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We are Marathon Dynamics, and since 1997, we've helped thousands of runners reach their goals and realize their dreams.
We guarantee that with our help, you too can run much stronger, longer and faster...and even have some fun with it too!
With our Customized Training Plan system, and the expertise, advice and enthusiasm of our coaches, we can help you become a better runner...
Guaranteed.
Doesn't matter if you're a penguin or gazelle. Want to improve your running? YOU CAN!
More on Customized Training Plans Latest Dynamo E-Newletter - Fall '24
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8 Tenets of Marathon Dynamics' Training Philosophy
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And Picked Up Speed From There!
The past five months have FLOWN by - kind of like you guys do with fierce finishing kicks at the end of your races...
Well done and well run to all!
We hope you've been enjoying a few short weeks of relatively relaxed, free and flowing running to recover from your big training and racing efforts, and to build momentum for next season too.
Don't look now, but that's just around the corner..
It’s become our tradition in between seasons, to step back from the technical, informational, objective bent of our in-season missives, to gain some perspective during the physical and metaphorical breath catch, and focus more on the heart, soul and spirit of running, and what it means to us. We sincerely hope you’ll read and enjoy our stories.
Before we announce what's in store for Marathon Dynamics in 2018, invite new runners to join us, and current Dynamos to return starting Dec. 4th onward, we wanted to provide you with a quick recap of all that's happened with MDI's Team Dynamo this past summer and fall.
Especially if you haven't been keeping up with us on FB (and if so...why not? Click here to join!), but even if you have, check it out - it's been quite the ride!
There were 100+ incredible achievements by our intrepid crew, including huge all-time PB's, Boston Q's, and best-ever age category placements. There have also been remarkable comebacks, entertaining and informative presentations, fun pub nights, great group workouts, enjoyable weekend long runs, and inspiringly selfless acts of teamwork to boot.
FYI – For all of you who signed up for our “Guess Your Time To Win” contest at the Waterfront Marathon Expo, waiting patiently to find out who won – the wait is over!
Congratulations to Jonathan Strauss, who came within 0.4 seconds of correctly predicting his final chip time at the Waterfront 5K to win the grand prize – a $400 value package of Customized Training Plan & Coaching for next season! (note: times were adjusted proportionately for comparison based on race distance, so a marathoner would have to come <3 seconds of their prediction, and a half marathoner within 1.5 seconds. No one did ;o)
8 Great Summer/Fall '17 Highlights
(In chronological order - Click on pics for hi res)
1) June 3 - Streetsville Mile
We only had a few Dynamos venture out to Mississauga for this first time event (held in conjunction with the Bread & Honey races), but we wanted to highlight it for two reasons:
a) To recognize the fastest 1 Mile Trial done by a Marathon Dynamics runner in almost 20 years! Mark Clingen ran an incredible 4:51 mile (at almost 47 no less!) to finish 2nd in his age cat (second only to Coach Kev who ran a 4:46). Big props Mark!
b) we'd love to see it become a fixture on our Dynamo race calendar, since it dovetails so well with the start of the summer season, and "kills two birds" by getting that nasty 1 mile trial done AND a race too.
So after spring '18 is run and done, how about it gang...let's do it!
2) June 15 - Team Dynamo Rocks TO Ekiden Relay
A fabulous evening was had by all as three teams of enthusiastic Marathon Dynamics runners did friendly battle with 45 of the best running clubs/teams in the GTA and beyond.
Our mens and womens teams did phenomenally well, with our mens team placing 6th, and our womens team placing 9th, but the best part was simply getting so many of you together to support each other at this very unique Toronto running event.
Thank you all for your effort, support and commitment to our team!
3) Not So Lazy "Daze" of Summer: July & August
The midsummer period is often a little lower key, as runners are busy with vacations, family, other projects, interests and fitness activities. And though Dynamo runners certainly embraced all these, we kept engaged with our running and with each other in a number of ways.
As temperatures rose, our crew amped the enthusiasm up even higher with sizzling intensity workouts, group long runs, strong race pace runs, and lots of social gatherings for seminars, presentations, pub nights and more.
Here are a few pics of halcyon bliss in our purple world:
7) Nov 5 - Hamilton & NYC Marathon Weekend
Wet, Windy and WONDERFUL!
Apparently nothing could get in the way of our fiercely determined Dynamo runners just crushing it out there on the race courses in Hamilton (mainly) and NYC Marathon (and Angus Glen even ;o)
Despite the less than perfect weather most of our crew had phenomenal races. For a rundown of three dozen of the shiniest performances from our all-star runners and a boatload of great picks, vist our FB page - click here
8) Nov 25 - "Purple Power Post-Season Party"
An Evening With Lanni Marchant
That's right, it hasn't even happened yet, and we already KNOW it will be the Toronto running scene social event of the year! Well over 100 are confirmed to attend this very special event, as we fill every seat at the Granite Brewery to celebrate with our fellow runners, coaches and this remarkable Canadian runner!
We're very much looking forward to an evening of great food and drink, enthralling stories, amazing awards and draw prizes, and a presentation by Lanni - Canadian Marathon record holder, Olympian, national champion, criminal lawyer, feminist, advocate, role model, writer and so much more!
If you want on the waiting list last minute - click here!
Phew! That was just the last 5 months...
Can you imagine next year?
We can - Join Us Now!
4) Sept 9 - B&O 5K & Can. 5K Championships
Big Purple Power MDI Race Weekend!
At the Canadian 5K Road Race Championships in downtown, 3 MDI coaches earned podium finishes: Roz Morton (3rd in 40-44 - 19:07), Lawrence Warriner (1st in 50-54 - 17:27) and Coach Kev (2nd in 45-49 - 16:40). Lots of purple on the awards rostrum ;o). Guess these guys can do more than just stand around barking split times and clutching clipboards! ;o)
Other great results this weekend:
At the B&O 5K:
Jacquie Jacobs - 1st in AC in 24min
Anu Bentley - 2nd in AC in 23min
Tanja Taylor - 2nd in AC in 22min
Lisa Demarco - 6th in AC in 27min
At the MEC Toronto races:
Dave Larock - 4th overall in the 5K (19:09 - all time PB)
Soroush Hatami - 3rd overall in 10K (37:18 - all time PB)
Mike Brown - 44:19 (must have been near top of masters?)
Helen Burston - 3rd overall in the Half (1:36:29 - all time PB?)
Helen Bagshaw ran 46:43 for 3rd in her AC at Longboat 10K
John Rendeiro ran 38:20 @ TO Hydro 10K to WIN it overall!
At the Erie Marathon:
Andy Sykes ran a 3:35 to Boston Q by almost 20 full minutes
& Ryan Goldvine ran a HUGE all time PB of 3:06 to BQ too
So impressed by and proud of the efforts of these standout Dynamos!
5) Oct 8 - Chicago Marathon
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6) Oct 20-22 - Scotia Waterfront Weekend '17
It was a weekend I'll not soon forget, that's for sure! Between the two days of hustle and bustle at the Waterfront Expo, to the sunny, hot & steamy conditions on race morning, it was a challenge for sure, but one well worth undertaking!
Great big thank you to the almost two dozen Dynamos who volunteered to help out Team Dynamo at our booth to help make it the place to be.
Thanks as well to the many Dynamo runners who came to cheer on our crew on race morning. Your support meant the world to them!
As for the race, the unfavourable conditions cost half marathoners some finishing time, and cost the marathons a LOT of finishing time, and yet quite a number of our Dynamo runners still had fine to formidable race performances.
For a rundown of the top 40 Dynamo performances and to see dozens of great race pics, please visit our FB page - Click here!
4) May 7 - Double Header Race Weekend:
Goodlife, Mississauga & More!
It was one of those rare "beyond words" race weekends, where good weather, great courses, and busloads of very keen, savvy, enthusiastic and downright amazing Marathon Dynamics runners took to the roads...and CRUSHED IT!
Your Dynamo Coaches are thrilled with your impressive accomplishments, and have been enthralled all week catching up on the stories that make the experiences so memorable.
For a comprehensive list of the "TOP 50 Dynamo Performances" from this weekend (alphabetically), and countless great race photos (thanks largely to Dynamo Alum Michael Lin), please click here!
(above left) Soroush Hatami blazes to another all time PB of 1:22 at GL Half (4th in age cat). (above right) George Gleeson (left) and Nik Paukkunen (right) crush their respective all time marathon PBs at Goodlife, running 3:05 (George, by 11 min) and 3:15 by Nik (23 min). (below top) Janice and Eric Morris look relaxed and ready at the start of the GL Half - indeed they were, as both ran all time PBs of 1:36 (Janice) and 1:33 (Eric). (below bottom) Tiffany Simms is shocked and excited to have crushed her best ever Half Marathon at Mississauga, running 1:30 flat for 5th in her AC and 11th overall.
5) May 2 - Brand New Team Wheels!
With Marathon Dynamics planning even more team events, and looking for ways to improve our impact on the local scene (races, expos, workouts, etc.), it was time for us to up our game in the automotive department, and get new "Purple People Mover". After much deliberation and preparation...here's what we came up with. What do you think?
Talk about a "chick magnet"! Less than 24hrs old and it already had beautiful babes strewn all over it!
6) April 30 - Skechers Performance Try Out #2
The second of two "Try & Buy" sessions with our newest sponsor Skechers Performance Running Shoes, was a rousing success (as was the first one back in February at Monarch Park), despite nasty weather conditions complicating our meet up in High Park.
This has been such a wonderful, mutually beneficial relationship thus far! I myself (Coach Kev) can't stop raving about how great my transition into the entire range of Skechers Performance line has been going, and now there are already at least two dozen MDI Dynamos running in these "slipper like", smooth-riding wonder-shoes - with glowing reviews! Here's just one from Dynamo Anu Bentley (hours after running her all time 10K PB in them - by 5 minutes! ;o)
"I had to tell you. I wore my Skechers Go Run today and I was blown away by how great they were...super light and responsive. So comfy in the toe box too. They're my new favourite running shoe".
Stay tuned for an announcement on when the next Dynamo Skechers meet up will happen, as it's still pretty tricky to try out this brand new line to the Canadian market. There are a selection of retailers on the outskirts of Toronto that do carry them if you can't wait to go give them a try - click here for more info. And if you are now already running in Skechers and looking to reload, the Skechers online store is up and running. Click here for more info.
To say this season has been a whirlwind, doesn't do justice to the fever pitch you guys have maintained throughout. Not even close.Even before we get to the exploits of the last few Dynamo runners to race, at the Ottawa Marathon Weekend or the Toronto Womens Half (we're still collecting post race reports and pics, so don't have that ready yet, sorry!), there were well over 200 incredible performances from this season's crew during the past three months alone!
Before we invite new runners to join us, and current Dynamos to return, starting THIS week, June 5th onward, we thought we'd try to provide a little recap of this remarkable season.
Even if you've read every e-bulletin this season and are on our FB group, this will provide a fond look back on our collective efforts. And if you haven't been keeping up on the news, or are not on our FB page (remind me why not, again? Click here to join!), or ESPECIALLY if you're new to Marathon Dynamics - settle in and get to know us!
10 Highlights of Winter/Spring '17
(in reverse chronological order. Click on pics for hi res)
1) May 24/25 - End of Season Pub Nights
On back-to-back nights last week, we gathered together with at least 75 of you at parties in Toronto (The Madison Avenue Pub) and Oakville (Harpers Landing) to properly celebrate the unforgettable experiences of this past season - the training, the racing, the achievements, the struggles, the defining moments, the laughs, and the tears - all over a few beers!
Thanks to all who joined us. The rest of you...don't miss the next one!
Some of our Toronto crew stayed late for a group selfie as the evening wrapped up.
2) May 15 - Boston Doc Movie Night
A
lmost two dozen MDI runners gathered in Toronto for a select screening of "Boston: The Documentary," the first full length feature film on the entire history of this fabled, revered event. We ALL agreed it was an excellent film, and that it had stoked the fires to run it for the first time for those of us who hadn't yet been, and for those of us who had, to get back there soon!
In fact, there's now talk of Marathon Dynamics setting "Big Boston" team trip years every 3 years so we can focus on qualifying for and running it together to share that indescribably special Boston experience as a team. Tentatively, the next few "Big Boston" years for Team Dynamo will be 2019, 2022 and 2025. Stay tuned!
3) May 14 - Sporting Life 10K
As for those running? Well, I don't think we've EVER had this great a day at SL10K! Here's a quick "TOP 15 Perfomances" alphabetically (hope I didn't miss anyone ;o)
HELEN BAGSHAW - 47min - 17th AC, best in 5yrs
Quite often, and increasingly as the years go by (due perhaps in large part to rising temperatures due to global warming?), the Boston Marathon becomes less a test of a runner's ability to reach a preconceived performance target, and more of a test of will, of mettle, and of survival, due to oppressive conditions, layered upon what is already one of, if not the, most technical marathon courses in the world.
This, unfortunately, was one of those years. However, when that happens, it presents an opportunity to experience the mecca marathon of North American distance running, in a richer, fuller, more complete manner, and very often leaves one with compelling stories, lasting memories and a changed perspective on your relationship with Boston, with those who shared it with you, and even with your own running itself.
Since it was clear even before the gun went off this year that "time goals were off", we hoped that Dynamo runners would embrace this opportunity. By all accounts, we're happy to report, they did. So while this year's Boston did not leave us with a long list of great times, PBs, and Boston requalifies, it left those who ran it with much more.
Congratulations Dynamo Boston Marathoners of 2017 - we're so proud of you!
8) Apr 8/9 - Spring Run Off & Much More
An uncharacteristically great weather race day for the Spring Run Off 8K/5K (Toronto's longest running road race, btw!), helped some Dynamo runners shake off the winter rust and lay down some seriously great efforts:
Spring Run Off 8K (High Park)
Tiffany Simms 34:12 (4th in AC, all time PB)
Rod Lowe 35:46 (7th in AC, all time PB)
Tanja Taylor 39:40 (all time PB)
Nancy Kim 40:43 ( 10th in AC, all time PB)
Mare Giacalone 45:08 (11th in AC)
Angelique Plata 52:27 (all time PB)
Janice Morris - 1:07 (all time PB)
Peter Block - 1:10 (fast master!)
Jenn Pitts - 1:13 (all time PB)
Richard St. John - 1:17 (gotta be top in 70+!)
Barbara Milligan - 1:23 (all time PB)
Sherlita DiBratto - 1:25 (all time PB)
Claudette Germain - 1:26:50 (but just "racepacing" 6K at 10K pace!)
Karen Jodoin - 1:44 (all time PB)
Christine Moffit - 1:24 (5th in AC)
Ghazaleh Afshari - 1:29 (great 1/2 mara racepace w/o)
9) Mar 26 - Around The Bay 30K
It was a cool and very gusty day for the crew to tackle the oldest race in North America. Despite the conditions, and the fact that it was now the hardest course in the 123 years it's been run, Team Dynamo took North America's oldest road race by storm!
Congratulations to EVERYONE who gave such gutsy efforts against this formidable foo! It sure wasn't easy, was it? To see who was among the "Top 30 Dynamo Runners at ATB 30K 2017" and some great pics captured on the day, please click here
10) Mar 5 - Chilly Half Marathon
A truly GREAT day at the Chilly Half Marathon--in fact, it may well qualify as Marathon Dynamics BEST EVER showing! The quality of the performances of our crew laid down was absolutely and insanely great.
Your Dynamo coaches are absolutely amazed, and filled with joy and admiration for the efforts you put forth. We are SO proud of you, and SO grateful, each and every day, for the opportunity to work, run and play with runners like you! For a quick rundown of about 30 of the "best of the best" performances (note: we usually restrict the Chilly report to the "Top 21", but there were just too many to try and cut it down ;o), please click here!
We're so confident in our system, staff and spirit, that we offer a conditional $$$ back guarantee on our coaching services.
Curious to find out more about our Winning Edge Performance Improvement Guarantee? Click here!
I used to run as a kid in school and loved it so much but when I developed asthma my mother made me stop. After graduating university, I started running again to clear my mind and feel like a kid again - it was and is my favourite thing to do so I kept going.
I ran my very first race (Sporting Life 10K) in 2013 and as soon as I crossed the finish line I was hooked! I ran a half marathon two weeks later (like any sane person would) and developed my first stress fracture. I continued to run in pain, and use the winter months to partially recover, then start back up in the spring. I would cover roughly 70K/week, but wondered why I wasn't getting any faster. Iwould complain to my husband who then asked around and discovered that the number one recommended running coach in Toronto was a fine gentleman by the name of Kevin Smith.
I met Kevin on one of the coldest days in 2016 and completed a mile trial with him. He was very informative and patient with me because my ultimate dream was to qualify for the Boston Marathon and at that time I was nowhere near the shape I needed to be in with two stress fractures. As a runner, every time I was pounding that pavement I would fantasize about running in the Boston Marathon. It would bring tears to my eyes each time I thought about it because it was my ultimate goal. I wanted my BQ more than anything and I knew how hard it was to achieve and felt at many times it was close to impossible.
Kevin put a training plan together for me and I was determined to nail each and every workout, since I knew that if I really wanted to achieve my running goal I would need to put my dream ahead of everything else and focus on it. My family and friends were very supportive although they thought and still think I am crazy but I was ok with that.
With Kevin’s help, guidance and support, I was able to achieve a PB in every race distance this season and after two marathons I finally have my Boston Qualifier! I simply cannot express in words how truly grateful I am to Kevin and his coaching team for all the valuable advice and support that was given to me. This life achievement has taught me that if I work hard enough and never give up anything is possible. It really is.
THANK YOU KEVIN from the bottom of my heart.
Tiffany ran Personal Best (by 27min!) of 3:30 flat @ Toronto Waterfront Marathon to qualify for Boston
I started running 3 yrs ago & 2 yrs ago joined MDI. I’ve had my ups & downs, and when i wanted to stop because of a disappinting race result, Coach Kev encouraged me to stay focused and adjusted not only my training plan but also my goal. In addition, I have an amazing Thursday morning group who I look forward to train with, and has kept me motivated… 3 yrs ago I ran Scotia half in 2:22:02 and today I ran 1:55! Whoot Whoot!
I am truly grateful and you have made me a better runner!"
Dynamo runner David Gauthier, who has improved his marathon by almost 45 min since joining Marathon Dynamics, recently running a 3:05 this fall to qualify for Boston!
Marathon Dynamics, and Coach Kevin, took me beyond my extensive reading and personal attempts to apply what I've read and enabled me to achieve a personal best time (1h24min) in the Toronto Waterfront Half Marathon) I wouldn't have believed possible--8 MINUTES!
They did this through creating a customized plan and then monitoring and adjusting it and encouraging me every step of the way. MDI coaches without overcoaching, and provides a great social environment enabling the runner to achieve their goals!
Mark Clingen
Through Marathon Dynamic's program, I've come back from pregnancy as a stronger and faster runner. I've gone from bed rest to personal best, qualified and ran my first Boston Marathon 6 months after giving birth to my third child and just recently ran a half marathon PB (1:39 2015 Waterfront Half)
"I have a hectic schedule and couldn't commit to fixed group runs. Kevin created a customized training plan for me and was always available for e-coaching.
Marathon Dynamics prepared me to qualify for Boston with a PB of 3:11. Even better I beat my marathon time last October by 22 minutes! I'm looking forward to working with Marathon Dynamics for Boston. I know the group work would have been ideal but Marathon Dynamics was able to tailor a program around my needs."
Jacquie Jacobs - qualified for Boston at her debut marathon in her 1st season with MDI
...for designing my perfect training plan. Kevin Smith provided me with e-coaching which made my dream of qualifying for Boston a reality. I am so proud of my accomplishment and know I could not have done it without MDI.
Thank you very much!
Don Campbell
What an amazing weekend and race in New York City! I finished in 4:37, and can't imagine another race topping this one! I could not have progressed this far without your help. I kept with the program and it really paid off.
Thank you again for all your help in preparation for this all season long!
Marathon debutant Cathy Annetta
Run out to it!
MDI Rocks! Why? The Personalized Training Plan and the Weekly Group Coaching. I did both. The result? 18 weeks later I qualified for Boston! The Plan was personalized for me, advocated cross training combined with a sensible number of non running days and was easy to follow. So I was realistically able to manage life outside running. And bonus...when I needed my Plan to be tweaked (due to really rough winter weather) it was easily done.
The Weekly Group Coaching got me ‘out there’ with other runners (of all abilities) and my professional MDI Coach. The coaches are runners too and were adept at keeping me on track (literally!) with my Plan by providing encouragement, advice (by email, phone or in person at the weekly workouts) and good jokes! Boston here I come!
MDI Runner Katie Thomas improved her marathon PB by over 15 min and qualified for Boston
Signing up with Marathon Dynamics was a great decision for me. It helped prepare me mentally and physically for running the NYC Marathon, and provided the opportunity to meet some extraordinary runners, especially on track day, dark and early. The whole experience of the training was great and gave me the confidence to do NY.
I could not have done this marathon without it. What worked especially well for me in particular were the bits of advice you gave on track day (eg sleeping) and through your web site. Most important though was the encouragement for us to do our best and a belief we could achieve our goals.
You taught us that the race is something to enjoy, and that I did. Many thanks!
"Marathon Dynamics’ training program showed me that if I run the race the right way, I can break 3 hours.
My first marathon was painful, but the training for it was a lot of fun, and I would definitely recommend Marathon Dynamics to anyone. Whether you’re aiming for a particular time, or your goal is just to finish, the coaches will design a program that will help you safely and enjoyably reach your goal"
I have to say joining Marathon Dynamics has been a great decision for me. I was initially intimidated by all the great runners in your crew but I wanted to get better so decided to go for it. I have had a great time and feel like I've improved over the last few months. Everyone has been so supportive and you have been an amazing coach.
Tara O'Hagan - ran 3:55 PB at Marine Corps Marathon
"MDI does a fantastic job of tailoring your training to you. The plans are very detailed, the support is fantastic, and the results speak for themselves. Kevin really knows his stuff and his approach is both resolute and flexible at the same time. I look forward to working with them again to take the next step in my running.
MDI runner Glen Way improved his marathon PB by over 10 min in his first year with MDI (3:08 for a Boston Qualifier)
“Even more important to me is that Kevin works really hard to foster a friendly and supportive team environment throughout training and coaching sessions... As a result, I have been able to establish incredible new friendships with some great people that share my passion for running.”
New Marathon Dynamics Runner Harvey Foote
"8 months ago I was immobilized on an hospital bed with severe injuries suffered in a horrible motorcycle accident. I just ran my half marathon in 1:29--an 8 min PB!
This would not have happened without MDI's help. The personal plans are very effective at keeping you focussed & the camaraderie of the group running sessions and coaches push you to the limit without you even noticing it!"
You are a genius! Your plans are magic. Do the work, run the race and get the time you worked for! So happy. 49:03 is an "age equivalent" PB for me!
Thanks MDI...you've never let me down!