Head Coach Christopher Dean
Organizer - DC FIT
Coaching Philosophy:
“It’s all fun and games until you miss your run.”
I have been running for 20 years. I started in middle school and haven’t stopped. I ran for Div I on scholarship and tried to get a stunt on the pro tour for three years after college (Never scored a point). I ran many races in those years; half and full marathons were my favorite. After many years of racing against (and always losing to) Keith Dowling, I asked him to join me in forming the National Marathon that runs in DC. After its first year I stepped down as Assistant Race Director to start my own company, and since then I have only been running recreationally.
I am motivated by constant improvement. I am always trying to better myself. This philosophy is the story of my racing, career, and family life. I am also an avid Hasher, dad, and entrepreneur.
Marathon Race History:
Feels like too many to list. In total about 15 marathons in the last ten years. My PR is 2:33:32.
Top 3 Marathon Training Tips:
- Learn by doing: Insanity can be defined as expecting different results from the same actions. Training can be insane but racing shouldn’t be. Don’t expect a good race if you are trying new things that day like drinking Gatorade or eating gels for the first (few) times. The body needs to train to do everything you do on race day.
- Quality over quantity: This may sound like an oxymoron coming from me since I use to train 140 miles per week, but it’s true. Running that much you do a lot of “Junk Miles” which help builds muscle mass and teaches your body how to burn carbohydrates better, but they are often slow and when you’re exhausted. Focused runs such as speed work and long runs near race pace provide critical workouts that will significantly enhance your PR. Junk miles are called junk for a reason.
- Dress for success: At work you dress for the position you want to be promoted to, this works in running too. Being prepared for the weather that you train and race in can mean the difference between hitting a goal and hitting the wall.
