Testimonials

The most intelligent training system out there.

-Frank Shorter, 1972 Gold and 1976 Silver Medal Olympic Marathon

I have always followed Lydiard's training principles. For safety, efficiency and hitting the races in top shape this is the most effective training system out there.

-Bill Rodgers, 4 Time Winner of Boston and New York City Marathons

For both champions and joggers alike, no other training system comes close for enduring excellence and excellent endurance. Speed included!

-Dr. Richard Brown, Designer of Lydiard Online Training Programs

For superb results, longevity, and health no other system surpasses Lydiard.

-Lorraine Moller, Olympic Medalist, Boston Marathon Winner, and Co-founder of the Lydiard Foundation

2016 I ran my first marathon and shortly after (due to dumb running behavior) ended up with a tidal stress fracture. I was in a boot for awhile and when it was safe to get back into running I needed to find a plan that was going to help me stay healthy and allow me to only run 4x a week. Gazelle Sports switched over to the Running Wizard plan in the summer of 2017 and after doing some research was very intrigued but a little skeptical. I kinda figured "what the heck" and signed up because I really loved how this type of training was proven to help runners stay uninjured. However, I was a little skeptical because the training paces did not seem to reflect the type or speed of training I thought I needed for my goal and the pyramid method was SO different.

Anyway, I followed the plan and even though along the way doubted it a little, I had a great summer running and ENJOYED myself so much. My body was happy, and I was able to grow a healthy relationship with running again. My paces DID naturally get faster and I felt great.

In the beginning of training my goal was just to come back from injury and maybe do a small PR in the 2017 GR half but I ended up PR-ing by 5 minutes!!!! I could not believe it.

Now, I am exited to see what this type of training can do for a marathon. I registered and got into the Boston Marathon last fall and even though I am lacking a little confidence right now, I know that this training will help that so much. Just gotta stay smart and healthy!

-Megan Lambers, Dandavati, Grand Rapids, MI
2017 Grand Rapids Half Marathon – 1:33 (5-min PR)

I have never considered myself much of a runner given the fact that I only started running seriously in my early fifties and that too because an individual that I admired recommended that I try it. I joined a running group, ran a couple of times during the week and participated in a few local races. My most notable run was completing the Chicago Marathon (my first marathon) in 2016 with a time of 5:04!

When my running group was contemplating adopting the Lydiard Method & Running Wizard in the summer of 2017, I was skeptical, hesitant and full of questions and concerns. Nonetheless, I was intrigued with the idea of bettering my performance in the Chicago Marathon of 2017, looking forward to training, enjoying running and most importantly not getting injured (something I am considerably concerned and worried about). So, in spite of my numerous questions and concerns, I jumped into the training. My skepticism only increased as the training progressed but I did observe a few things: I was running a lot more often than I had ever run before, the distances I was running were quite varied and I was learning a lot about fartleks, jogs, strides, anaerobic development etc., and I was enjoying running!! My longest run training for a marathon did not exceed more than a half and I was not injured! I completed the Chicago Marathon of 2017 with a smile on my face and a PR by 13 minutes!

A heartfelt "thanks" to the Lydiard Method, Running Wizard, Nobby & Alli (coach at Holland Gazelle Sports Training Group) for seeing this "runner" through. Now, to get back to running with Running Wizard plan and improving my half marathon performance injury free!!!

From a believer.

-Annie Dandavati, Holland, MI
2017 Chicago Marathon – 4:51 (13-min PR)

From non-runner to 3:32 marathon first up using Running Wizard. And I am just getting started! I love it!!

-Kristin Suvick

Running Wizard training plan is a rock star! My wife and I successfully finished our fourth marathon yesterday (Akron Marathon in 2011) and the entire experience (from training to race) was incredible. We aren't world-class athletes and our goal was to simply run a marathon while feeling strong, steady and ready. My previous three marathons had been like a death march because I was constantly injured and over-trained. Using Lydiard principles and a prototype Running Wizard plan, this was the first marathon where I felt strong, prepared, healthy and confident. Following a Running Wizard plan was just what the doctor ordered to get us to the starting line injury-free and equip us with the tools to race well. I couldn't be happier about what we achieved together. By the way, I beat my previous marathon PR by almost 40 minutes! If you want to improve your running, your next step should be to get a Running Wizard plan and let it guide you through the process of running your best race. – a guy who followed a prototype Running Wizard and improved his marathon from 5:30 to 4:50

-Mark Erikson, Ohio

Running Wizard and training the Lydiard Way made us coverts to a whole different way of training. We loved the variety of fartlek, hills, and no mind numbing, time consuming multiple long runs. We came to the end of training feeling physically and mentally fresh. It was wonderful, so different than when we did the "typical" marathon training. We didn't come to the end of training, burned out. We want to get better as a runner; it would be great to get faster. The question is how to train the smartest (not the longest). Running Wizard is the answer. It has made running so much more fun, it has seemed more purposeful. It certainly improved our running, and our attitude about training.

-Anne Erikson, Ohio

Using this training I went from a 4:08 marathon to a 2:58 in a year!

-Steve Torrente, Runner and Coach, New York

Just wanted to let you know that with four weeks to go to the Warsaw Marathon, my training is going really well.

Today, I entered the Warsaw Half-Marathon to test myself and get some race experience. There are 17,000 runners in the race and it is very popular here. Following your training plan, I was aiming to run a 1:55 time and not over-exert myself. However, once the race started, that pace really felt too slow for me and I saw that I could easily improve my time. I finished in 1:48:05 - a personal best at the half-marathon for me. It gives me a lot of confidence that all of the training I have been doing has really been beneficial and that I am in a great position to break the 4 hour barrier next month.

4 weeks later Ray reported the following:

You might be pleased to hear that yesterday, I realised a dream that I have been chasing for five and a half years. Thanks to your help and encouragement, the Warsaw Marathon took me 3:56:54 to complete! I feel exhilarated and very tired! As you know, I am not a professional runner and only started when I was 49 - so to do this at 54 for me is one of the best days of my life. So thank you from the bottom of my heart!

-Ray Martin, Thailand

I have found this training formula to be the most successful of any that I have used in my personal running experience and in coaching runners. All my runners are experiencing great results and personal bests in their goal races this season thanks to the Lydiard format being adapted to their training. I myself have not had the results I am seeing yet in my 11 years of running especially since having my 2nd son in 2009 and suffering a labral tear shortly after. This Fall season I have won FIVE masters titles all while training on Lydiard program given to me at the coaching clinic. Incredible huh?

-Dawn Lisenby Telluride, Florida

At the NYC marathon yesterday, one of my runners had a really good day due to a solid training plan base on the Lydiard method. I basically used a RunningWizard plan with some very minor adjustments, and it led him to have a solid day. With a previous PR of 3:12, he was already a good runner. He took a big step forward yesterday and was able to run 2:57 in tough conditions (gusting headwinds from miles 2-20) with even splits throughout the race. He told me that he felt good to the finish and I suspect that he will be able to better his PR in his next training cycle. I just wanted to share another success story and convey the ‘thank you’ that I received from my tired but elated runner.

-Jonathan Lang, New York