Elle Purrier, Liane Farber, Mark Coogan, Katrina Coogan, Jeff Benjamin, photo by Larry Eder, Statens Island 2019
Jeff Benjamin, Elle Purrier, Mark Coogan, photo by Jeff Benjamin
Mark Coogan has used his experience as a fine American distance runner, (two time Olympic team member at the marathon and the Pan Am silver medalist in 1995 at the marathon) and moved that enthusiasm into coaching. He now coaches Team NB Boston. Jeff Benjamin corresponded with Mark on his suggestions for training at this time.
Awaiting The Baton In The Relay Exchange Zone – Profiles Of Athletes, Coaches & Legends During The War Against Corona
Profile # 18
Elite NEW BALANCE Coach Mark Coogan
By Jeff Benjamin
How is your daily training/coaching routine doing and how challenging has it been for you in this environment?
“The daily routine has changed a bit. New Balance Boston is no longer meeting daily for practice. Part of being on team is the social aspect of meeting for practice. We understand this is not the time to meet and we are communicating by FaceTime and texting to have some social time with each other. I think the communication is keeping NB Boston engaged and motivated. We know there is light at the end of the tunnel and when this if over we will be ready to go. NB Boston is doing their runs solo now but I encourage the team to run at normal practice times and try to keep the same routine the best you can. Put your goals on your refrigerator so you can seem them a few times daily for added motivation! Trust your feelings because they are real.”
What advice can you give to runners, -especially youth, high school, collegiate- who are challenged during this time as well.
“I would encourage young runners to use their phones and computers to see their teammates as much as possible. I think teams make running much more fun so seeing your teammates as much as possible is important even if it just on your phone. I would look at this as a time to still improve. Maybe if you are a college runner you are taking your break now. The early break will allow you to have a longer build up for xc season. You don’t have to rush and you can do it properly now. The chance to run extra miles will probably make you a better runner in the fall. Maybe there are other runners in your family that you are quarantined with and you can do a few runs together. In my family William (senior in HS and 4:10 miler) has done a few runs with Katrina who is on NB Boston. It makes me feel good to see them running together.”
