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 several training plan arrangements to work with The Running Architect. These are further outlined in the Plan Options below Each runner also becomes a member of The Running Architect Team upon signing up to train with Coach Lee.

“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 each week of their training cycle.

THE RUNNING ARCHITECT TEAM

Each runner also becomes a member of Coach Lee’s The Running Architect team. Coach Lee utilizes the Final Surge software plan to assign workouts, track each runner’s progress, and communicate with each runner on The Running Architect team. Runners are able to sync their GPS device to the software immediately upon completion of each workout.

As a part of Final Surge, each runner is also able to communicate with other members of the team, post their workouts, share their experiences, seek advice, and generally enjoy their experience as a member of the team.

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.

Plan Options

All plans include membership on The Running Architect Team. Runners may select from one of the following training plan options:

Quarterly Plan - 13 weeks each, $195/quarter, sign-up and pay one time for 3 consecutive quarters and the fourth quarter is free. Plan includes suggested training routines during off season portion of the runner’s year.

Destination Race Plan - Training focused on a runner’s targeted race event. Two options, 20 week and 16 week plans. 20 week plan $290, 16 week plan $240.

Customized Plan - Designed to meet a runners specific needs, goals, and schedule. The fee to be quoted to each individual runner following an introductory consultation with the runner.

Interim Plan - This plan is only available to current or previous members of The Running Architect Team. It is intended to allow runners to maintain their activities within the team while not specifically training for a specific race event. This plan does not include training schedules. This is typically a great option for runners who may have completed a major race and are between race training cycles. Example, this plan is typically selected following a fall marathon event while maintaining their fitness level prior to formally training for a spring or early summer marathon event. The fee for the Interim Plan is $50 for up to 3 months.

All plans are to be paid in advance and subject to The Running Architects Standard Terms and Conditions.