Lisa Rivera on Injury

I learned the hard way that the two most important tools in running are a coach and a foam roller. When I was training for the NYC marathon without a coach, following the Hanson training plan, I got hurt and didn’t know what to do. I was feeling discouraged and worried. After seeing a specialist I was able to walk again and move without pain, but my head was not in the game and I feared re injury. After sitting down with Rachel, she created a new training plan for me and checked in with me every day via text, at my request. Not only was I able to complete my marathon, but I completed it in 4:54 for my very first marathon, injury free and much faster than I anticipated. Coach Cutler was right there right before mile 22 greeting me with hugs and cheers. I loved her support and have come back to her for my latest goal of completing the Berlin and Chicago marathons back to back this year.

—Lisa, first time marathoner

Javie on Running with Purpose

As a long time runner, I jumped into running marathons with only the knowledge and experience acquired through various runners and running groups in the NYC running community. I quickly learned that marathons are a different beast and if I wanted to improve my marathon performance, I needed the help of a professional. I had known Rachel Cutler for quite some time through Front Runners New York and we became good friends. It was this friendship and the fact that I knew she was well versed in multi-sports training that led me to have her guide me. It was with Rachel that I learned that every run and workout has to have a purpose. Every component of the training plan is critical to achieving the goal. It was not easy to break down old habits and it required a lot of patience on my part. Through her training plan, encouragement, and feedback (emails, text messages, and in-person meetups) I eventually became aware of the importance of cross-training and training smarter rather than simply running to get miles. I became more efficient because all of my runs were assigned a purpose. I eventually qualified to run the Boston Marathon with a 3:01 qualifying time. With Rachel, you get a great coach and a lifelong friendship. 

—Javie Gomez (15- time marathon runner, including the 2019 Boston Marathon)

Molly on the Mental Game

I met Rachel through Harlem Gets Fit in 2015, and when I was getting ready to train for my first marathon the following year, I went to her in search of advice. She enthusiastically agreed to be my coach, put together an 18-week plan, and guided me through the process via text message, email, and in-person meetups.

What I valued most about working with Coach Cutler is that she knew what I was capable of achieving when I was full of doubt. At her encouragement, I reluctantly made my goal a 4-hour marathon and ended up running 3:57.27! I couldn't believe it, but Rachel could. That is the hallmark of an awesome coach. And best of all, we are now good friends and she continues motivating me to stay active!

—Molly F. (three-time NYC marathon, thanks to Coach Cutler!)