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.
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!
