Meet the Coach: Coby Pewitt

Coby Pewitt is one of the marathon coaches for the Winter Season.  He is coaching the North Cities team.  Although kick-off was last Saturday, there is still plenty of time to join Coby this season.  Learn more about Coby and his coaching style below. 

1.  How long have you been coaching with Team In Training (TNT) and what was your first event?

I have been coaching with TNT since 2009.   My first event was the Anchorage Mayor's Midnight Sun Marathon in Alaska in 2003.

2.  What is your style of coaching? 

My style of coaching is very personal interaction with a tough of drill sergeant!!!   Seriously, I've had the pleasure of learning from two veteran coaches while on the Dallas team, and one of the things that I gathered from their tenure is the ability to relate to each person as an individual.   This means I start by first memorizing their names.   Understanding their athletic abilities and their body's mechanics.  Balancing their work schedule with a training schedule.   While we do everything as a TEAM, my job is to help them personally cross the finish line!

3.  Some people are intimidated by the idea of training for a full or half marathon.  What advice would you give them?

With a four to six month training program, our TNT coaches can get anyone into shape for their first long distance endurance event!   I've coached folks in ages from 16 to 85 - so it can be done!   No worries!

4.  Is there an Honored Hero that has left a lasting impact on you?  Who and why?

Yes, one of my co-workers, Joshua Rosenthal, died suddenly from leukemia in 2005.  He was only 22 years old and he never even knew that he had cancer.  If his disease had been caught earlier, the chances are good that he would still be with us today.  Since his death, I have dedicated every one of my races in his memory.

5. What is the best kept secret about Team In Training?

The best kept secret about Team In Training is your free membership into the world of "purple people".  Friends are family we chose for ourselves - and TNT is no exception.   Your fellow purple people will soon become friends for life.  So, be prepared for a few things.  First, your friends on Facebook could double!   Second, your Saturday mornings will never be the same.   And, finally, you will become part of the 1% that has actually finished a long distance endurance event!

6.  What is the best training advice you have ever received?

The best training advice I have ever received is never stretch cold muscles.  Instead, get a one mile warm-up before stretching those legs.  And, when you do, don't forget your 1) calves, 2) quads, and 3) IT bands!

Join Coach Coby this Winter Season!