Classics Department Head and Varsity Track & Field Assistant Coach Lizzie Benestad has recently achieved certification as a coach for the prestigious Road Runners' Club of America (RRCA).
The goal of the RRCA Coaching Certification program is to create a national community of knowledgeable and ethical distance running coaches to work with runners at all levels of ability. The course emphasizes how to be a successful coach, whether coaching individuals, small groups, or large group training programs such as 5K, half marathon, or marathon training programs. The certification course focuses on issues specific to road running and racing for adults at all ability levels.
The course curriculum includes 16 hours of lecture, group work, and interactive exercises, including working in teams to build training programs for novice and experienced runners. RRCA Certified coaches volunteer with their local RRCA member running clubs, coach clients one-on-one, and coach training programs for groups of individuals working towards a common goal.
The Road Runners Club of America is the oldest and largest national association of running organizations dedicated to growing the sport of running since 1958.
Lizzie, a veteran distance runner, ran in the Boston Marathon – her 15th marathon – this past April. She ran her best-ever time, 3:17, which qualified her for the 2016 Boston Marathon.
Congratulations, Lizzie!