Looking to do a couple ultras in LA area - is Jimmy Dean Freeman a legit coach?

Masters Running Masters Training

10 years ago 06/12/2013 1:23am EDT

I am old and slow and enjoy running on trails these days so I thought I'd shoot for a goal and run a couple 50K races.

I'm in the Los Angeles area and looked for groups to train with and a coach for some advice since I have only done road marathons and shorter trail races.

Online I came across a big group that is coached by Jimmy Dean Freeman. Anyone ever been coached by him? Is he legit coach?

His marathon and half PRs are not that spectacular but maybe he only focuses on longer stuff? And maybe you don't have to be fast to be a good coach.

10 years ago 06/12/2013 3:24am EDT

re: slow and old

I think he focuses more on his coaching and such rather than running his fastest. he's not the smallest guy (i'd guess over 6ft and prob over 175) but he can go all day. most people i've talked to in the LA area have been pretty happy with him. think i've personally known at least half dozen that he's coached, and have yet to hear anything poor, from them or anyone else. I have no idea what it's like to coach an ultra runner, but i imagine his group would offer the best training partners for that kind of thing. best of luck.

10 years ago 06/12/2013 7:44am EDT

re: Young Fart and not a coach

I have never lost a race to Jimmy or anyone he has coached. Just run more. He is a nice guy but you do not need a coach to run ultras.

10 years ago 06/12/2013 8:47am EDT

re: What?????

I hear he makes a mean breakfast sausage.

10 years ago 06/13/2013 12:39pm EDT

re: Young Fart and not a coach

thanks for the input. I'll give the group a try.

10 years ago 06/13/2013 12:45pm EDT

re: slow and old

Why do you think you need a coach to run ultras? There's no speed sessions to mix in, you just run every day. run a lot- slowly. bam- you're an ultra runner.

10 years ago 06/13/2013 1:15pm EDT

re: slow and old

He seems like a genuinely good guy from my limited interactions with him. His wife is hot. My guess is that you'd have a positive experience linking up with his group (don't know them personally). You'll probably learn some good new trails to train on, get some good input on SoCal 50ks that fit what you're looking for, and get sucked into longer races before long. I wouldn't expect too much from the coaching aspect if what you're really looking for is a detailed training plan. I doubt you need that with a long history of road marathons anyway. My feeling is that ultra coaching is more about race day stuff...pacing, nutrition, handling the elements and such, and that is all much more important in longer ultras.

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Looking to do a couple ultras in LA area - is Jimmy Dean Freeman a legit coach?

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