Max Multisport Coaching

A little over a year ago, I made some really big changes to live a healthier lifestyle, shedding pounds and becoming much more active. Once I no longer had the weight loss goals to strive for, I found myself needing a new challenge to push myself with and fell into running 5Ks, completing my first less than 6 months ago. And while I was so happy to be able to finish a race and signed up to do more, there was only one problem — I didn’t so much love the running part. However, that didn’t stop me from convincing my cousin to join me in registering for the Disney Princess Half-​Marathon, where I figured that simple fact of running through Disney and the allure of getting a tiara-​shaped medal at the end would be enough of a distraction to get me though the race.
It became pretty obvious this summer though that I had zero motivation to run on my own outside of the races themselves, so I started looking for a training group to run with. After scouring the internet, I was very excited to find that Max Multisport was doing a program specifically geared towards the Disney Princess Half-​Marathon, and decided to sign up for their fall training program for the Hot Chocolate 15k/​Hot Cider 8 Mile races to work my way up to the prerequisite level recommended of the half-​marathon program. After purchasing a heart rate monitor, I attended the initial meeting where my fellow runners and I all learned about the basics and benefits of heart rate zone training, I started feeling less nervous about what I’d gotten myself into as they stressed the importance of staying within the zones prescribed at each workout. (Not running too fast was definitely something I was good at!) A women’s-only program, the rest of my running mates where from all walks of life, ages, and experience levels, but seemed equally excited and anxious. Throughout the 8-​week program, the experienced and friendly coaches took us through a variety of workouts on tracks, hills, and trails. No two workouts were the same and by working with my personal heart rate zones (identified through assessments), I was able to complete each one successfully and feeling like I could have gone a little longer or a little faster, but trusted my coaches that they knew what they were doing and made sure to stick to the plan. During the rest of the week, we were assigned workouts to complete on our own and had the option of contacting our coaches through e-​mail if needed.
Fast forward to the end of the program, I managed to work my way up from an uncomfortable 3.1 miles to a comfortable 8 miles and had a fantastic race. Along the way, I learned a lot about my body, including my heart rate and how to stay injury-​free. I knocked an incredible 4 minutes off of my 5K time. And most importantly, I grew to enjoy running and no longer needed my iPod (no judgement on those that run with one) or the promise of shiny medals at the end to distract me from the actual act of running itself.
On top of that, my training had actually gone so well that I took advantage of their online-​only training extension off the fall program so that I could reach my goal of completing a half-​marathon nearly three months early and in only 12 weeks of training, I am happy to report that I just completed the Vegas Half-​Marathon!
This review is so long, partially because I wanted it to be a «if I can do it, you can do it» motivator, just in case you are someone who is reading these reviews just like I was a few months ago and questioning your ability to run longer distances. Max is a great, small group setting where you will receive plenty of support and encouragement from both your coaches and fellow runners to help you achieve your goals as long as you’re willing to put in the time and the effort. But if you happen to be a more experienced runner who is looking to improve, I would still wholeheartedly recommend this program. In a total of 12 weeks, I built up my stamina, increased my speed dramatically, and learned how to properly pace myself, running all three races that I participated in along the way (8 mile, 10 mile, and half) with negative splits and faster than predicted.
I’m rejoining Max next week to start their Disney Princess training program, and am amazed and proud of where I am now versus where I was when I first clicked on their website link a few months ago and also really excited to see what the next 10 weeks hold!

When I was training for a half marathon in the dead of winter. I needed a coach and running group. I wanted a group that ran on Sundays and a coach that gave individual attention and I found all that with Max Multisport. I like how Renee is focused on Heart Rate Zones and requires heart rate monitors. It helped me understand how my body works and how I can push myself within the zones. Max Multisport helps you determine your own special zones. Not your age minus… this and that. It is very individualized and there is a workout log that the coaches look a will email with you. I am bummed they didn’t have a full marathon program. But if you are looking to improve your running, cycling, or swimming and want that extra attention. check out Max Multisport.

Trained with max for the Chicago Triathlon and have taken swim classes with them. Great non-​intimidating all female environment which is especially beginner friendly. They offer all levels of group training from 5ks to Half Ironman. Coaches are knowledgeable and experienced. Most workouts are on the North Side.

Max Multisport was a great group that got me started into triathalons this summer. I like that they have both the overall triathlon training groups and then have classes for just the specific area that you need to work on either the swim, bike, or run. They even introduced me to the world of adventure racing and even have classes for that. The coaches are great because they are experienced, motivating, and friendly. If you are looking into starting to train for triathlons or need help in a specific area to build up your fitness level. You need to check out this group and their coaching services.