Coach Finnel is one of the best coaches I have worked with - after working with him in high school and moving onto competing in college, I returned to him for coaching to complete my first half marathon and compete in the Drake Relays Grand Blue Mile. Both events led me to having great times including a 1:28 half marathon and 5:07 street mile and winning the event. I returned to him because I trusted him with my body and training, and I knew he led me to even more success.
His coaching created new opportunities and I would not be running the times I have without his support, expertise, and knowledge!!
-Bobbi
As I began my running journey, I was lucky enough to have John by my side for both encouragement and education. What I loved most about John’s coaching is that his excitement for my progress was so genuine. Not only that, but he was so dedicated to making a plan and setting goals that worked for me.
As I was preparing for my first half marathon, John’s first question was centered around how running fit into my life and how much time I was able to spend on training on a weekly basis. He tailored a plan to fit my schedule, my goals, and my fitness level. As a new runner, he also gave me the education I needed about different workouts, strength exercises, shoes, posture, etc., and he sprinkled in inspirational running stories that kept me motivated and made me want to reach new goals.
John has the perfect balance and understanding of how to educate without overwhelming and how to motivate without burnout. Because of John’s support throughout the years, I went from not being able to run a mile to running a 50k with a smile on my face. As I progressed, John adapted. He truly cares about people finding pleasure through running, and his expertise and sincerity make that happen.
-Ashlee
I have been working with Spencer since the summer of 2017. Since then, I have been able to handle running more miles than I have before and run some personal bests across multiple distances. He assigns training that works on my strengths, but also challenges my weakness to make me a better sound runner. I never feel underprepared going into the goal race. Another great thing with Spencer is the communication line is always open. I am able to chat with him when things are going well in training and when I am getting into busy times at work and life that might cut into running time. We are always able to readjust and get a better plan based on any factors.
-Scotty
I started working with Spencer as my coach in the spring of 2020. He has created detailed and specifically tailored plans to help me reach my running goals. He is committed to understanding my needs as a runner, and he is flexible when life happens. Since having kids, I’ve had a hard time finding the motivation to stick to a regular running schedule. Spencer got me back on track with setting goals, running regularly and challenging myself more frequently. I finally feel motivated to train and have been having more fun with running. And I’ve been running times that I haven’t run in many years directly due to his knowledge and skilled workout planning. Hiring Spencer as my coach was one of the best decisions I’ve made for my running career.
-Katie
After being stuck in a years-long injury loop, I reached out to Spencer for help with my hip pain and overall training. After my first visit, I felt I had more answers in the hour that I spent with him than I had found on my own in the previous years.
I was impressed with his vast knowledge and his ability to explain it to me so that I could understand. He gave me a detailed rehab program and strength plan with exercises that I could do easily on my own.
As a physical therapist and running coach, Spencer was focused on my recovery and helped me live an active life. Together we talked about goals and made a plan.
Spencer is always quick to answer questions, provide feedback and offer encouragement. If I run into scheduling issues he is flexible and always able to move workouts when necessary. The workouts are both challenging and fun. With Spencer's help I'm running stronger than ever!