"I have no doubt that Ben’s assistance got me to the finish line of my first half marathon."

How much is a good coach worth? Is a good coach worth $197 for an hour of his time? I say, “Yes,” and here is my story. I started running in February 2011 because as a firefighter, I was looking to regain my fitness and health after putting on a few pounds. As a new runner, I of course encountered the new runner problems, but it was not a big deal. I quickly completed several 5ks. Then in September 2011, I raced my first 10k in which I took 3rd place. Inspired, I set goals to complete the Space Coast Half Marathon and Disney World Half Marathon. As I was getting close to the Space Coast Half, I started having some knee problems. I sought out to find a coach, and found someone who seemed to have great credentials and reputation. Unfortunately, under this coach’s guidance, I suffered three major running injuries. The first was IT band syndrome that caused me to DNS the Space Coast Half Marathon. The second was a stress fracture in my left foot that caused me to DNS the Disney World Half Marathon. The third was a Grade 2 Posterior Tibialis Tendonitis with a Grade 2 ATFL Sprain and Partial Arch Collapse that caused me to DNS the Race for Research Half Marathon. While undergoing rehab with a sports chiropractor, I contacted Ben Greenfield for some coaching assistance. Not only had my previous coach left me injured, but with the classic thin upper body frame and chubby midsection. Ben covered some running training points, provided guidance on proper weight lifting routines, and even provided some dietary advice. I utilized both the Weight Lifting for Triathlon and Marathon Dominator to help get me to Key Biscayne Half Marathon. Prior to my last injury, I was looking at completing a half marathon between the 2:00 to 2:05 mark. I adjusted my time goal to 2:10, and then up to 2:15 after finding out the bridge that was labeled as a small hill was 80 feet high, which needed to be run not once but twice. Race day arrived, and I was ready. Conditions were less than perfect with rain the entire time, 15+ MPH winds, and the bridge requiring 108 foot climb, not 80 feet. I looked down after the first mile, shocked at my time. I continued to turn out fast (for me) laps, with the first time over the bridge being one of my fastest laps. The last two miles, I was deep in the pain cave as Ben would say, but I knew it was only a mental game at that point. I finished my first half marathon with a time of 2:03:13. I could not believe it, especially since 6 weeks prior I had to stop running completely for 2 weeks because of the last injury. I have no doubt that Ben’s assistance got me to the finish line of my first half marathon. I am not a rich man, and the money paid to consult with Ben has hit my training budget hard. However, I would have no problems consulting with Ben again, so if you thinking if it is worth it, I would give a resounding, “YES!”