Andrew Simpson
Falls Church, VA

"Lloyd has a runner's soul. He fully understands the sport of running -- the science of training and race preparation, and that physical fitness improves body, mind, and spirit. He's an outstanding coach."

"Lloyd's training plan helped me qualify for the Boston Marathon. Lloyd taught me a different way to run tempo pace with cruise intervals. The longer tempo runs made all the difference."

"Lloyd has provided me with individualized training plans, lists of tune - up races, encouragement during track and tempo work, and with pre-race visualization and course simulation runs.

Lloyd has an undying enthusiasm for running that is infectious. He is mindful not only to train the body but also the mind. He encourages simulation runs of the goal race, pre-race visualization, and aspects of nutrition. While some coaches may push a person until they break Lloyd is cognizant of the benefits of periodization and is quick to recommend cutting back when his athletes get too obsessed with training. Lloyd has helped myself and several of my running partners not only achieve our goals of qualifying for Boston, but also achieve PRs in 5k's, motivated us to try ultramarathons, and got us to the finish line of our first 50 milers."

"Lloyd has given me the answers to all of the questions that I have during my training, questions that I would not have thought of until I am out there doing the training plan that he has given me. What is great about Lloyd is that he anticipates everything in advance before you even head out the door to go and do your training. This entails how to dress, what to drink, what foods to eat, how fast you should be running, everything. He is constantly monitoring you during your training and he adapts the plan so that it will suit your needs and make it benefit you the most.

Lloyd has shown me what it takes to systematically achieve my goals. There is no longer any guess work in running for me. I can train confidently because I have witnessed the results through his performances and mine while using the same training plan.

With Lloyd as a coach I have been able to stick with my training schedule. Through the snow and rain Lloyd is out there doing the training plan keeping all of us highly motivated. He has given me realistic expectations of what my results should be based off of what I have done during my training. During some of the setbacks I have had, due to injuries, he has been able to give me the necessary advice to recover quickly and get back into running. He constantly helps you, often reminding you of things that you may have forgotten and this is what is invaluable for me, because he takes the worry out of everything you need to focus on during your training to allow you to solely focus on doing the workouts and not having to think about everything else that goes into training."

"Lloyd and I originally connected almost two years ago through an Internet running community when he took an interest in my attempts to run a personal best, and ultimately a Boston qualifying marathon. With no motive other than a desire to generously share his knowledge and helpfulness with a less experienced runner, Lloyd offered valuable feedback on my training and racing.

Lloyd is a natural teacher. I still refer to e-mails he sent before races. He always had useful tips for me such as suggesting I get a plan in place before race week, to avoid extra stress and nervousness. Remembering Lloyd's advice to consume carbohydrates all the way through the final miles of a marathon saved me from "hitting the wall" at Mile 22 of my PR race. Following his instructions, I was able to re-energize myself and finish in a time good enough to qualify for the Boston Marathon.

Moreso, Lloyd was steadily encouraging and seemed to believe in me when I unsure of my own ability, but without giving me unrealistic hopes of what I might be able to do on a good race day. Knowing that a more accomplished marathoner felt strongly that I could run a "BQ" time greatly increased my confidence.

I firmly believe that I would not have run a Boston qualifying time so early in my running career without Lloyd's encouragement. Even though I was the runner out there training and racing and understand the science of both, Lloyd offered me needed support. For that I will always be happy to share with him some of the credit for achieving a dearly held goal, and being able to experience one of the most rewarding times in my life so far."

"I have known Lloyd Thomas for 5 years now. Over those years I have seen him achieve many great accomplishments. His knowledge and expertise with running and training are precise and easily implemented. He never grows frustrated and is always looking towards getting better. The results of his hard work show through in his own personal performances as well as those that he trains."