Catherine Lewis – Washington, DC Running Coach
From: $75.00 / month and a $19.00 sign-up fee
50% off your 1st month! RRCA Certified. I can create an individualized plan based on your current fitness and goals, especially after time off or injury!
Description
Washington DC Running Coach Catherine Lewis has a passion for running and is excited to share that passion with you, whether you’re a beginner or intermediate runner, coming back from an injury, getting back to running after childbirth, or runners who are TTC, especially those working through fertility treatments and IVF. Reach out to Catherine to get started!
*** 50% off First Month for month-to-month Coaching – Coupon Code: 50%lewis ***
LEVELS: Beginner, Intermediate
TYPES: Road, Trail
DISTANCES: 5k/10k/Half Marathon, Marathon
TRAINING PLATFORM: Training Peaks Premium
TRAINING PLAN: Individual, customized training plan
COMMUNICATION: Unlimited email, unlimited text
RESPONSE TIME: Within 24 hours
LOCATION: Washington, DC
IN-PERSON SESSIONS: No, online coaching only
SPECIALTIES
I enjoy working with runners of all experience levels, whether you’re just starting out or trying to increase your distance or speed. If you like to race, I want to help you get to the starting line with confidence and finish with strength and power. My particular expertise is in the following:
- Beginner and intermediate runners
- Running consistently even with a busy schedule
- Runners returning from injury
- Runners returning after childbirth
- Runners who are TTC, especially those wanting to stay active through fertility treatments and IVF
PHILOSOPHY
I want to help develop a plan to help you reach your goals, whatever those may be– whether it’s running competitively or increasing fitness and mileage without ever registering for a race. I believe every runner should have a training plan customized to their current fitness, goals, and lifestyle.
What you can expect from me as your coach:
- A training plan about a month out at a time, so you can see where we are headed without getting overwhelmed by workouts too far in the future
- Training plan modifications as often as you need them, whether that’s an adjustment in pacing/distance or due to “life stuff” that just comes up
- Regular communication via text/email, whether that’s daily or weekly — whatever works best for you!
COACHING EXPERIENCE
After being coached myself for about 4 years, I obtained my RRCA certification in 2022 and began formally coaching others. I typically coach adults in a 1:1 virtual environment, with a focus on those coming back to running after time off due to injury, TTC/fertility struggles/childbirth, or other interests.
ABOUT ME
I have always loved to run, but I found a renewed passion for it while going through fertility issues; setting short-term running goals for myself really helped me work towards something positive that I could control and took my mind off of the frustrating journey of TTC. I’ve always balanced running with a busy work schedule, and I also love professional sports — football (Detroit Lions), basketball (Washington Wizards), and hockey (Washington Capitals), not to mention the great sport of curling! If that’s not enough to keep me busy, I also love to knit and see live music, from a cappella to heavy metal.
BIG INFLUENCES
My biggest influence– and the reason I wanted to become certified as a coach myself– is my own running coach, Victoria Philippi. It was through working with a coach of my own that I realized that having a coach is beneficial for every runner, not just the elites. I saw firsthand how much my running improved from a personalized plan, and I wanted to be able to help other runners the way that she helped me.
RACING HISTORY
I raced both cross country and track (3200m) in high school, then took a break from competitive racing for a while. I came back to it in 2007 when a (non-running) friend of mine wanted me to join her on a trail half marathon. Long story short, she forgot to register or train, and I had no idea what I was getting into with a “trail race” until I showed up on race day.
Despite that, I loved the additional challenge and ran that race annually for over 10 years. Then, there was something about running a small race in the woods that made me realize that I don’t really enjoy the crowds and anxiety of traditional road racing, so ever since the pandemic, races are not currently part of my running journey.
CERTIFICATIONS
- Level 1 Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) certified
- CPR/ AED/ First-Aid Certified (Red Cross)
CONTACT CATHERINE
Finding a coach who is a great fit for you is really important. We encourage you to email your coach prior to signing up so you can connect, communicate, and ensure a good athlete/coach fit.
HW –
If I can describe Catherine in one word, it’s supportive. A few months ago, I was looking for a virtual coach to help me achieve interest and focus in the running. After a long hiatus, I returned to half marathon training, and I did not want a coach who planned 4-5 running days. Catherine’s profile read like she understood the physical challenges that life will bring sometimes, and I wanted a sympathetic, understanding coach. Running is not my priority form of exercise, but it’s something that I incorporate into my lifestyle. Catherine and I communicate virtually, but she’s a good reader. She reads my post-workout comments and provides supportive, constructive comments in return. She’s adjusted my workouts in gradual ways that I’m achieving. When I’m ready to increase with more mileage and challenges, I know she’ll coach me into the adjustment. I highly recommend Catherine for someone who wants a positive, supportive experience while holding the runner with accountability.