Yves-Marc Courtines (better known as YMC) and Terence Gerchberg (simply referred to as T) bring plenty of energy, enthusiasm, and knowledge to this year’s 26.2 training program. Having coached this program for the past two years, Yves-Marc and Terence have a lot in store for the 2008 marathon sessions. Looking to incorporate workouts that will meet the needs of all runners participating in a fall marathon, the two coaches have spent countless hours preparing training runs that will help every runner develop endurance along with psychical and mental toughness in order to be fully prepared come marathon day.

So who are these two coaches that will lead RUN NYC runners to the starting line?

Yves-Marc Courtines:

YMC is both a seasoned runner (personally completing over 100 races ranging from 400 meters to the marathon) and a well-established coach, with years of invaluable coaching experience. He has been a key influence in the RUN NYC community propelling hundreds of runners to their first road race or their fastest marathon. As RUN NYC’s consistent Saturday coach, YMC often rallies the sometimes-drowsy 100 runners attending the morning runs with his high-octane energy, firing everyone up for the tough training ahead. Yves-Marc will often hide detailed and thoughtfully planned workouts in the guise of “fun” endeavors – such as getting merrily lost in the Rambles after an Indian Runs around the Great Lawn, which was actually intended as a tough interval challenge with immediate mileage afterwards for stamina. Even on the more monotonous days of a 6-mile loop, Lamp Post Pickups and planks or push-ups provide a unique blend of exercises that will rev up heart rates to ensure that runners of all levels are challenged during each workout session.

And when asked about what makes this year’s 26.2 Training Program different than previous years, YMC could barely hide his eagerness:

“For the first time in several years, we are able to provide runners with a complete 17 week schedule. As RUN NYC has grown in general, and RUN NYC 26.2 specifically, runners have more peers in their specific pace groups. Thus, RUN NYC 26.2 will have a greater breakdown of goal times, even to the point where runners can find other peers with a goal within 5 minutes of theirs, rather than 20.”

When asked about what advice he would give to a first time marathoner, YMC shared:

“Work on your weekly base mileage while mixing in your rest days.  The greatest determinant of getting to the finish line successfully will be how well your legs are trained in their shock-absorbing duties.  If those legs are set for that then you can use them that much more effectively for propulsion forward to the finish.”

Terence Gerchberg:

Terence began his coaching tenure with RUN NYC in April 2004. As the regular coach for Tuesday Nights, Terence leads the charge with his patented headband and original coaching methods. Never shy to share his thoughts, Terence is known to quiet down the city streets during stretches and always reminds the runners that ‘safety does not take a holiday.’ As a veteran runner (six-time NYC Marathoner with a PR of 2:57), Terence makes sure that running is always an enjoyable experience as he takes his personal running to the streets for an often 13 mile scenic route along the West Side Highway.

As a veteran runner, Terence is able to share his knowledge to first time runners training for a marathon with this insight:

“A new runner should enjoy the process. That is what running is all about. You have a goal and work hard to accomplish it. Sometimes the training is hard and long but it’s about the experience and you should enjoy the road. Throughout the training, you’ll learn a lot about yourself, make some new friends, and when it is all said and done, you’ll be ready to complete your first marathon.”

When asked the difference between this year’s training program compared to previous years, Terence quickly answered:

“We are going places! Forget about the standard loops around Central Park because this year we are running far and away. YMC and I have worked hard to make this program enjoyable and educational for all runners. Our hope is that a runner will not only run away prepared for his or her marathon but also leave with a wealth of knowledge about running.”

*RUN NYC 26.2 Training Program is still open for registration. Anyone interested in signing up can register at any of our run club training sessions throughout the week. There is a $26.20 fee to sign up for the program that goes directly to charity. The 26.2 training program is an all inclusive 17-week program that leaves from Niketown (6 East 57th Street) at 8:30am sharp!*