TESTIMONIALS
Read what our Athletes think of their Railroad experience!
"I’VE REDISCOVERED EVERYTHING I USED TO LOVE ABOUT THE SPORT, AND HAVE MY SIGHTS SET ON RACING AND BEING COMPETITIVE IN RACES. IT’S HARD TO PUT INTO WORDS WHAT THAT MEANS TO ME."
"I joined Railroad after a period of injury when I knew I needed guidance coming back. I’d seen how well my girlfriend was doing training with Hayden, so decided to give Mark a call. I’ve achieved things in the last four months that I’d written out of the cards for myself.
​
I think the biggest thing for me has been the flexible, customized training plan. The training is designed to meet me where I am as opposed to being generalized to a large group with different goals/fitness levels. Seeing how quickly I’ve reached the results I’ve achieved so far is just further motivation to throw myself in 110% every day.
​
I’ve been a part of organized athletics for my entire life. After graduating college, I just assumed I’d have to figure it out on my own from there. Being on the Railroad team has given me a large sense of purpose and identity back. Come race day I get to put on the Railroad jersey and run for more than myself.
​
At an earlier time in my life, I’d competed and trained in running, and had lost the joy in it. When I started working with Mark four months ago, my only goals were to get healthy and complete the marathon distance. I’ve since rediscovered everything I used to love about the sport, and have my sights set on racing and being competitive in races. It’s hard to put into words what that means to me."
-Melanie Hussey
"RAILROAD HAS GIVEN ME SUPPORT, DIRECTION, AND MORE DESIRE AND INCENTIVE TO ATTAIN MY RUNNING GOALS."
Without a doubt, I would not improved so much without Railroad and Hayden’s coaching.
After several years of coaching myself, I wanted more guidance. Hayden understood my approach to running and I felt like I could be a part of something, not just use a service.
Being part of Railroad means I can rely on, and contribute to, a small community of like-minded people. It means I have some help when I decide what to race next or train for next.
Railroad has given me support, direction, and more desire and incentive to attain my running goals."
-Allen Sumrall
"I'VE NEVER FELT FASTER, FITTER, AND MORE IN LOVE WITH THE SPORT"
I reached out and joined Railroad because I had bigger goals I knew I didn't want to chase on my own. I've been running marathons for 5 years and finally managed a PR with a 3:21, but with no real method to my madness. I needed a coach that wanted to work with me and adapt a training plan to how I like to workout and what makes me feel my best. When I first spoke with Coach Mark on the phone, I was positive that he was the right coach for me from the fact that he didn't want me to sacrifice my CrossFit for running.
Since joining Railroad I've run a marathon for "fun" while still managing to run faster than planned and staying healthy, and PR'ed in the half by 8 minutes in September. I've never felt faster, fitter, and more in love with the sport; and I can't wait to put all this hard work to the test in Indianapolis with Mark pacing me to go sub-3!
​
Being on the Railroad team keeps me constantly inspired by the other runners putting in the work and achieving great things - whether that's something as big as attempting an OTQ, or simply coming back from an injury (which is also a really big deal).
​
Running with Railroad has made me believe nothing is impossible with the right work ethic and attitude - each time I talk to Mark about workouts I get another confidence boost in my abilities. In fact, my favorite part of the week is reporting my splits back to Mark, just to receive a classic "wow." Some weeks he tests me with some tough paces, but even if I don't hit them he seems to appreciate that I gave it my best effort regardless. I'm excited for what I can accomplish working with this team!"
-Sam Roeller
"IT IS AWESOME TO SEE THE ORGANIC GROWTH OF RAILROAD'S MISSION NOT ONLY PERMEATE OUR TEAM, BUT IMPACT THE COMMUNITY IN A POSITIVE WAY AS WELL."
"After trying desperately to sustain a similar training regime to my younger, college years, I realized it was time for a change. I yearned for individualized coaching pertinent to my goals, however, I still sought after a group to hold one another accountable. Railroad provided me with both.
Railroad helped me to achieve my running goals by instilling a sense of camaraderie coupled with an overarching sense of team. I also believe the individual-specific training plans targeted towards my goals translates to enhanced confidence in competition.
Being a part of Railroad means having the opportunity to pioneer and add my chapter to the book of stories centered around our slogan, #onestepatatime. I believe the steps I have taken throughout my tenure with Railroad have been in earnest for both the betterment of my teammates and myself.
​
It is awesome to see the organic growth of Railroad's mission not only permeate our team, but impact the community in a positive way as well. I enjoy being connected with meaningful brands that support our mission and having a support system committed to success."
-Steven Grousnick
"IF YOU'VE BEEN THINKING ABOUT GETTING A COACH THEN JUST DO IT."
I joined Railroad because we're mostly a bunch of chill running nerds. We're the ones watching the road races and track meets on TV, and I couldn't find that in clubs/groups near me. It really is for the true love of the sport.
If you've been thinking about getting a coach then just do it. I told Hayden when we started that I felt I had so much more speed in me that I just couldn't get to, and we're finally breaking through to that. He talked me through lots of injuries this first year, but I have come out of it so strong and fit which is all thanks to his coaching.
I didn't realize when I signed up with RR that I'd be getting so much more than just coaching! Crazy, but true. The people are awesome, humble, and hardworking. The brand partnerships are wonderful brands that actually care about people, not just money/advertising. It's been awesome so far and I'm always excited for more with RR."
-Laura Ham
"I HAVE MET SOME AMAZING FRIENDS THROUGH RAILROAD AND SOME OF MY FAVORITE MEMORIES IN AUSTIN WERE FROM EARLY MORNING WORKOUTS & COFFEE RUNS WITH TEAMMATES."
I joined Railroad because I have always loved being part of a team. If you are debating hiring a coach or joining a team- do it. It is well worth the time/financial investment if you want to keep improving in the sport.
Railroad has helped me achieve my goals because Hayden has done a great job of adapting my training to fit my life, travels, work, etc. He is always understanding of when things need to change or when I need rest, and that’s a huge reason I have stayed injury free for the last year and a half. This is a HUGE shoutout to him because he puts up with all my craziness and stubbornness!!
​
I have met some amazing friends through Railroad and some of my favorite memories in Austin were from early morning workouts & coffee runs with teammates. I also love that I can connect with people across the country who are wearing the same uniform as me!
-Anna West
"SINCE JOINING RAILROAD IN EARLY AUGUST, IT'S THE BEST DECISION I'VE EVER MADE!"
I joined Railroad for the simple reason because I was in what I like to call a survive or die type of training program for 4 years and I got burnt out. I needed a training program that is both smart and has a short and long term goal.
Being coached by Mark through Railroad we are making tremendous progress towards a marathon OTQ and a 14:40 5k. Both my speed, stamina, and energy has improved so much by fine tuning and not being ran into the ground. Being a part of railroad gives me confidence that there are people who believe in my potential and being coached by someone who knows how to prepare me correctly and is actively always in communication with me.
Since joining Railroad in early August, it's the best decision I've ever made!"
-Alec Scheerer
"EVERY WORKOUT IS INTENTIONAL, OFTEN CATERED TO IMPROVING MY WEAKNESSES THAT I HAD BEEN NEGLECTING WHILE TRAINING SOLO."
"Railroad has met all of my expectations and more.
I hopped on the Railroad train because I felt like my training was stagnating and was tired of solo workouts.
Every workout is intentional, often catered to improving my weaknesses that I had been neglecting while training solo. Not to mention they’re a blast with the big Austin squad!"
-Liam Collins