Jay Palmer – Chicago Running Coach

Description

Coach Jay Palmer knows what it’s like juggling family, work and running and he’s here to help you train with the time and the energy that you have, whether you’re just starting out or taking training to the next level. Jay also offers in-person sessions, reach out below to get started!

*** 50% off First Month of month-to-month Coaching – Coupon Code: 50percentoff ***

Contact Jay

LEVELS: Beginner, Intermediate
TYPES: Road, Trail
DISTANCES: 5k/10k/Half Marathon, Marathon, Ultra
TRAINING PLATFORM: Final Surge
TRAINING PLAN: Individual, customized training plan
COMMUNICATION: Unlimited email, unlimited text, unlimited phone
RESPONSE TIME: Within 24 hours
LOCATION: Bolingbrook, IL
IN-PERSON SESSIONS: Yes, meet within a 10 mile radius of zip code 60490, such as in Naperville, Plainfield, and Romeoville. Reach out below for more info!

SPECIALTIES

I am excited to be a part of Team Run Run and would be honored to be your coach!

I coach people, especially busy professionals, who are new to running as well as runners who are ready to go to the next level. I take a comprehensive approach that incorporates cross-training, stretching, nutrition, hydration and time for recovery, rest and living life.

I specialize in:

• coaching new and intermediate-level runners who are 40 years of age and better!
• developing a comprehensive training plan that incorporates core strengthening, stretching / flexibility / yoga, hydration & nutrition (including chocolate :-), and rest & recovery.
• leveraging data to help make smart decisions.

PHILOSOPHY

I take a smart, incremental, and comprehensive approach to running. That means starting with your goals, creating a smart plan, and then executing incremental improvement building toward a goal race or distance.

Core principles that shape my coaching decisions are:

• Setting goals: begin with the end in mind
• Creating a smart plan: every run has a purpose
• Incremental execution: long runs build on short runs; fast runs build on slow runs
• Balance: cross-training and rest & recovery help us manage the increased demands that running puts on our bodies
• Listening to the body and tweaking the plan as needed: it’s better to be undertrained than overtrained
• Grit: mental fortitude helps power us through long miles
• Hydration and nutrition: we can’t outrun a bad diet
• Injury prevention and remediation: we won’t run well if we’re not feeling well

COACHING EXPERIENCE

Since 2017, I have coached adult runners one-on-one as well as in groups, including diverse groups of charity runners (Team World Vision) training for the Chicago Marathon.

I have over two decades of team leadership in the corporate world. I am an active listener and take a collaborative approach in all I do.

ABOUT ME

I am a husband and father first as well as a running coach who has a regular job and tries to stay fit and healthy. So I understand the needs of busy professionals who would like to incorporate running into their lives. I value diversity and welcome any and all runners who would like me to serve as their coach!

I am analytic and incorporate data-based decision-making into my coaching; objective data such as heart rate and splits as well as subjective data such as how the run felt to you.

I am also an active listener and value my relationships including my coaching relationships. I want to hear your insights and perspectives as much as I want to provide direction and guidance to support your running.

I’ve lived in many parts of the US and in the southwest Chicago suburbs for over 17 years. I started running in my 30s and haven’t stopped!

When I’m not working, coaching, or running, you can find me cycling, watching The Office, drinking coffee, and eating Italian and Mexican food!

BIG INFLUENCES

I appreciate Hal Higdon’s straight-forward approach to coaching.

• Step one is to set a goal: for example, to complete a 10k.
• Step two is to design a plan that builds incrementally toward that goal with 3-4 week “micro” phases of building up and recovery, gradually moving the runner to race day. Each “micro” phase includes a variety of distances and paces, all calibrated to achieve the goal.
• Step three is, as we approach race day, to decrease running and increase stretching, cross-training, and rest. This step allows the body to reap the benefits of training while minimizing stress and risk of injury.

In sum, we take a smart, incremental approach to help the runner build strength and endurance while also incorporating rest and recovery.

From Coach Jack Daniels I have incorporated the principle of targeted stress of the body, meaning simply that we want the stress to be in the “sweet spot” that is productive for improving running strength and efficiency, but not overwhelming.

I also use Daniel’s principle of Specificity of Training, meaning that every run (every day, for that matter) has a purpose: whether it’s long, slow miles to build endurance, quick repeats to fire fast-twitch muscles, or rest days to allow the cardiovascular system to recover and to allow muscles to build.

My approach incorporates these techniques to design and execute a training program to help every runner achieve their goal. We work together at all phases: from goal setting through plan design and execution, all the time monitoring for opportunities for improvement, injury prevention, and celebration!

RACING HISTORY

I started running in 2008 with a 5k challenge through my local YMCA. I was hooked! From there I built up to a 10k and a half and then a full marathon in 2010. Since then I’ve run a variety of road races – including the Chicago Marathon five times – and trail races and ultra-marathons.

The one that I enjoyed the most was a trail ultra in Wisconsin where my goal for the race was to enjoy the experience. I walked when I wanted to walk and ran when I wanted to run. I ran 50 kilometers and felt like I could run 50 more! It was an awesome day!

CERTIFICATIONS

Road Runners Club of America (RRCA)

PRs

• 5k: 20:22
• 10k: 44:36
• 10 miles: 1:09:43
• Half marathon: 1:43:01
• Full marathon: 3:26:17
• 50k: 7:08:42
• 50 miles: 10:54:55

CONTACT JAY

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.

SOCIAL