Training for a specific destination race begins with an evaluation of each runner. The evaluation process evaluates the runner’s goal(s), ability to attain the goal, ability to devote time and effort, and general fitness to begin a training program. The assessment typically involves a series of email exchanges and either a phone or in person meeting.

Coach Lee will prepare an overall Master Plan unique to each runner. The plan outlines each week’s runs. Coach Lee next utilizes the popular coaching software, Final Surge to provide specific runs and workouts spelling out in detail the type of run, pace, distance, and other advice on a week-by-week basis. This enables adjustments to the plan based on the runner’s individual progress.

The runner also logs their workouts and communicates with Coach Lee at the end of each week. Coach Lee then updates the runner’s plan again with specific instructions for the runner’s week ahead. This process is repeated throughout the entire training period.  The runner is also provided direction for strength training, fueling, race strategies, post-race evaluation/recovery, and more.

There are four basic arrangements to work with The Running Architect. These are; The Final Stretch Plan, The Destination Plan, Monthly Plan, and Custom Plan.

The Final Stretch Plan is designed for runners who have been training for their half or full marathon and have established a solid base of running. This plan typically is a 10 to 12 week plan that focuses on improving the runner’s endurance, strength, speed, and refining their race strategy. Fee for the Final Stretch Plan is $195.

The Destination Plan may vary but is typically a 16 to 20 week plan intended to bring the runner to their peak performance for the runner’s half marathon or marathon race. Other so called tune-up races of a shorter distance are also included during this plan. Fees for this plan range between $260 to $320 depending upon length of training period and the runner’s specific needs.

The Monthly Plan works best for runners aiming to peak for a shorter race distance such as a 5K or 10K race. It also works well for runners who are already in the middle of their own plan or returning to running following a long-term layoff from running. Fees for this plan begin at $75.

Custom Plans are just that, plans that are customized to a runner’s specific request or an individual consultation. Coach Lee will provide a description of services and related fee for the client’s acceptance.
 

“His passion for my success was as apparent as my own. His adaptable program pushed me harder and farther than I thought myself capable”. Ken, Glass City and Detroit Marathons.

Coach Lee’s background with running dates back to his high school days in Grand Blanc, Michigan as a cross country runner and middle-distance specialist. He was coached by a Hall of Fame running coach, Coach Stallcup. The successful practices and methods years ago still hold true today.

Coach Lee has also had a well deserved reputation as an educator in the architectural profession. For more than 20 years as owner of his own firm he took pride in teaching young professionals while they were on the job. He also was an adjunct professor at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Architecture.

Whether developing young architectural talent or helping runners realize their goals and dreams, Coach Lee takes great pride in seeing others realize their goals.

Communications are key to success. Each runner can expect unlimited extent of texts, emails, phone calls, and even in person meetings to address the runner’s needs.

Coach Lee has retired from the profession of architecture yet continues to pursue is other passion of coaching runners. He loves to coach runners who share his passion for distance running and thus purposely keeps coaching fees very reasonable. In order to be able to deliver as promised Coach Lee avoids overbooking and only works with a limited number of runners at any one time.

“Coach Lee hit it out of the park! He assessed my ability, built a custom plan for me, assessed progress weekly, and adjusted where necessary. It was much more than just miles and paces”. Eric, Marine Corps Marathon.

ARRANGEMENT

Unless otherwise agreed to, all coaching services are provided remotely (digitally). The runner is expected to perform their training at a time that best suits their personal schedule throughout the week.

COMMUNICATIONS

The runner is encouraged to contact Coach Lee via text or email at any point during the training schedule with questions, concerns, and feedback. Responses are typically provided within several hours and generally not more than a working day.

At a minimum, the runner shall maintain their daily training log (provided by The Running Architect) and submit it to Coach Lee following the last workout or run of every week and at least a day ahead of the next week. This allows for adjustments to be made to the runner’s training plan based upon the runner’s unique progress.

PAYMENTS

All fees are to be paid in advance and are non-refundable. Individual sessions may be rescheduled without charges if notice is provided at least 4 hours in advance. Payment by cash or check.

Should a runner not be able to complete a training course due to significant injury, unique personal incident, or similar unforeseen unique circumstance during the first 60% of the course, the runner may apply any unused pro-rated fees towards any future training plan provided by The Running Architect. There will be no fee adjustment or refunds for any Pre Half or Pre Full Marathon Training course.

All runners must sign a waiver and agree to the Standard Terms and Conditions of The Running Architect. These documents will be provided to the runner in advance of each training session.

Discounted Rates for individual consultations, Half or Full Marathon training sessions available to members of The 501 Running Club and the Ann Arbor Track Club.

Fees for training plans associated with specific destination races or specific goals are individually quoted to each runner prior to beginning a training period. The fees are generally based upon a weekly rate and the extent of individual coaching "Run With" sessions (if any). 

POST RACE EVALUATION

Each runner who completes their destination event with the help of The Running Architect will receive an individualized post-race evaluation. Each runner will also receive recommendations for recovery training intended to help each runner avoid potential future injury and safely return to running and racing.

“I travel a lot for work and Lee is really great at creating a customized plan that works around my travel schedule. As a younger runner I always have a lot of questions on if I am “tracking” towards my goals correctly, and he’s quick to give me informative and reassuring answers.”

KATHERINE, NEW YORK CITY AND BOSTON MARATHONS

“What I like about Lee’s approach to coaching is he is very conscious of each runners’ unique issues and adapts his plan(s) accordingly.” Dave, Detroit international Half Marathon.