I had tried several times over the decades to run – I always ended up stopping due to leg pains.  Middle-age, love of food, and a desk job conspired to a steady upward trend in weight.  I reached out to Alex, not to train for a race, just to get help to get me running.  In 3 months, I advanced from fearing a 20-minute jog to being able to casually run 4 miles.  Along the way Alex provided encouraging words, technical tips, and guidance in working through physical challenges.  In the same time, I shed 20+ pounds and have gotten into a consistent pattern of running.  In addition to the good coaching, Coach Alex is a good guy who I enjoy talking with.