Upcoming Events
RunStrong Challenge
The Challenge Begins on Monday, November 6th, 2023
(Registration closes on Wednesday, November 1st)
About the Program:
Welcome Runners! The RunStrong Challenge is a 6-week strength training & injury prevention program to help you improve performance & running mechanics, reduce the likelihood of injury, and run on your terms for years to come.
Running is a demanding sport! That’s why incorporating the best evidence-based and individualized plan is important to becoming the best runner you can be. Oh yeah, not to mention you can win some pretty sweet prizes along the way!
With 6-weeks of coaching, rest assured that your running will thank you after participating in the RunStrong Challenge. Previous challenge participants have increased full body strength, reduced/eliminated pain, and improved their running mechanics & overall performance to create more enjoyment and success within the sport.
Regardless of whether you live in Kalamazoo/Portage, MI or a completely different area of the country, technology has eliminated all barriers so we can create a huge impact by working together. Let’s not use distance as an excuse because your big breakthrough is right around the corner!
The RunStrong Challenge Includes:
Functional Movement Evaluation (In-Person or Virtual) - Find your baseline and idenfity risk factors associated with injury during a thorough movement evaluation. This will be completed locally at Raw Strength in Portage, MI or via Zoom to get an in-depth look at what your body needs to be successful.
Individualized Program - Based on your goals, injury history, and evaluation, we will design you an individualized strength training & injury prevention program that fits your needs and weekly routine. The exercise program will be accessible to you in the TrueCoach app which includes video demonstrations, the specified sets & repetitions, and ability to communicate with your coach on a daily basis for feedback and accountability. If you’re local to the Portage area, you can upgrade to the premium option which consists of (6) in-person training sessions. Most workouts are between 15-45min in duration and catered to fit seamlessly around your busy schedule.
Add-On Services - Easily add a custom running plan to see the absolute best results possible.
Follow-Up Testing - Our #1 goal is to you results! See how your strength has improved from beginning to end with follow-up performance testing.
Private Facebook Community - Join the private Facebook group that is only accessible to those in the RunStrong Challenge. This is a great way to surround yourself and interact with a motivated community of runners, stay accountable, and learn additional strategies that will foster success.
Weekly Accountability - Achieve points each week by completing assigned tasks. The weekly check-ins will be used to determine the winner of the challenge since everyone will be at a different ability level and have their own individualized program. Some of the tasks include: completing your assigned workouts, getting a minimum of 7-hours of sleep per night, consuming half of your bodyweight in ounces of water, and interacting within the Facebook group.
Prizes and Giveaways - Win the grand prize for accumulating the most points and being consistent through the 6-week challenge. 1st place will receive a $100 gift card to a local running store of your choosing. There will also be smaller giveaways mixed in on certain weeks, such as: running gear, educational resources, and other cool stuff!
Here’s What the Program Costs:
Self-Guided - General Option (Local & Virtual Runners)
Cost: $49.99
No evaluation
General strength training & injury prevention plan
Self-Guided - Individualized Option (Local & Virtual Runners)
Cost: $199.99
The functional movement evaluation will be completed in-person at Raw Strength in Portage, MI or via Zoom.
100% individualized plan
In-Person - (6) Session Option (Local Runners ONLY)
Cost: $319.99
The functional movement evaluation & (6) training sessions will be completed in-person at Raw Strength in Portage, MI.
100% individualized plan
Meet Your RunStrong Coach!
Hey Runners!
My name is Garrett McLaughlin and I’m a Healthcare Licensed Athletic Trainer & Running Coach in Portage, Michigan. I run what is called the Healthy Running Program which has been helping runners across the country become the best version of themselves possible for the last 7-years. This includes those rehabilitation from running-related injuries or chasing that long awaited PR.
Most runners that I start working with are in a tough spot… They are considering deferring their upcoming race due to injury, working tirelessly but only seeing mediocre results, or wondering how to train in a smart way so they can continue running well into their later years. Fortunately for you, this time of year lends itself to strength training & injury prevention so we can create a stronger and more resilient foundation to see some really impressive results in 2024 and beyond.
But enough about me, this is about YOU…
If you are like my running clients, you want to get faster, improve your running form, and do so while staying injury-free. Running is a challenging sport! I’ve also personally experienced the ups and downs of running while suffering from a handful of running-related injuries over the years. However, it usually comes down to doing the little things on a regular basis that helps reduce your likelihood of injury and see the best, and most sustainable long-term results.
The RunStrong Challenge was designed with the individual needs of each runner in mind. This is no one-size-fits-all or cookie cutter program. Yes, you will be competing with other motivated runners who also want to get better, but you will be doing so with an approach that’s 100% individualized to you. My goal is to meet you exactly where you are in order to create the biggest impact over the 6-weeks we have together.
Are you up for the challenge?
Click below to fill out a simple questionnaire to determine if this program is the right fit for you. Limited spots available!
What Do Past Participants Have to Say?
“Being a member of Garrett’s RunStrong Challenge has significantly changed my life for the better - I am a stronger, better runner because of him. Immediately, I could tell that Garrett truly cares about each and every one of his clients. He is patient, attentive, kind, and EXTREMELY intelligent. It is important to be able to trust your coach, and Garrett seamlessly built that foundation of trust and respect from day one. I appreciate that Garrett took the time to listen and to get to know me, tailoring a program that worked with my busy schedule and supported my goals. He was so thorough in my initial running analysis and strength evaluation - You can tell that Garrett no only knows what he is doing, but he loves doing it!”
“The 6-week RunStrong Challenge was the perfect addition to my running! Garrett is awesome and really knows his stuff! He utilized his training and expertise and customized a plan that fit my goals and fitness level, while addressing weak areas and issues. The challenge group was amazing. Such a great group encouraging each other along! I highly recommend jumping into one of his challenge groups! The progress I’ve made is definitely noticeable! If you are looking to improve in ALL aspects of your running, look no further than the RunStrong Challenge. He combines his training and expertise and comes up with a personalized training program to meet your individual and specific running goals. Part strength training and part correcting your weaknesses, his program will fit into your lifestyle and compliment your running! Whether you have specific goals or just want to be a better, more efficient runner, trust Garrett to get you there!”
“As an older triathlete who has had several surgeries, having an athletic trainer who is also ART certified offers many benefits from recovery to overall performance with proper muscle movement. I discovered getting an ART treatment prior to my workout helps improve my range of motion and overall muscle strength to maximize the workout. Over the last 3-months, my overall recovery from one workout to the next is much faster and less painful!””