Martin Simpson – Clovis Running Coach
From: $200.00 / month and a $19.00 sign-up fee
HS 800m-5k expert, 10k. Strength focus. All athlete levels. Proven HS success.
Description
Clovis, CA running coach Martin Simpson specializes in high school distance events, specifically track events from 800 meters to 3200 meters/2 miles, and cross-country races from 2 miles to 5 kilometers, having also assisted runners train for 10k races, as well as guiding athletes from beginner levels to high levels of competition.
LEVELS: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
TYPES: Road, Track, Trail
DISTANCES: 5k/10k/Half Marathon
TRAINING PLATFORM: VDOT
TRAINING PLAN: Individual, customized training plan
COMMUNICATION: Unlimited email, unlimited text
RESPONSE TIME: Within 24 hours
LOCATION: Clovis, CA
IN-PERSON SESSIONS: No, online coaching only
SPECIALTIES
My coaching specialty lies in high school distance events, specifically track events from 800 meters to 3200 meters/2 miles, and cross-country races from 2 miles to 5 kilometers. While my primary focus is high school, I have also assisted athletes with training for 10-kilometer races. I am particularly passionate about guiding athletes from beginner levels to high levels of competition. I firmly believe that strength training is a foundational element for enhancing both athletic performance and overall physical fitness.
PHILOSOPHY
Sports of all kinds have always been my passion, a lifelong love affair that continues to this day. Running, and eventually coaching distance runners, found me unexpectedly. You can read ‘Big Influences’ to see how it all started. I strongly believe in building relationships with my athletes. My job is to help you become the best runner you aspire to be. Distance runners are some of the most motivated people I know—they genuinely love to run. I help them stay focused on their goals and provide structured workouts to build their fitness. As long as they’re willing to listen, avoid overtraining, and prioritize rest, they can reach their goals.
COACHING EXPERIENCE
Over 40 years coaching cross country and track, starting in 1972, with experience at various levels including high school and college.”
- 1972: Began coaching Cross Country at Bishop Diego High School, Santa Barbara, CA.
- 1973 & 1976: Coached Track at Santa Barbara City College, CA.
- 1974-75: Coached Track and Cross Country at St. Albans High School, Melbourne, Australia.
- 1976-80: Coached Volleyball, Basketball, Track, and Cross Country at San Benancio Middle School, Salinas, CA.
- 1980-83: Coached Cross Country and Track at Kastner Intermediate School, Clovis, CA.
- 1983-91: Coached Cross Country and Track at Clovis West High School, Clovis, CA.
- 1991-Present: Coaching Cross Country and Track at Buchanan High School, Clovis, CA.
ABOUT ME
Beyond coaching and teaching, I’m an avid fitness enthusiast. I bike daily, have cycled the West Coast, and will tour Europe. I’ve also completed the 500-mile Camino de Santiago pilgrimage three times, twice with my wife.
BIG INFLUENCES
The philosophy of Red Estes, that sports were about personal growth, not just winning, became a guiding principle in my life. His track class was a transformative experience, where his exceptional teaching and mentorship inspired me to embrace coaching and prioritize the holistic development of athletes.
RACING HISTORY
As a long-time coach, I’ve seen countless races. While not elite, I’ve run iconic races like Bay to Breakers and City to Surf, and many local events. My best two-mile was 11:05, a time that wouldn’t place on my high school girls’ team.
CERTIFICATIONS
I earned a Master’s degree from UCSB in Ergonomics/Exercise Physiology. Building upon this foundation, I’ve actively participated in numerous coaching clinics across Southern California, with a particular focus on the programs developed through the ’84 Olympic endowment. I’ve also had the opportunity to share my expertise by presenting at numerous coaching clinics, covering both cross-country and track. Furthermore, I’ve attended the Junior Elite Endurance Camp Group Project twice at the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center.
PRs
While my own running achievements are not my focus, I’m proud to have coached a long line of athletes to remarkable personal records, including two future world record holders, an future NCAA champion, and numerous California State champions. One of these runners is now a coach on Team Run Run 🙂
AWARDS & ACCOLADES
- California Central Valley Cross Country Coach of the Decade-1990s
- 2009 California State Coach of the Year, Cross Country
- CIF Coaching Hall of Fame
- Clovis Unified Coaching Hall of Fame
- 1995-2009: Director of California State Cross Country Meet
- Buchanan Track Records https://sites.google.com/a/clovisusd.k12.ca.us/buchanan-track-field/all-records
CONTACT MARTIN
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.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.