Kudos from 501 Members

2011-12-18T05:20:00.000-08:00

Dec 18, 2011
Coach Gina,
Thank you so much for the birthday card!! I graduated my program on December 9th with a Ph.D. in chemistry and I will be leaving AA on Wednesday to move to Chicago to start a new job. I just wanted to let you know that 501 was a big part of my life while I was here! Thank you so much for all that you did for me to help me with my running. Some of my best memories from AA involve 501!! - Joy

11/12/11
From the AA Runners to Coach Gina
Dear Coach Gina,
In 2011 I accomplished things that a year ago I would have labeled as impossible. I could never have done it without the support from you and 501. Thank you for all you do: the water stations, the pep talks, the emails, the training schedules, the pictures...none of it goes un-noticed or un-appreciated. I know with the support of 501 I can accomplish anything! - Liz

Dear Coach,
You've helped me accomplish more then I thought possible, and 501 added more friends to my life-long friendships. - Rhoda

Dear Coach,
Thank you for coaching 501 runners. I could never had achieved my goals without, you and the 501 group. - Patti

Dear Coach Gina,
So glad I found you and the 501 group. You got me through my marathon and then some. I couldn't have done it without your support! Thank you so much!! I'm now a 501 warrior for life! - Amanda

11/09/11
To the Northville/Novi coaches:
"For my coaches who saw more in me,
more than I though I could ever be.
Who taught me to discipline this mind
and the body I'm in,
Who raised expectations and dreams
beyond just an athletes schemes,
Beyond normal endurance,
Beyond myself and ever since,
I am a great woman for it,
Because you taught me not to quit."

"I have learned its not really about the PRs, the records, the medals, or the bling, but how the experiences and the wonderful people we've met, contribute to who we are as runners today. We've learned how to handle the ups and downs and the pressure and we will use these lessons everyday." an inspired Robin L.

10/17/11
Coach Gina,
I just wanted to say thank you so much for all of the support in getting me to (and through) my first marathon! I felt great leading up to the race and confident that I could cover the distance. I was more prepared for this race than the three half marathons I've run in the past year and the conditions couldn't have been more perfect. Thanks for all you've done for me and for all the 501ers - it's made my on-the-side solo hobby MUCH more fun and something I look forward to daily.
Rose H.
10/17/11
Coach Gina,
I just wanted to say thanks for all your help and tips as I trained for the Detroit 1/2. I would not have been as successful or prepared without your e-mail information and tips at practices. YOU are a wonderful coach! THANK YOU!!
Michelle
10/17/11
My sister and I completed the San Francisco Women's Marathon yesterday! I feel really great today, only a little leg stiffness. The hills were WAY less bad than I expected, probably because the hills in our class helped a lot! We got our Tiffany's necklaces from local fireman in tuxedos at the end! Thanks so much for everything over the past year, all the helpful tips and water stations and courses! I don't know how I would have gotten here without 501. Amy G.
10/09/11
Great job today - you are an inspiration to us all and the reason we are successful in our running (I've run 4 races since joining 501 and PR'd 3 of them!!) Rose H.
09/18/2011
I ran the Capitol City Half marathon in Lansing and took nearly 7 minutes off my goal time! Thank you and the entire team for all the support throughout the season. I wasn't sure what I could handle between recovering from a stress fracture and finding out I was pregnant, but this group was exactly what I needed to make sure that I was able to achieve my goals. I guess you never know what you're capable of until you try! Rosie P.
08/22/11
I ran the Running for the Rails 5K yesterday in Ypsi and PR'd by almost a minute - even in the rain! I finished in 29:45 with splits all in the 9s - I've never done that before and it felt great! It's so awesome to see how much I've improved from taking this class. It's really made me love running more than ever and has helped my build the confidence I need to tackle 26.2 - something I didn't have much of before joining this class. Thanks for all you do for us, it is truly appreciated! Rose
08/14/11
I just ran the Chicago Rock'n Roll Half-Marathon today and I still can't believe my time: 1:48:06 My best time ever! Thanks to you and 501 and the hills and mile repeats! - Vanessa
06/06/11
Just wanted to drop a note to say thank you for everything, you got me to a place where I wasn't really sure I could go. All those miles of hill training made the DxAA course seem easy, and once Sunday got here, I never feared that I wouldn't finish. Right around 8-mile point I knew for certain that I'd make it. My legs just went into cruise control, we entered a section of shade, we were regularly passing runners and walkers, and for about three miles, I just couldn't stop grinning. Thank you for getting me to that moment, which I'll remember long after I replenish all the fluids and recover from sore muscles. - Rhoda
06/06/11
Coach -- Thank you for all your support. Thank all the 501 members who were on the DXAA course cheering and encouraging us. It really made a difference! Eric and I saw all the 501 signs along the way and it was nice to be reminded that we were part of the 501 group through each step we took. I specifically remember the last 501 sign I saw saying "We love you." Now is our chance to tell you back the same words -- We love YOU! Thanks Coach. - Ines and Eric
06/06/11
DXAA hills were easy :) . Please thank all of the 501 volunteers cheering along the way. It was nice to have the support! They helped a lot as did your signs along the last few miles. - Marissa
05/31/11
Hi Coach-
Just wanted to say thank you for all your hard work in planning and executing such great training runs for us! I know they paid off for me - Bayshore was GREAT! I met my goal and improved my time significantly from my first marathon. I couldn't have done it without running fit 501! The feeling at the end of the race was amazing! thanks again. - Lori
05/26/11
This spring has a motivational and mental battle with myself (especially my weekday) runs. Without the fear of failure holding me back that this year, and with the lousy weather, I’ve had to dig a little bit deeper, and when Saturday mornings roll around everything seems to fade away for a great run. Thanks for the support and the routes that challenge us to push the limits of what we think we can do. Brad
05/25/11
Hi Coach, I have been recovering from Boston and Big Sur. Running B2B was an amazing experience and showed me not to ever limit what I can do or at least try! I do want to thank you for all the awesome courses you put together while training for Boston and for the support. I know that I would not have so successful if I was not able to train with the 501 group. The hills really helped me prepare for both courses. In Boston...I did not even realize I had run up heartbreak hill until I made it to the top...that is how well I was prepared for the hills. And Big Sur's course had a total of 26 hills....thanks again for everything. Liz
05/18/11
It has been a pleasure running/training with you and your group on Tuesday and Sundays. I have lost 23 lbs and feel terrific. Thanks for pushing me and reminding me of who I am - I am a RUNNER! Best, Julie
05/18/11
I just wanted to thank you for all the training classes, e-mail information and time you put in helping me achieve my personal best time at the Cleveland Marathon. I ran it in 4:31:56 taking 24 minutes off my previous best time. Thanks! Glenn
05/04/11
You are a great inspiration to us all. Regardless of if I am with the group or on my own.. I hear your little voice in my head spurring me on.. thanks!! Jane
04/02/11
Hey Coach - I was so excited I couldn't resist sending you an email :) This past October, I ran my first 10k race ever ... and finished in 1:09.41. Today, at the Martian, I ran the 10k in 1:02.49 .... almost 7 MINUTES faster. I couldn't believe it :) Thank you so much for all your help, advice, etc. I couldn't have gotten so much better without all the 501 support! You're the best! Liz
04/02/11
In November, I ran the Turkey Trot 10K in 1:12:36. It was the first 10K I'd been able to do in about six years (thanks to 201 training). Today, all the cold weather and rain and hills and whining (with 501) apparently paid off. I finished the Martian 10K in 1:03:52. Never would have gotten there without 501. Thanks, Rhoda
12/29/10
Coach: What a nice, thoughtful gift from you! I loved the personalized postcard you sent. My fridge is covered with photos of my kids, our dogs, and various family members. There are no photos of my favorite sport. But NOW I have your postcard in a place of honor!! I am displaying it proudly. (And I love having my running buddies displayed as well.) Thank you for the time and effort it took to note my race dates and times in addition to the support, expertise and enthusiasm you give me all year long. You're the best! Happy New Year! See you in 2011. Eileen
10/31/10
Coach: I just wanted to say thank you for all your hard work with the running group. I dropped in on several Tuesday workouts and Saturday runs throughout the past summer session. I enjoyed meeting new people (everyone was so nice!) and having a group to help motivate me. I ran my first marathon a couple weeks ago (Detroit). I'm proud to report that I finished and even qualified for Boston (3:38). I know this would not have been possible if I didn't have the training experiences with your group (esp. for those 20 mile practice runs!). So thanks again- and I will be sure to drop in again for future runs! Kristine C
10/25/10
Dear Coach Gina, I wish to thank you for the great gift that I found in your Saturday training runs! It was SO great to have a group to run with since I had previously been doing my long runs alone. You are such an inspiring, positive, and energetic person. I found myself in a regular state of awe at how much you extend yourself with all the little extras you do (200%!). Your heart and soul seems to go into everything you do!! I mean, taking the time to purchase and cut up watermelon; and refreshing frozen grapes; etc. I feel very blessed that we found you to train with for our fall Marathon! Namaste. Thank you again!! Lisa M
10/19/10
I could not be more pleased with my experiences with Coach Gina. And while the coach has over 100 runners, you would think you couldn't get any attention. But I have always had my questions answered, got advice when needed, and was encouraged. Best of all coach was proud of me, even when I'm no where near the level of some of the team, but always made me welcome and proud to be a part of the team. Thank you, for believing in me and helping me believe in myself! Linda D.
10/19/10
I echo the "Congratulations to All"! What an amazing bunch of athletes! I also want to say an giant thank you to Coach Gina and everyone in the group for a great season, and a great year. I set a lofty goal for myself for 2010 and would not be as close to achieving that goal as I am without all of you. Christine C.

Kudos Summer 2010

2010-10-12T05:34:00.000-07:00

10/19/10
Can't thank you enough for all the help, encouragement and tough love this last year! It has helped me tremendously and I would never have envisioned myself finishing a marathon before joining your group! You were absolutely right on... it is really hard to get to the finish! last 5 miles were killer and I did have to walk a few minutes a couple of times. I came within 5 min of my goal (4:30) and was upright with a smile at the finish ( barely moving one foot in front of the other). But did it am happy I did. You really have this thing down and anyone would be wise to listen to your advice and take advantage of your expertise!! Enjoy YOUR success in this season! Jane

10/19/10
What a great season! I really enjoyed my first summer session with Coach Gina. It will definitely not be my last! It was so great to see the coach and the team cheerleaders in Detroit cheering everyone on. I felt all the energy and some other runners were jealous that they didn't have such a great cheering crowd. I explained to them the wonderfully supportive running club I had joined as I ran past them with a big smile on my face! What fun it is to be part of something so great! Long story short: Thank you, thank you, thank you! Jamie

10/19/10
Congratulations to all. And Coach, congratulations to you for a successful season! I started the Winter season with the Detroit Marathon as a goal not knowing if I would even enjoy running. But being able to train with this very friendly, supportive group was great. I must also say that I found the faster pace groups very supportive. I always feel great when they pass me by and say "good job". And Coach, you are terrific. With your sage advice, you are one of my role models. Coach thank you for shepherding me through this journey. Thank you for your support, your time, your dedication and your commitment. I have completed this journey now knowing that I love to run and I plan to continue running. I plan to continue running with your group. Thank you. Lorray

10/19/10
I loved the careful watch of every runner, making sure they returned safely after a long run. The program offers great diversity and acceptance of all sorts of people, specifically when it pertains to their paces, body sizes, fitness levels and ages. Runners are very surprised on how un-intimidating the group is right from the start. And we are proud of ourselves and each other! It is all such a positive, health-affirming experience! Bob

10/15/10 (after Chicago)
I really appreciate that you took the time to write to me. Thank you for all of your support along the way. I would not have become a runner had it not been for your coaching and the amazing support it's provided me. Erin

10/14/10 Coach Gina's program was wonderful overall. I feel the hill and speed workouts, combined with the challenging Sat. runs are what got me to the finish line. I felt strong during my marathon and know it was due to my training. Coach Gina was great -- she was encouraging when we needed it and pushed us when we needed that too. She never let us forget what a big task it was to pursue a marathon, but was just as excited to hear about our experiences too. Raelene

10/12/10 Coach Gina: Thanks so much for your guidance and encouragement all season! It was an amazing experience (Chicago Marathon 2010) and I will never forget it. When I train for another marathon your group training program will be a part of that process. Thanks again - you are a great coach and an inspiration! Lori

10/11/10 (after Chicago) A million thanks to my friends and family for never-ending support during long weeks of training and the marathon itself! To Coach Gina and my team mates for teaching me how to train and run smart (esp. in the heat), and to everyone for being such great cheerleaders throughout - running is definitely a team sport. Gwen

10/4/2010 I completed the Lewis & Clark Half on Sunday - 2.00.22 (A PR for me). It seemed almost too easy. I credit your training! Pete

10/4/2010 There's no way I'd be running my first marathon without your guidance! Thanks. Dave

9/26/10 Yes, You do spoil us and now I really appreciate that! The 20 miler that you put on was sooooo much better than the one I ran today. We love all the extra water you put out for us! Thanks! Jane

9/23/10 Chicago is almost here! Thank for all you've done for the group this season. There's no way I would have been able to run my first full without all your support! Joanne

9/21/10 Thanks all for your help during my healing from plantar fasciitis. Got a big thumbs up from the doc today! Thanks coach! Thanks team! I learned a lot about listening to my body and taking my time to heal. Run on! Clara

9/1/10 Thank you for all you do for us - we do appreciate it, even if we don't say it often enough. The Bradley hills (CRIM) were easy because of all the Ann Arbor hills you have us run. When I got to the end of the last one, I thought of you saying "it was time to bring it in". And when I hit the bricks, I thought of you telling us to "hit the bricks hard", and I focused so much I didn't even see you standing there cheering us in. And when I realized I PR'd, I wanted to tell you so you'd know that your coaching got me there. And that's just one race on one day... Linda

8/21/10 Thank you so much for making today possible and for the note about the heat we would be facing, which allowed us to come to the run prepared. Also, your pre-run discussion of early warning signs was appreciated. Lastly, the water stops every mile and the availability of ice for us to use was outstanding. Thank you for all that you do all season, and especially the extra steps you took today. Chris

8/21/10 Thanks for the resources to make todays run successful. The frequent water stops were really appreciated. Tracey

8/21/10 Thank you! I really appreciated the extra water stops. Thanks for all that you do. Lorray

8/21/10 Thanks Coach, for all of the water stops, ice & Ultima on Saturday. It was a huge help! Jen

Kudos Winter 2010

2010-06-09T05:31:00.000-07:00

6/9/10 I enjoy running more and more each season. This group means a lot to me and am so proud to be part of such a wonderful group of athletes...7 min milers to 12 minute milers. There are amazing stories from each and every runner. I have had the pleasure of being a "pacer" last season and really got to know some new people and find out their "stories". Thank you for that opportunity. Looking forward to fun in the summer! Thank you for all that you do for the running community...Zoe

4/25/10 Thanks go out to you, at a recent race with another running club, I got several comments about how strong I am going uphill and passing other runners. They also commented on how I start slow and keep getting faster. I learned both of those techniques from you and your workouts. Coach Gina and your program works, and I told everyone that night. Linda D.

Boston 2010)
What a fun race. And I am so grateful to Coach Gina and all my team mates who I’ve run with over the past three months. You motivated me in so many ways. I never could have accomplished this on my own, and I hope I’m able to give back even a little of what you have given me. Although I’ve always liked running, I have really looked forward to my Tuesday and Saturday runs. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Doug L.

4/15/2010 Coach Gina: thank you for organizing us... loving us... and giving us your wisdom and patience. I see myself changing physically and spiritually. And it's a wild ride!! And thank you for the warm send off (speaking of Boston 2010). I cannot tell you how excited I am for this marathon. Usually I'm incredibly nervous, but I'm more confident and excited this time. Gwen F.

4/11/10 Martian Marathon: Coach Gina, Thanks again for believing that we could do it. Solomon and Sarah

1/20/10 Hi Coach!
Saturday's run was really good. I really like the new format with the pacers and the smaller groups! I liked having a clear goal for the run pace and keeping track of it throughout. I also really like starting a bit slower and finishing a bit faster than the average pace. It makes me think that my goal of getting faster is attainable. Lisa

1/26/2010 Congrats Coach Gina, the pace group works! I saw most of the other groups stay together and our 10:30 group ran most of the 8 miles together. Ge

1/25/10 That is an impressive program you have put together. Best Wishes, Robin Sarris Hallop

2/1/10 Thank you SO MUCH for being around and organizing such an amzing group! I really am proud to be a part of it. And Elizabeth is right-- it as grown in sophistication-- but also in enjoyment and comraderie! You are awesome, Coach Gina!!!!! Whooooooo! Much Love, Respect and Appreciation, Gianna

Kudos Winter 2009

2009-05-31T05:30:00.000-07:00

5/31/09 DX AA Half Marathon
I just wanted to say a big THANK YOU again to you Coach Gina, for getting all of us to the race today strong and injury free. You wrote in one of your emails a while ago about having a sort of "support network" as an athlete (massage therapist, trainer, etc.) and your program has helped me build my own little network over the last 3 years. The hill workouts ROCK, not to mention all the hills on our saturday long runs. It makes a race like Dx-A2 seem easy. It was fantastic to have all the cheer leaders and signs out on the road today. I ran with Michael for a while and we had fun reading all your signs aloud. And the shirts are fantastic - we could spot our team mates a mile away. Thanks! Andrea

5/23/09 Bayshore Marathon
Thanks for your congratulations note and the ecard you sent. Yes, I am proud that I finished the marathon. I took my mom up to Traverse City with me and she popped a couple of buttons. Thanks for everything, David.

3/30/09 Coach Gina, you have a great program and I always highly recommend it to anyone I meet. I've always claimed "one and done" in the marathon arena but am sorta contemplating it again. HOWEVER, I am going to take some advice I heard somewhere, and, oh, maybe get many months of steady running in :) before I contemplate that endeavor!!! - Andrea

5/3/09 Flying Pig Marathon: "Crossing that "Finish Line" was incredible. I did it!! This whole experience could have been a different senario if it wasn't for you and all the wonderful people I have met. The advice, the information, the encouragement...it's what got me to the "finish line" and actually enjoyed it! I never would have been able to complete this hilly course without the training we did. Thanks! - Melissa

Kudos 2008

2008-10-30T05:28:00.000-07:00

10/28/10 I’ve been with Coach Gina for two years. And thanks to Gina, I have run 5 Half Marathons in that time, each one faster than the last. Thanks! - Laurie -

10/30/2008 Thank you so much for all the words of encouragement. I had a goal PR for the final race, I got it and another BQ and really didn't think I could come back after blowing out that hamstring on the 4th of July. But your personality and "can-do" attitude just made me shift into Buddha mind and mindfulness of purpose. I blustered through chanting "PR" "PR" and ignoring that little voice that kept whispering "no you won't, no you won't". I've learned a lot about myself these past three years with your group training program. I enjoy the beauty of each run because it is about the journey. Yes, it is about training, but it's a "wholistic training". Thank you and run happy! - Laura - Seize the day Oct 2008