MitchellThornton
Mitchell has been running competitively for more than 20 years and has been coaching for 11+ years.
There is more to running than winning races and breaking records. Running is fun. It makes you feel good. You can run with a friend or go alone if you feel like being by yourself. You can set your own pace. And you don't need a lot of equipment. All you have to do is walk out the door and start.
Running MottoMitchell has been running competitively for more than 20 years and has been coaching for 11+ years. His personal records include a 2:38 marathon (Tokyo), a 1:10 half, a 14:18 5K, and a 4:08 mile. He is proficient in all things distance running, has coached athletes of all ages and abilities, and is USATF level one certified.
What program do you coach?
Group Training
How would you describe your coaching style?
My coaching style is equal parts optimism and realism. While instilling often far-off goals in athletes is important, being able to craft a plan off someone's current abilities is critical to preventing burnout, diminished motivation, and injury. Collaboration is absolutely essential—neither athlete nor coach can be independent of each other—and so is recognizing that people have lives outside of running, so meeting people where they are and tailoring programs to their specific goals, abilities, and time constraints is essential.
What is your proudest coaching moment?
The first time my high school boys' cross country team won the state cross country championships. I'd been coaching for only about a year at that time, so I was still relatively new to wearing that hat (having been a high school athlete myself only a few years prior). Getting through that season, with all of its ups and downs, and getting to watch them climb those steps and hold that trophy in front of thousands of cheering fans is something I'll never forget.
What is your favorite workout to coach and why?
I have no favorite workout to coach because every workout, every day of training, has its purpose. In my own training, I often ask myself, "What is the purpose of today?" No one day should ever take importance over another.
Please list any awards, achievements, or certifications below. This can be sports and/or coaching certifications.
6-star Abbott World Marathon Majors finisher
USATF Level 1 Certification
Where is your favorite place to run in New York City?
Central Park
What is your favorite NYRR race?
To race, the Brooklyn Half; to watch, the TCS New York City Marathon