Mike Toomey – Philadelphia Running Coach
From: $85.00 / month and a $19.00 sign-up fee
Coaching runners at all levels for over 25 years! I take the guessing out of it for you. Think Big. Train Hard. Race Fast!
Description
Philadelphia running coach Mike Toomey is here to meet you where you are in your running journey, whether you’re a new runner or a seasoned marathon runner looking for a new PR, Mike has over 25 years of coaching experience on the road, track and trails.
LEVELS: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
TYPES: Road, Track
DISTANCES: 5k/10k/Half Marathon, Marathon
TRAINING PLATFORM: VDOT
TRAINING PLAN: Individual, customized training plan
COMMUNICATION: Unlimited email, unlimited phone, unlimited text
RESPONSE TIME: Within 24 hours
LOCATION: Philadelphia, PA
IN-PERSON SESSIONS: Yes, within 30 minutes of Philadelphia. Supervising quality workout including warm up, dynamic warmup, stretches, intervals, and cool down. Reach out to Mike for more info.
SPECIALTIES
While I work with runners from many different backgrounds, I specialize in the distance / middle distance events on the roads, track, and cross country. Runners that have a lot of success working with me include new runners, runners getting back into it after a layoff, and runners that have been on their own for a while and need a plan or new direction. I also enjoy working with moms and dads trying to fit in all the training with crazy schedules. My runners appreciate a personal approach and gain confidence in the way I structure their training.
PHILOSOPHY
Running has changed my life in so many ways. As an athlete and as a coach, running has taught me that anything is possible If you are willing to work hard and not take any shortcuts. It’s been said before that running is the ultimate metaphor for life in that you get out of it exactly what you put in…and I couldn’t agree more. I love working with my athletes because I see that type of attitude in everything they do. I believe there is a plan for each runner, and I work with my athletes to find the right mix for THEM. I have spent my adult life being a student of the sport and I’m excited to share that with my athletes.
COACHING EXPERIENCE
I have been coaching at the high school, collegiate, and open levels for more than 25 years. At the high school level, I have had numerous state, regional, and national level runners. I also coached Kents Hill School in Maine to back to back New England Team Titles in XC in 2014 & 2015. In the open and masters divisions, I have worked with individuals of all levels as well as charity teams including The American Cancer Society Miami Marathon Team, and the Franklin Park Zoo Boston Marathon Team. Finally, I am the community coordinator for the Wayne, PA Healthy Kids Racing Series.
ABOUT ME
I have been in the sport since 1986 when I went out for the track team with my friend who had a crush on a girl on the team. He never got the girl…but I fell in love with the sport and have been active as a runner or coach ever since! I am originally from Boston, but moved to Philly 6 years ago, and I’m probably the least popular sports fan in my community. I’m married to a former professional hockey player and we have three little girls that love to run and play hockey. I just turned 50 this year and I’m looking forward to running some masters races in track and xc. I’m looking forward to welcoming some runners into our group in 2023 and can’t wait to help you hit new goals!
BIG INFLUENCES
Throughout high school, I was lucky enough to meet my first coach, Tom Mcdermott, who developed my love for running and helped me become a student of the sport. In college, I ran under George Davis, 1991 NCAA Coach of the year in XC, who led our team to the National Title with 5 All-Americans. After college, I went on to run for Reebok Boston as a middle distance runner and was fortunate to be coached by Bob Sevene, one of the USA’s top coaches. After Reebok Boston I moved out to Flagstaff, AZ and had the pleasure of working with the coaching legend, Jack Daniels. While I developed as a runner through all of these experiences, I also developed my coaching values and philosophies from these incredible coaches.
RACING HISTORY
- 1990 Massachusetts State Mile Champ as a senior at Lynn English High School
- 1991 Member of NCAA Div II Championship Team in XC
- 1991 All American at NCAA Div II Championships
- 1992 & 1993 ECAC Champion in Steeple Chase
- 2009 Boston Marathon
CERTIFICATIONS
- USA Track and Field Level 1 Endurance Coach
- USA Track and Field Level 2 Endurance Coach
AWARDS & ACCOLADES
- NCAA All American
- NCAA Team Champion
- State Mile Champion
- Boston Globe All Scholastic Runner 1989
- Boston Herald All Scholastic Runner 1989
- Seven Time Northeastern Conference Coach of the Year in XC & Track
- 10 Time Salem News and Lynn Item Coach of the year in XC & Track
- Guest Speaker at Arizona Coaches Association Conference for Middle Distance
- Served as Track & Field Chair for USATF New England
- Lynn English High School Hall of Fame
- UMASS Hall of Fame
CONTACT MIKE
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
MP –
Mike is fantastic. Truly listens and provides feedback and guidance based on what you personally need. Highly recommend Mike!
Michelle T –
This is my second time around training with Mike. He has been nothing but supportive and works hard to personalize my training schedule and paces. Mike is patient and kind when my self doubt kicks in and steers me back into the right direction. Top notch! Can’t say enough.
Ana Gordan –
I have only been working with Mike for about 2 months, but already feel that I have climbed out of my running rut (initial goal) and now building toward additional goals – for example Ghost Train Ultra (30 miles in 30 hours) and possibly a traditional full marathon in the fall, and as a secondary goal improving my times in distances from 1 mile to half marathon. Mike has been responsive to my questions and the workout calendar is very easy to use. Looking forward to continuing working with him!
john forrant –
I have been working with Mike for over ten years, first as a coach for our local running club then through various online venues. Mike is always available for feedback and questions about planned workouts or just general running questions. He has assisted me in running distances from 800s to full marathon. While working with Mike I have set PRs in mile, 5k, and half marathon. He is more than willing to work with runners of all capabilities from elite to run/walk.