Sacramento Running Association

Coach Mary Coordt earned a Master’s of Science degree in Nutrition from the University of California at Davis. She taught Nutrition Science courses as well as Health and Physical Perfomance courses at Los Rios Community College District for more than 10 years, then worked for the California Department of Public Health for three years.  Since 2000, she has been regularly talking to groups of athletes, such as local high school runners and Team in Training members about adopting a life-long eating plan to meet nutrient needs, maximize athletic potential while at the same time decreasing risk for chronic diseases.

She has been providing customized individual marathon coaching for eight years and in 2010 expanded her coaching to train running groups for the CIM. Mary also enjoys coaching at the Dick Beardsley High School Camps and Marathon Running Camp each year. In 2010, she started working with Kellie Haynes to help with Fit for Girls, a nonprofit program to improve the overall health, fitness and well being of middle school girls. She lives with her husband, Dave, in Elk Grove.

Like many, Mary first started jogging to relieve stress while in college. It was not until about 16 years ago that she was introduced to the concept of speed workouts and started racing, soon discovering her passion for the marathon. She has run more than 38 marathons, is a four-time winner of the Napa Valley Marathon, two-time winner at the Big Sur Marathon, and has qualified and participated in four U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials (2000, 2004, 2008 and 2012).  In July 2011, she competed in the Worlds Masters Athletics competition (Sacramento), where she won the Gold Medal in both the 5K and 10K track events.

Occupation

• Coach
• Nutrition Seminar Speaker and Consultant

Education

• Masters of Science, Nutrition, University of California, Davis.
• Bachelor of Science, Nutrition Science, University of California, Davis.

Coaching/Speaking Experience
Coach

• 2006-current. Coached 3-5 individuals at a time for 5k to marathon distance, providing a customized comprehensive training program that also includes: nutrition analysis, core workouts, guidance on proper running form, pacing skills and injury prevention.
• In 2010, she expanded her coaching to successfully train 25 runners for CIM.
• In 2011, she developed the inaugural SRA CIM Coaching Program and in 2012 continued to successfully train 60 runners to achieve their marathon goals.
• In 2012, she coached two separate groups of runners, one for the Boston Marathon and the other for SACTOWN Ten-Mile Race.
• In 2013, she continues to expand the training programs, while maintaining the quality of coaching, to train runners for SACTOWN Ten-Mile Race, the Inaugural Folsom Blues Half Marathon and CIM.

Coach and Nutrition Consultant

• Dick Beardsley Marathon Camp since 2006 employed each summer for a week-long camp with 30 athletes of various ages and running experiences who strive to learn how to improve their performance.
• Dick Beardsley’s High School Running Camp in 2007, 2008 and 2010.
• Women on the Move Conference and Retreat with Kathrine Switzer, 2008.
• 2000-current: Nutrition Consultant for individuals seeking to adapt a healthy eating lifestyle and to learn how to properly fuel their running.

Speaker and Panelist

• Napa Valley Marathon, March 2005-2012. Eat Your Way to a Better Marathon.
• California International Marathon, Dec. 2009-2012. Fueling the Brain and Body for Optimal Performance, Tips to Maximize your Marathon Training.

Publications

• “Five Nutritional Mistakes Marathoners Make” Marathon and Beyond, Vol. 12, Issue 5 Oct 2008
• “My Most Unforgettable Marathon” Marathon and Beyond, Volume 9, Issue 2 Mar/Apr 2005.
• Nutrition Columnist for Marathon and Beyond, Volume 8:191-194, Sept/Oct 2004.
• “Nutrition and Athletic Performance”, in The Ultimate Runner’s Journal by Rich Hanna, Second Edition  2003.

Running Career Highlights

• U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials - 2:51:54 - February 2000 (54th).
• U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials - 2:49:11 - April 2004 (59th).
• U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials - 2:52:56 - April 2008 (104).
• U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials  - 2:46:18 - January 2012.
• Twin Cities USA Master’s Marathon Championship - 2:45:00 - Oct. 2009 (3rd Masters).
• First female: Napa Valley Marathon in 1997, 2005, 2009 and 2010.
• First female: Big Sur Marathon in 2006 and 2009.
• Road Runners Club of American: Road Runner of the Year (Female Open) in 2006.
• June 2006 she completed her longest race, Comrades in South Africa, finishing 20th woman.
• April 2010 placed 10th in Two Oceans in South Africa: Gold Medal.
• August 2010, 2nd at Galway, Ireland World’s 50k: 3:28:30.
• July 2011, Gold medals in both the 5k and 10k, World's Masters Athletics Championships, Sacramento, CA.

Below are comments we received from several of the “Team Coordt’s Comrades” members that tell in no uncertain terms what the SRA coaching programs meant to them. Enjoy!

You can also learn more about the different programs by reading the program blogs and program recaps via the links below.

2011 CIM Coaching Program

So much to be said in just a few words! I've run several marathons. I thought I knew how to train.  Everything I thought was wrong. Mary and the SRA coaching program have proven invaluable.  I'm now seeing results I previously thought out-of-reach.  Best thing I've ever done is sign-up for the SRA/CIM Coaching Program! – Joe

The program has challenged me while offering the most variety of any training I've ever done. I love the team and all the changing workouts. Coach Mary is beautiful. She's brilliant and funny. She's caring and humble. Mary is a gift to the running community. — Julie

As has been stated by many others, this training program has been an incredible experience. I think we can thank Mary not only for the fantastic coaching but also for putting together such an enjoyable group of runners. This has been an experience and a group of people that I will never forget. — Gregg

After 59 marathons and 30+ years of running, this is my first experience with a coaching program that targets a specific event, and I am thrilled with the progress I have made along with all I have learned! Mary’s enthusiasm, dedication and passion for bringing out the best in us, combined with her in-depth coaching expertise is a win-win formula. — CC

I have so many positive comments about this program and Coach Mary that it is impossible to put them down in a few lines. Suffice it to say that I would highly recommend this program and the other ones coming in 2012 to anyone seeking to take their running to another level, have fun doing it, and stay healthy as well! — Barbara

Mary is giving of her time and talent. She isn't a coddler, because we don't need that. Mary motivates through honest encouragement. She's always punctual, extremely organized and willing to lend an ear. I couldn't ask for any better. Mary and the SRA coaching program are the real deal. – MM

Mary has given me so much support and has helped me reach my goals.  She is inspirational and encouraging when you are doubting yourself. She always lifts you up and will tell you how to be a better runner.  Her number one phrase that she always tells us is "Be Patient!" — Theresa

Mary is a great coach, athlete and best of all a great person.  She takes the time to tailor her training to each runner's goals and abilities and gives personalized feedback.  Her dedication and passion for running is contagious, and she is truly an asset to the Sacramento running community and the SRA. The 2011 SRA/CIM Training Group has been an amazing experience as it has allowed me to meet and learn from other marathoners, enjoy the many beautiful running locations throughout Sacramento, as well as become a smarter and stronger runner.  — Dan K.

After a work out Mary will approach each and every one of us and ask how we did.  If we felt it didn't go so well, she will ask several questions that could lead to a possible cause. With more than 20 people at any given workout, I was without a doubt impressed with the genuine feel received from her. "No chatting girls!" during interval training one Wednesday night. I thought this was so funny the way she said it and meant it, but so TRUE!!!  Those workouts made me a faster runner!! — Kem

When I applied for the SRA/CIM program with Mary I never thought I had a chance to be  acccepted. I feel this is the opportunity of a lifetime, and I have been thankful every day during the program. Because of her knowledge and skills and willingness to help, I am going to exceed my original goal that I had when I signed up. I could never have asked for better coach or trraining program! — Teresa

2012 Credit Union SACTOWN Ten-Mile Run Coaching Program

Thanks for all your hard work in making this such a fun, successful program.  My running has greatly improved over the past eight weeks and I have met some wonderful running colleagues.  When I started your program in February, I had just completed the Super Bowl run in 1:00:14 which is a 9:42 pace.  When I finished your program just 8 weeks later, I completed the SacTown 10 in 1:29:43 which is a greatly improved pace of 8:58!  The proof is in the pudding.  This program works! - Dan
 
You have been a wonderful coach and mentor. You are to the total package in the form of an elite athlete and professional, providing both nutritional info, your valuable experience, and the ability to maximize our individual potential. I appreciate all of the time you have given me 1-on-1, and always responding to emails, etc. When I started this program 8 weeks ago running five miles was the furthest and longest I have ever run, now 5 miles is an easy day. And, while I haven't been able to make every group run, I have used the homework you provided and kept up with my progress, documenting it along the way.  Thanks for giving me the tools and encouragement to stick out all 8 weeks and do what I thought was formerly impossible- 10 miles! I hope to join other training sessions you coach or attend some of your seminars as I plan to attempt a 1/2 marathon in the fall. - Rachel
 
Training with your group was awesome. I never would have expected such a huge improvement.  My time in September 2011 (Buffalo Stampede) was 98:30, and I felt like that was FAST for me, like I had really pushed.   So I am totally excited! THANK YOU for all the great workouts that really pushed me to discover what I had in me!  1:26 PR - Andrea
 
This was such a great experience! Thank you so much for being kind yet also keeping us accountable. I have never had a coach before so it was just wonderful to have someone providing me with guidance, encouragement and accountability. This was the first time I have ever entered a running event and felt like I was really running! The workouts you provided us really made all the difference. - Anonymous

As an educator and mother, I understand that a little positivity goes a long way to producing great results. As an adult, many of us don't hear these happy notes very often, but when we do, they can make us soar - just like we were kids again. In early February at my very first training session with Coach Mary Coordt, I found myself soaring. It was dark and I ran alone, pacing myself behind a guy I would later know as, "Pete." From behind I heard this very fast pitter-patter and I knew it had to be Coach. I didn't think anyone else in our training group could be that fast. She ran beside me, asked me my goal pace, commented on my form (which was good), and then, as she trotted away, she said something  I hadn't heard in years: "You have potential." That was it, I ran harder and pushed myself more that night than I had in months. Knowing that someone of her caliber thought I had potential was, quite frankly, unbelievable. - Leah