WHAT OUR RUNNERS ARE SAYING
My friendship with Jay goes back more than 10 years. During this time, I was able to see him in multiple coaching roles. With both students and adults, Jay takes time to learn about his athletes and create a plan for them. Until recently, I had not worked with Jay directly, only witnessed the time he put in with others. However, I wanted to get back into running after time off. I was frustrated at first because my pace was so much slower than 10 years ago. Jay told me to be patient, put in the miles—no matter how slow—and I would see change over time. At his advice, I paid attention to my heart rate and just followed his schedule. I did see progression. If you work with Jay you will find he is adept at coaching all levels of runners. Beyond his coaching skill, he cares about his athletes and their success—however success is measured.
— megan
Two years ago I started my running journey and couldn't have done it without the help of Jay. He has been a great coach and motivator. When I started, I was running 10 to 11 minute miles and could barely even run 3 miles. After finishing my first 5k, I then set a goal to complete more races at greater distances. Jay helped me train for my first half marathon then even a full marathon. He set up my running schedule weekly, based on my progress. He made sure to keep in frequent contact with me to check on how I was doing, gave me advice, kept me motivated and even joined me on some of my runs. I successfully finished the half and full marathon and felt more than prepared for the races. My 10 to 11 minute mile runs had improved to 9:30 minute miles. I signed up for another marathon and look forward to Jay coaching me again.
— kim
I decided to take up running in my late 30's. Initially, I figured I could just go out there a pound the pavement a little bit and didn't really need any advice. But the more I ran, the more I liked it and the farther I wanted to go. That's when it dawned on me that I needed help. I turned to Jay Stanwood, a lifelong runner and experienced running coach. Jay advised me on running in multiple areas: form, how to train for distance, how to train for speed, how to plan for races and even how to dress for different types of weather. Within two years I trained for, and completed, The Chicago Marathon. Jay's help was invaluable in my evolution as a runner and I recommend him without reservation
- scott
I first started running cross country in middle & high school, but was just your average runner. I finally decided I was going to sign up to run the Cleveland Half Marathon. With little running experience I had no idea where to begin, thankfully Jay was able to help me out. Jay gave me a weekly schedule for when I should start running and how many miles to run each day. Without that schedule I would have been lost. If I ever had any questions about anything dealing with running, Jay was always able to answer them and give me advice. He made sure I was fully ready to take on the challenge of running my first half marathon. Thanks to all of Jay's advice and guidance, I was successfully able to complete the Cleveland Half Marathon running 10-11 minute miles.
— katie
We first met Jay over ten years ago when he was our kids middle school cross county and track coach. We immediately recognized and respected his passion for coaching and his ability to connect with each individual member of the team. Not only did he coach the team to put forth their best effort, but he connected with each individual runner to establish personal goals and guided them in tracking these throughout the season. Jay encouraged the kids to work hard while at the same time making the experience enjoyable and meaningful. Even once our kids moved on to running at the high school, and then the college level, Jay continued to monitor their progress, often connecting with them via phone calls and texts to encourage them. Our son Chase, upon first breaking 18:00 in a 5k at a tough high school course, immediately called Jay to share the PR and to tease him about collecting the steak dinner Jay had promised when they'd set that goal together. I'm confident that as a coach Jay will get to know you as an individual and as an athlete, and will encourage and challenge you to set and exceed your goals.
— Quint & Laura
I first met Coach Jay twelve years ago when I joined one of our larger local running groups. He was the head coach of our group for many years and helped many runners achieve their goals during that period of time. After he moved from the Columbus area, I continued to train both with the group and on my own, participating in over ten marathons and four Half Ironmans. During that period of time, my marathon times had not changed and therefore I have been training with Coach Jay for the past six months in hopes of qualifying for the Boston Marathon this coming year. Since training with Jay, I was able to run a half marathon time that I had not been able to be close to in almost tens years. Coach Jay is very positive and encouraging. He does his best to work with your individual schedule and helps to keep you focused and on track. He is deeply committed to helping each athlete he coaches achieve their personal goals. I am looking forward to many months of training with Coach Jay and have no doubt that he will help me reach my personal goals!!!