Testimonials

Look at what others have to say . . .

If you are giving any consideration to chose Coach Lee help you reach your running and racing goals please consider what some of his running clients have to say about what it’s like to work, train, learn, and ultimately attain your running goals with the help of Coach Lee:

From Alicia,

I signed up with Coach Lee in hopes of reaching my racing goals. I have worked with Lee on several occasions for races from the mile to the marathon. He listened to understand my goal each time, designed a specific plan for me that enabled me more than achieve my goal.

I have signed on with other running coaches but Lee was the first one who didn’t give me a generic running plan!

Instead he provided a plan that was specific to me, my schedule, and my goals. Lee also helped me through the entire process by answering questions that I had and asking how the training was going for me on a regular basis. I would highly recommend Lee as a running coach and am so glad I did.

PS: I am looking forward to working with Coach Lee for my next major race in the near future too!

Alicia

From Ken,

"Over the past few years I've started to embrace running again as I approach 50. Discovered a new passion for Marathon competition and tried to train myself early in this process but found my body wasn't quite ready for that grind despite a disciplined commitment to training. In Jan 2022 I decided to set ego aside and hire a coach.

Thankfully I found Coach Lee. To say he likely forgot more about running than I'll ever know is an understatement if it weren't as blatantly obvious as it is. His passion for my success was as apparent as my own. His adaptable program pushed me harder and farther than I thought myself capable.

If that isn't enough to appreciate, his ability to explain why every movement and exercise is important resonated well with me and eliminated any skepticism as to why running slow, as an example, is as important to running fast. I have a goal to qualify for Boston before I turn 50 this fall and with Lee's mentorship, I have little doubt we will achieve that goal together. As long as I hold up my end of the bargain in my training!"

Ken

Lee is an incredible coach! I am really grateful I had coach me through my first marathon (New York City); and then to a 20+ minute PR in my second marathon (Jersey City) with guidance on training and fueling. I am currently working with Lee for the Boston Marathon this April too!

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.

One time I tried forgoing a Lee-designed plan and trust me - it’s much better with his weekly support to motivate you and guide you!!

KATHERINE

From Dave,

The Running Architect’s Running Program

It has been my pleasure to work with Lee Mamola (aka Mr. Crim) and his coaching program for runners for the past couple of months now. I used to run with Lee back in the days of Running Fit’s 501 program, so we have known each other for many years. I admire and trust Lee’s advice and guidance. Additionally, he is very easy to work with.

As for myself I had been a decent runner in the past. I wasn’t terribly fast, but I was enjoying all the positive experiences running brings to your life. I had a couple of good years where I ran consistently then life intervened and I needed to have my hip replaced. This sidelined my running for a year or so while I enjoyed biking and other activities. Eventually I returned to running at a less intense level for a couple of years but never really got back to where I was. This year I vowed to myself I was going to try something new. I called Lee. Lee Mamola that it. I remembered seeing his advert for his running program so I thought if I am going to work with a coach I might as well get the best, so I did.

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. In the beginning I sat down with Lee and outlined my physical challenges and my running goals. In my case Lee came up with a two-phase approach. The first phase is to get me running consistently in good form (I am nearing the end of) and a second phase where I start on a half marathon schedule itself. And just to let you know Lee’s program is not just about running it is much more. He has me working on overall fitness in areas I never thought to concentrate on. In my case I feel like I spend more time behind the scenes stretching, strengthening, and cross training than I do running. For me it is working out very well and is exactly the approach I needed. Lee also adapts his training schedule based on your performance the week before always trying to zero in on areas that need attention. This is not a one plan fits all cookie cutter approach.

In summary if you are looking for running guidance of any kind contact Lee and see what he can do for you. You will not regret the decision.

Dave M.

From eric,

Having tried various popular online running plans for half marathons and marathons, I reached out to Lee to coach and mentor me to run a sub-4 hour marathon.

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. It was strength, pace, mental approach, strategy, equipment advice, nutrition advice, race day advice, and even how to recover.

Because of COVID, I was forced to run the race virtually on a course that I selected, so, Lee even showed up on the day of the event and coached me across the finish line. Lee has an ability most successful athletes don’t have - he has the ability to teach you how to do what he has done for decades. Using a logical building sequence, he built my strength, pace, and endurance in support of my goal and I beat my goal time by nearly 8 minutes! He truly is The Running Architect !

Eric G.