NYRR GROUP TRAINING AT THE WWFY
We are excited to introduce NYRR Group Training to the Westport Weston Family YMCA. NYRR Group Training has been helping runners in New York City achieve their goals since 2016. We are now introducing the same great training concept at the WWFY geared toward Fairfield County runners of all levels, these workouts offer coaching, camaraderie, and the inspiration that comes from running with others. No matter where you are on your running journey, your training will be supported in a welcoming atmosphere by coaches who encourage you to pursue your goals and have fun.
SESSION INFORMATION
AGES: 18+
DATES: | Sept 12 – Nov 2, 2023
TUE & THU | 6:30-7:30AM
NYRR Members: $198 | Non-NYRR Members: $248
To become a NYRR Member click here.
LIMITED SPACE: 50 Participants
HOW IT WORKS
Each runner is set up for individual success with small-tiered groups that match participant’s goals and pace. Fastest group is 7:15 mile or faster pace and the slowest group is a 11:30 mile or faster pace. Runners can move between groups depending on how they feel that day and their upcoming goals.
Group Training workouts begin with a warm-up which includes running technique and ends with a strength and flexibility component. All sessions are comprised of challenging workouts, such as intervals or tempo runs.
All sessions will be held at the WWFY campus or near Longshore.
MEET THE COACH
ROBERTO MANDJE
The training group will be led by Olympian Roberto Mandje. Roberto was a professional runner from 2004 to 2016. During that time, he competed in the 1,500 meters at the 2004 Olympics, the IAAF World Cross Country Championships, and the XTERRA Trail World Championship, where he placed seventh in 2012 and fifth in 2013.
Roberto started coaching both individuals and groups in 2005 and in 2016 he joined New York Road Runners. Roberto has coached runners of all ages, as young as middle school, both remotely and in person. He also coached runners as part of his (at the time) sponsors’ camps and running schools/clinics, such as Nike, Newton Running, and PowerBar.
A Q&A WITH ROBERTO
What languages do you speak?
English, Spanish, French, German, Italian (rustiest)
How would you describe your coaching style?
Whether coaching 1 on 1 or large groups, my style is more or less the same. I like to educate the runner(s) along their training journey so that by the end of their cycle, they’re not only a better runner, but also more well-rounded and educated. I enjoy coaching runners to their goals while making them a student of the sport. I believe this way they can get more enjoyment out of their running and also pay it forward by further helping and inspiring their friends and family.
What is your proudest coaching moment?
Being at the New York City Marathon finish line each year and seeing so many of our in-person and virtually trained runners cross the finish line and celebrating months and in some cases years of training.
What is your favorite workout to coach and why?
I love coaching the long run, as it’s often the biggest mental hurdle for runners to conquer, especially those training for a half marathon or marathon. There are many variables that go into coaching a long run, such as nutrition (pre- and post-run), hydration, gear, proper pacing, and the mental aspect. Being able to help runners prepare for and conquer their long runs over several weeks and months is very rewarding as a coach. You get to see their self-confidence grow and many of their pre-race fears dissipate.
How many years have you been coaching?
16 years total (5 with NYRR)
List awards, achievements, and certifications.
Olympian, IAAF World Cross Country participant, multiple-time XTERRA Trail Running Champion, 5th at 2013 XTERRA Trail World Running Championships. RRCA certified coach, Lydiard coaching certification (Arthur Lydiard Foundation), Newton Running certified
What is your favorite NYRR race?
TCS New York City Marathon
What is your personal running motto?
Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.
SARAH CAPUTO
Sarah is an avid runner and all around fitness enthusiast, who loves working out and motivating others to achieve their fitness goals. After running her first NYC marathon in 2004, she was hooked. Since then, Sarah has completed hundreds of running and triathlon races, including 10 marathons (recent PR of 3:17 at Martha’s Vineyard marathon), two full Ironmans, and enjoys both local and international races. She has served as a running coach for the Running Center in NYC.
JENNY DAY
Jenny Day has been running for over a decade. As a certified UESCA running coach, Jenny has coached both groups and individuals. She is proud to coach and mentor runners at Fleet Feet in her hometown of Westport. Her favorites are the local 5k and NYRR races because they are perfect for any level of runner.
Jenny loves encouraging new runners to get into the sport. Her mantra is, “Running with joy is something I do every season, one mile at a time”.
MICHELE SINACORE
Michele is a long time distance runner with over 20 years experience. Michele has run 13 marathons and completed 5 Ironman triathlons including the 2010 Hawaii World Ironman Championships. She has raced as a top level masters athlete while raising two children and starting her floristry business. Michele has served as a run coach for lululemon and has been a sponsored athlete. She currently is the owner of Blossom + Stem Floral Design in Westport and will be running the 2023 NYC marathon. She is a longtime member of NYRR and super excited to be part of the coaching staff at the YMCA.
DAVE WRIGHT
Dave is the owner of Fleet Feet Westport and has been coaching for over ten years. He’s a 16-time Boston Qualifier as well as a Nationals masters qualifier in several track distances. His focus is on endurance running, nutrition and strength training.
ABOUT NYRR
New York Road Runners, whose mission is to help and inspire people through running, serves runners of all ages and abilities through races, community runs, walks, training, virtual products, and other running-related programming. Learn more at NYRR.ORG