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"I had been running for close to 20 years when I began training with Tracy. While I had completed a number of races up to 50K, I had never really trained in a planned, focused and thoughtful way. At the point I contacted Tracy for coaching, I had become a bit frustrated because although I was putting in the miles, I seemed to be getting slower and was having a harder time finishing races. Tracy’s individualized program required far less time than I had anticipated and while challenging, was always “do-able.” After about six months of following her training program, I finished a 12 hour Ultra with 53 miles completed. This was an achievement that I had never thought possible. What is most striking about Tracy’s programs is that they are “smarter” rather than longer and fit well for someone who has a busy life outside of running." -- Russell Searight, Ph.D., MPH, Sault Ste. Marie, MI |
"Tracy Thomas is the cornerstone of my life saving running program. She started with me in 2001 when I finished the Long Beach Marathon in 4:10 after smoking from age 12 thru 57. In 2003, with her help, I finished The Chicago Marathon In 3:23 with a 2nd-place in the 60-64 age division and in 2004 in 3:20--11th in the my age division. I hope to do the 2005 Chicago Marathon with a new PR (personal record) in my new 65-69 age division. Tracy's knowledge of physiology and personal experience in distance running combined with her charming gift of communicating in a way that is easy to understand gives her a leg up on her peers. Thank you so much for all your help."-- Verne "Lonnie" Schellhorn, Gualala, CA
"Tracy's business is, aptly, called "BodyMechanic Fitness." I've run for 20+ years, but that doesn't necessarily mean I was running correctly. Tracy's Gait Analysis and Training Program were part of my 20-year "tune-up." Thanks to the "mechanic's" eye, I am running more efficiently, gradually changing bad habits, and overall, running smarter and faster (2 personal records since starting with Tracy). Christ...if you can't get a new body, at least you can get a 20-year tune-up. :)" --Chris Pawlicki, Champaign, IL
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"I've been a
recreational runner for many years, enjoying local road and trail runs
with an occasional half or full marathon thrown in for fun - but never
taking them seriously. However, as every runner knows, you're not a
REAL runner unless/until you've qualified for the Boston Marathon! So,
upon turning 40, that became my goal and I trained hard for my first
serious attempt at 26.2 miles - using a training program printed in a
magazine. Let's just say that didn't work out as planned, at least
beyond mile 20 once I hit the wall! <grin> So, still wanting to be a
REAL runner, I asked around The Kennekuk Road Runners, my local running
club, and Tracy came highly recommended as an interactive option better
than just blindly following a printed schedule - and I've never received
better advice. Tracy develops a complete custom training schedule that takes into account the areas I specifically need to work on, adjusts the schedule on a per-month basis to match my progress, and even helped pick out my goal marathon for Boston qualification. With her assistance, I'm not training harder, just smarter! And my times are improving even at middle distances. Along the way, I'm learning more about running than I have in 20 years of magazine subscriptions and I heartily recommend Tracy even for experienced runners wanting to perform to their full potential." --Kevin Stroud, Danville, IL |
"I lost 10 lbs on my own and knew I needed a structured exercise program to strengthen and tone my muscles. Tracy created a customized weight training program to suit me and my busy lifestyle that allowed me to see results in just two weeks. It helped me jump start my weight loss pursuit even further and did so without making me sore and unmotivated. She's very knowledgeable about fitness and nutrition and always provides helpful nutritional tips to keep me on track. She's very supportive and makes me feel good about my progress. I highly recommend Tracy no matter what your health or fitness goals might be." -- Melanie Braidich, Denver, CO
"I still consider Tracy my personal trainer even though she moved 2,000 miles away. When she worked in my gym, she designed several different workouts for me (over a period of 3 years) specifically for my needs and goals and keeping my physical limitations in mind. These strength training programs always included a diagram and description of each exercise, the number/range of repetitions, and the weight that I should be using along with how to progress with increasing the resistance over time. She was always concerned about form and making sure that I did not do anything that might cause injuries. We even had some laughs along the way. She made exercise something enjoyable and I really miss her."--Wendy L. Murray, Palos Verdes, CA
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"Tracy has that rare combination of deep expertise and a passion for fitness that make her an amazing trainer and coach. She also has the gift of being able to relate to everyone -- I have seen her work effectively with all types of clients -- from overweight people who hate exercising to competitive athletes who want to take their performance to the next level; from blue-collar workers to senior executives of Fortune 500 companies."--Laura A. Vossman, JD, CFA, Champaign, IL |
"I have never considered myself an "athlete". However, since working with Tracy I can honestly say that I have started to enjoy exercise. I went from not being able to run for even a few minutes to being able to do 4 miles. The first time I did the cardio/circuit training program Tracy personalized for me I couldn't even jump rope correctly. By the end of the month I was jumping rope 100 at a time. Tracy's total emphasis is on building a routine that is right for you and your body. She doesn't push you into doing anything you aren't physically ready for. She'll design a program that fits into any schedule and any level of expertise. Tracy has made a huge difference in my life."--Kathy Arata, Chino Hills, CA
"Tracy transformed my running and enabled me to run marathon PRs (personal records) and complete an ultramarathon through imaginative strength training routines designed for runners, moral support, and by being available anytime, anywhere, at any pace for training runs on the roads or on the trails. Even though she is speedy enough to win marathons and ultramarathons, she somehow never made me feel like my much slower pace was holding her back. I have seen her inspire and motivate runners of every level reach goals they would never dream of setting for themselves without her training, support, and contagious enthusiasm."--Joanna Moore, Brentwood, CA
"I've been a beginning jogger (15 to 20 miles a week) for years, but with Tracy's help I began incorporating long runs into my training. She recommended the technique of running a mile, then walking for about a minute. This helped me run for hours. We worked out a training schedule with long and short runs, hills, and variations in speed. She suggested excellent adjustments to the schedule when I encountered problems. She gave me great tips about eating a snack immediately after my long runs. With Tracy's advice, I have been able to increase my distance, strength, stamina, and speed even though I first started these changes in my fifties."--Mike M, Rosemead, CA
“I began working with Tracy at age 51. Within three months after her initial gait analysis and subsequent corrections, I was able to set a PR in the 5K and finish my first ultramarathon.” --Scott Solomon, Champaign, IL
Tracy can be reached at Tracy@BodyMechanicFitness.com.
*Always consult your physician before undertaking a new exercise regimen!