight sometimes twelve hours a week and not seeing the results they wanted. A look at their training log (and if you don’t keep one you’re making a huge mistake) often reveals why. The problem with self-training is that you don’t often look at that ‘why’ and address it. You keep doing the same thing you’ve always done.

If you want to truly be competitive having that outside observer who can look at your bulk of training, make assessments and pinpoint weaknesses and stregnth is something you may want to consider.

Mike Babbitt, M.F.A, M.A., CSCS, ACSM-HFI

USA Triathlon Level 1 Coach, Master Trainer

Mike is a Master Level trainer at Empower Personal Training. He has a unique approach to fitness that combines his scientific foundation of research and applied exercise physiology with his artistic experience as a professional stage actor. For more information about Empower Personal Training please call (919) 401-8024

Empower's Next Step Running Club Prepares for Upcoming Races

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Next Step is off to a great start. We’re half way through the training and everyone participating is progressing wonderfully. Those new to running are seeing the ever-so-gradual transition to running more than walking and the excitement that goes with it. Everyone seems to be enjoying the training and the camaraderie of the group dynamic. A special shout out goes to Dwight Ingram who braved the tornado laced skies last Tuesday to face an empty Durham Tobacco Trail but completed a very satisfying run in the rain.

Here’s what Dwight has to say about the running club. “Who knew you actually need to learn how to run! I had been a runner in my 30s but now, I could hardly run a half mile. I’d tried to up my distance and had injured myself and was about to give up. So when I joined the Empower Running Club, it was great to actually learn about running technique, doing strides, track workouts, the fine art of slowing down so you can go farther! Now, after 8.5 weeks, I’m actually running more than walking, and might actually be able to finish a 5K soon! Plus, the running is making a huge difference in the rest of my training. Who knew?”

Join us at one of the upcoming local races.

Running of the Bulls 8K - Sat. May. 30, 2009 at 8:00 am. For more information or to register visit: http://www.sportoften.com/events/eventDetails.cfm?pEventId=3981

Race for the Cure 5K – Sat. June 13, 2009 at 9:00 am. For more information or to register visit: http://www.komennctriangle.org/race-for-the-cure/about-the-race.php

Empower Personal Training offers additionaltraining and coaching for other endurance based events including local road races, trail races, the MS 150, and more. Contact the studio at (919) 401-8024 to learn more about our endurance training and coaching services.