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Running Evolution
Category: Active Life Fitness & Instruction Trainers Trainers [Edit]
E Green Lake Dr NSeattle, WA 98103
Neighborhood: Green Lake
(206) 291-7513
- Good for Kids:
- No
10 reviews for Running Evolution
10 reviews in English
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Review from Kandice K.
Seattle, WA
10/5/2011
I've just finished Beth's 6 week Couch to 5K program. In the past I've tried to take up running at least 8 times, but never successfully. I'd gotten to where I can run for 10 or 15 minutes, but never anymore than that. I have the Couch to 5K iPhone app, and I had been stuck on week 7 for about 3 months before I gave up.
This was going to be my last attempt at becoming a runner. And honestly, I didn't hold out much hope.
I'd read good things about Beth before the first class, but I was still dreading it. And guess what Beth explained on the first day of class? Why women have a different physiological response to the stress of running than men do. She told us what happens in your body, what your natural reaction is, and how to overcome it. Then she took us on a short run (that none of us thought we could do), and we all made it.
There is a really great homework schedule that helps you build up stamina between sessions. For me it was great, because there was very little running on it, and if there was, it was always less than we'd just done in class. So you're not trying to set new records by yourself. You're just doing what you already know you can do.
And I have to say, Beth is encouraging in a really real way. She doesn't babble in cliches and platitudes. She connects with each person and figures out what sort of encouragement they need. Sometimes it's cheerleading, and sometimes it's a quiet word of encouragement.
I can't really find the words to explain how much I hated running, and how much I'm now looking forward to continuing on with it. I'm not yet to the level where I like it, but I can see that light at the end of the tunnel.
If you're having trouble getting to the level where you can call yourself a runner, consider giving Running Evolution a try. I think a coach is the key, and the right coach makes all of the difference. And Beth is awesome. -
Review from Nina T.
6/27/2011
I'd been tossing around the Couch to 5k idea for a long time, but I was always intimidated when I heard all of my runner friends talk about how they had great 10 mile runs, the runner's high, etc. and here I was, not even being able to run 1 mile and feeling miserable the whole time. I finally made the commitment and signed up when I saw a deal on Beth's class. I was jogging more than 1 mile in no time, and by the end of the class, I could do 3 miles. I had the standard Couch to 5k experience that Beth offers through Running Evolution, and that standard experience is a little miracle.
The class experience is great. Beth is friendly, encouraging, and personable. She's full of great advice about everything running-related, which is incredibly useful for a beginner when you start feeling some aches in muscles that don't normally get used or don't know when your running shoes aren't cutting it anymore. And she's there at a bunch of the area 5ks and other events, congratulating her students at the finish line!
When you go through any of the classes offered through Running Evolution, you'll probably meet other runners that stick around in the "Running Evolution community," which is a great thing to be a part of. Lots of great running buddies to encourage each other with their next goal. Several people I met through classes did the half marathon class this summer and were successful - really inspiring for me to finally get off my lazy butt and keep going with my running.
I'd also highly recommend Ben's speed class. He's great about showing proper form, and the class is very personally tailored. He'll record your running and show you what you can do to be more efficient.
I highly recommend the Couch to 5k classes to anyone who says, "I'd like to run, but I'm just not a runner." -
Review from Vanessa C.
Seattle, WA
6/29/2011
I cannot say enough wonderful things about Coach Beth and her awesome team. After I was diagnosed with asthma in 2001, I never thought I would run again. Today, thanks to Running Evolution I'm not only back to running, but just completed my first half marathon!
I started running with Coach Beth in 2009. I hadn't ran in eight years, and a friend of mine signed me up for her "Couch to 5K" class as a gift. When I started, I couldn't even run a mile. I had just as many emotional barriers as physical barriers, but Coach Beth helped me power through them and before I knew it I was running three miles, then six miles, then 10 miles, and now a half marathon!
It's been amazing to watch Running Evolution grow. I love all the coaches. Every single one of them is so supportive, funny, and just all around great people. Same goes for all the wonderful ladies (and the gentleman) who take her classes. I've developed so many great friendships through Running Evolution it's unbelievable.
So, if you're sitting there on your couch right now hemming or hawing about signing up for a class - do it! Your body and social life will thank you 100 percent. -
Review from val p.
Seattle, WA
5/17/2011
I signed up for this class recently, because I really wanted to jumpstart a running habit for the summer. I am not one of those people who runs effortlessly, but had always felt that running is such a simple way get exercise, and boost your mood. This couch to 5k series seemed like a perfect solution for me. Once I found a timeframe that worked for me, I signed up several weeks early. Little did I know that between the time that I signed up, and the first day of class, a coupon site had featured the class, and many many others had signed up at half price, making the class very crowded at the start. This did not turn out to be too much of a factor, because by about the third class, we were down to a very manageable number. I do think, however, that the fact that many were doing this class at half price might have changed the dynamic of the class.
Overall, this class helped me meet my goal - at the end I could run 5k, just as promised. But I would have to say that it was a bit anticlimatic...I probably just expected too much. Every week, the group would meet, we'd talk very briefly then head outside to stretch, and run (every week, we ran more than the week before). we were given a schedule of what to do between classes (the key to this series is to do the homework). Bottom line, is that I could have done this myself - maybe it wasn't the best session, maybe new energy could be infused, but I think there was only one time that any of the coaches asked how I was doing.
The final night of our class, about 7 people showed up, and Beth didn't run with us, because she was starting a new session on the same night. Another coach took our group around greenlake. I was still quite happy to make it around the lake, but fairly disappointed that when I finished, Beth was there with her new group, and didn't even acknowledge our accomplishment. and its a little thing, but there wasn't any kind of token at the end to commemorate completion -
I realize that my review is a bit of an outlier - everyone else seems to have loved this class - maybe it wasn't the best session - but I felt like I should have gotten more attention, encouragement, and congratulations. -
Review from Megan V.
Seattle, WA
4/19/2011
I'm not an avid "Yelper" so I hope this review doesn't get filtered (I'm on to you Yelp!) but just because I don't often review places doesn't mean I don't have some great things to say!
First off, Beth is amazing. Amazingly funny, supportive and all around awesome. I took her 'Couch to 5K' class in January as part of my New Year's Resolution to eventually run a half marathon (baby steps right?). So I braved the freezing cold (and sometimes snow!) and got out there and ran with a great group of people, all nearly at the 'couch' level such as myself. If you haven't read her profile here on yelp, you should. It absolutely sealed the deal for me.
I'm now training with her (and a bunch of wonderful women) for the 'Rock n' Roll Half Marathon' and loving every minute of it....I've even signed up for her weekly Speed Class....it's seems my entire paycheck keeps going to Beth (but worth every penny if you ask me). I started out terrified of running and now I'm up to 8 miles and 10 weeks away from my first Half Marathon! Couldn't have done it without Running Evolution!
And shout out to her helpers, especially Tara....she is awesome too! -
Review from mandy m.
1/28/2010
i was one of beth's first clients years and years ago. new years eve i resolved to run as many miles as i was old- 26. having never really run a mile (after the presidential fitness challenge in the 7th grade) it was a difficult undertaking at best. but beth was up to the task.
she helped me set realistic goals (and yes, a marathon was one of them). she helped me tackle the voices in my head telling me i was too tired or that my knees hurt. she was really good at the alphabet game. she ran with me until she was 7 months pregnant (2 months before the marathon) and gave me the tools and tips to finish strong. and she was there at the finish line (coincidentally her due date) to cheer me on.
she is, by far, the most supportive, involved, caring and funny coach i have ever known. run with her. youll find the same- i guarantee it. -
Review from Annie J.
Seattle, WA
1/29/2010
Beth is a fabulous coach. I did her Couch to 5k class in Fall 2009 and am looking to go back as I train for my first half marathon in October 2010. Beth makes running fun and always has a smile on her face. I'm honestly a bit terrified about running a half marathon but I know with Beth training me and supporting me that I'll be able to make it.
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Review from Courtney M.
Renton, WA
4/13/2011
Name says it all. I have evolved into a better version of myself through running. Coach Beth and her team are more than fantastic. She is the best cheerleader and never allows me, or others, wallow in self doubt, discouragement or their own excuses for not being active. I am so thankful I ran into her!
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Review from Something Like a Phenomenon S.
Seattle, WA
9/4/2008
I signed up for 4 initial lessons with Beth (and re-upped for an additional 4) to ratchet up my fitness level and routine to another level. I was, frankly, terrified about running. I remember the trauma of having to run in high school gym class, and have shunned it ever since! The mere notion of running gave me the heebie-jeebies (not to mention the plethora of super-fit, self-confident athletic types--damn them all--who seem to infest Seattle [one of the fittest cities in the US]). Nevertheless, Beth was incredibly patient, nonjudgmental, and unfailingly positive. She works with any level of athlete/fitness: from total beginners and couchpotatoes, to moms returning to their workout returns from just having given birth, to hardcore marathoners. She varied our weekly routines, and is extremely personable and good-humored, and most importantly, never intimidating. She also offered to answer any questions I had by email even after I was done with my 8 sessions. If you're looking for someone whose fitness training style is 180 degrees different from, say, Jackie Warner on Bravo, Beth is for you. Take it from someone who loathed running up to this point. Although I'm not signing up to run any marathons at this point (and don't foresee that I ever will, ha ha), at least Beth got me to the point that I don't hate the prospect of hitting the treadmill or track--which is a HUGE development and mental readjustment on my part.
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Review from Parker M.
Seattle, WA
6/2/2010
I can't imagine a more supportive, fun, enthusiastic coach than Beth. There's little to say that the other reviewers haven't covered: she is nonjudgmental no matter what shape you're in, super encouraging, flexible, available and positive! Like a lot of people, not being able to run the mile my whole school career was traumatizing, and panic attacks ensued whenever I tried to run. I'm not sure if I'll ever really be a runner, but Beth's Couch to 5K class is one of the coolest things I've ever done and a huge self-esteem boost. So if you're scared of running, Beth is the best coach in Seattle (the world?) for you!
