I am new to the running world. I completed my first marathon in November of 2008 and then became enamored with trail running. I completed some 50-milers in 2010 all with the "I'll figure it out on my own" approach to training. Once I decided I wanted to attempt my first 100-mile race, I knew I needed help in achieving this goal. I was entering entirely new territory and the thought of running 100 miles is quite overwhelming.

I had been following Matt's races and incredible adventurous feats for some time, so it seemed like a no-brainer to get him to coach me for Cascade Crest 100 Mile Endurance Run. From the initial conversations all the way until race day Matt was open, honest and encouraging. I was continually impressed at how he seamlessly interlaced all facets of training: physical, mental, nutritional and recovery. He is a wealth of knowledge.

I had no idea what to anticipate in training for such a daunting task as a 100-miler, but Matt's plan unfolded nicely and pushed me harder than I could have expected. With each milestone along the way to the race, Matt would be able to point out key areas of improvement as well as lessons learned. The best part of the training was it never became boring. Each day brought a deeper level of passion for ultrarunning. I give most of that credit to Matt and his passion and excitement not only for the sport but for me to reach and exceed my goals.

I've always been an active person and finding the motivation and time to get out into the mountains or onto my bike has never a problem. I was having fun and achieving some of the fitness goals that I was setting but was often finding myself injured and frustrated instead of ready to move onto the next project. I eventually began to realize that most of my problem was due to a complete lack of planning or real preparation leading up to whatever idea I had come up with that week. When I finally had my mind set on running 100 miles through the mountains I knew it was no joke and I'd need as much help as I could get to do it.

There are a ton of various types of coaches available online but it didn't take long to eventually settle on working with Matt. I was more than impressed with the race resume so I knew he had the firsthand experience of running ultras, the weekly training schedule was reassuring since it allowed for day-to-day flexibility around my work schedule and took into account what I'd accomplished during the prior weeks of training, and finally, the connection to my hometown of Seattle.

I've worked with Matt for just over a year now and during that time I ran my first 50k, first 50-miler and reached my ultimate goal of finishing the Cascade Crest 100 Mile Endurance Run in 22:56:24. Best of all, through all of the races and the training leading up to each of them, I never suffered a single injury. I know none of this would have been possible without the guidance and knowledge of Matt along the way and I can only look forward to next year and the year after to see where his coaching can take me.

I have worked with Matt since January 2009. Matt is my personal trainer, mentor and friend. Under Matt's expert coaching, I have seen major improvements in my strength, speed, endurance, and flexibility. I swim, run, strength train, cycle and dance. Matt has also provided guidance for nutrition and diet, which has contributed a a significant loss of weight over the last year.

Matt is a "no nonsense, get down to business" trainer, which is a style that perfectly matches my own work ethic. He is also warm, supportive and encouraging. I have always felt completely comfortable working with him.

Matt taught me to trust my own abilities as an athlete. I learned from Matt that I could push myself hard and improve my performance. Workouts are challenging and my body has responded positively.

The qualities that make Matt a great coach are not simply derived from his experiences as a dedicated and passionate elite athlete. I attribute Matt's talent as a coach to his exceptional listening skills, open communication, and his ability to facilitate, rather than demand motivation. I believe it is these qualities in Matt that make him uniquely adept at identifying his clients' strengths and developing those strengths towards reaching their desired goal. Matt's genuine delight at seeing his clients attain their goals, whether it's losing 10 lbs and running a 5k or setting a 10hr PR in an ultramarathon, is authentic and truly palpable.

Certainly, Matt's example as an extraordinary athlete across a spectrum of sports is a crucial asset to his coaching. However, I would argue that it's Matt's attitude and character that not only are helping me to realize my goals with distance running, but also have rekindled in me the passion and love that I have for running be it in a race, out for a training run with my dog, or simply exploring a new place.

I’ve known Matt for nine years and I am fortunate to have developed a great friendship with him over that time.

Why Matt is a great coach-
Matt’s decision to pursue a career in his passion, endurance sports, is an inspiration in itself. Unfortunately, there are not many on this planet that possess a true passion for their careers. Furthermore, there are fewer of us who make the decision to leave a good paying job with an established company and job security to follow our dreams. The fortitude to make this decision is ample motive to choose Matt Hart as a personal coach.

Matt’s motivation to succeed at his endurance endeavors whether it is an adventure race, a 24hr mountain biking event, or an ultra-marathon takes a special patience. The determination he has to not only successfully complete these endurance events, but to compete and finish as a top, elite athlete demonstrates his ability to train successfully.

Matt is continuously pursuing training methods to improve his performance as an elite athlete. Effective training is a requirement to compete at the level he does. He enjoys sharing his training knowledge with others. Furthermore, Matt gets satisfaction in seeing others succeed at their personal, athletic goals. He openly boasts of the accomplishments of athletes who’ve been fortunate to call him their coach.

Most notably Matt provides motivation directly and indirectly to succeed at one’s goals. Whether you read of his most recent accomplishment on his blog or he’s providing you with a training schedule to achieve and surpass your goals, he will keep you on track.

I could provide pages of rationalization as to why Matt is the right choice in personal coaching for you, but I need to get back to my full time endurance event – Dad.