AYODELE [AYO] YUSUF

PERFORMANCE TRAINING SERVICES

As a longtime and experienced runner/racer, I have often found myself in a position to assist colleagues and friends discover their passion for running...so much so that they in turn both planted the original seeds AND encouraged the development of my running guide and advisory services. Case in point, a friend who asked to join me for a run caveated her request with a warning that 1.5miles/15minutes was the max she could do however hard she'd tried in the past (and she runs quite frequently). We went running together and 3.6miles/42minutes later she could NOT believe that she'd just done all that running based on tips I offered while we ran. I on the other hand had no doubt in her abilities to push her previous limit!

So, while not a certified fitness professional, I’m very well versed and knowledgeable about time-tested running fundamentals and how to execute smartly and effectively. In addition to these basic running fundamentals, have spent the last several years experimenting/advancing my own personalized daily 15-30 min workout regimen coupled with a 12yr nutrition plan/lifestyle (I'm on a 100% plant-based diet) - all of which have provided the raw material and lessons distilled into training plan offerings. My running coaching utilizes the following pragmatic approach to achieving your goals while still maintaining a sense of fun and joy in your training:

Building a Balanced Base: A robust aerobic base, speed base, and strength base are crucial to achieving your running goal(s) - whether a fast 5K or a first marathon. Together, we’ll focus on developing this balanced-base for new athletes – and optimize/tweak continually for more experienced runners.

Long-Term Growth/Longevity: Injury-free training is paramount and a pillar of my training philosophy in the quest to help you achieve running your personal best and longevity as a runner. Personalized and adaptable, my training plans adjust with your individual progress to avoid overtraining or burnout – and include versatile exercises/non-running activities, sustainable mileage, cutback weeks, the appropriate ratio of hard-to-easy-to-recovery runs, strength training, and core workouts.

Mixing Things Up: Frequently incorporating variety in workout routines throughout the weeks of your running training helps to attain the highest results. This will not only enhance overall athletic performance, but it will also help prevent injury. During base-building or when you are far out from a goal race, we focus on improving all aspects of your running: endurance, speed, lactate threshold, economy, and strength – via varying training protocols involving changes in exercise selection, volume, and intensity.

Healthy Perspectives: With the recognition that running is only part of your richer life – training plans are intended to be fun, focused, and time-effective. They shouldn’t be taken too rigidly not to allow for modest adaptations to life’s other challenges or opportunities. While growth takes place out of your comfort zone, it is still important to be true to yourself – training plans are designed to foster both.

Finally, training is a process. Your progress may be immediate (like the example above), or it can take several months for your full potential to be unlocked – in either case, I offer to you the “holding fast and staying the course” mantra. While there is no minimum length of time commitment required, consideration for using running guide services for more than just a couple of months before your goal race is encouraged for more effective results. The following Guide Service Tiers are available:

If you are interested in coaching, I would love to hear from you! Email me at inquiries@ayodeleyusuf.com or fill out the contact form below. If you’re in a rut, struggling to get started, seeking extra motivation, eager to build better habits, or looking to take your running to the next level…all of the above…then yes, definitely do reach out!

Disclaimer:

Please remember that I am not a personal trainer, registered dietician, or medical professional; views and ideas exchanged on here do not serve as dietary or medical advice.