Checking in with Coach Matt

M2M Calgary launched at the end of July and continues to grow because of the hard work of coaches Matt Travaglini and Bridget Pyke. As we look toward the holiday season we took some time to chat with Matt to see how things are going. The M2M Calgary Team hosts group workouts on Monday (6PM at Complete Chiropractic and Sports Therapy Clinic) and Thursday (6PM at Glenmore Athletic Park – Meet at NW corner of parking lot of 19th) each week and welcomes runners of all abilities!

M2M Calgary launched this fall, offering twice-weekly group workouts and personal coaching for athletes in the city – what has been the highlight for you so far?

The highlight for me has been watching our athletes surprise themselves.  We have grown to a good group with a range from new runners to experienced runners, and I am really enjoying watching them all get better every week.

For athletes who might be on the fence about coming out to run with the group, what are some of the benefits of running with M2M Calgary?

 If you are unsure about joining us for our group workouts, my advice is to take the leap and come to one. The group we have in Calgary right now has such good energy, everyone is really nice and encouraging and we have first time runners getting excited about practices because they get to see everyone, and we have seasoned runners happy that they can run with other people in a safe way.

How has your own training been over the last few months? Any specific goals you are working towards?

Training has gone really well, when the leaves start to fall I get excited for the strength that comes with cross country running.  In Calgary we have a great group of high level athletes who I get to run with, and we were also lucky that a local race director put in a ton of work to ensure that we had cross country races this fall.  The past couple months of training culminated in an individual provincial championship for myself and a team win for the group I train with.

My goals for the next couple months are to get back to the basics, I want to spend this time away from races really working on the things that I sometimes neglect in my running. 

What is your #1 tip for those who have to endure training in the snow through the winter?

My top tip for anyone trying to run through Canadian winters is to get to know your body.  Paces and distances lose their importance in the snow and ice. I like to use that time to really figure out how to run by feel.

My second tip is to join a group that will keep you motivated! It is a lot easier to get out and get your run done when you can do it with other people.

What is your favourite workout and why?

My favourite workout is a workout that I have had on the schedule for a couple of years now.  It is pretty simple, but can be really challenging if done properly.  8-10 x 1km repeats with 2 minutes recovery between, where the first 800m is at just quicker than 10km race pace and the last 200m is a fast surge. I love the change of pace within an interval and the control that you have to have so that you can crush the last 200.

What has been your favourite running race/event you’ve done so far?

I absolutely love coming out to Vancouver for the Sun Run, the race organizer absolutely spoils the athletes and the competition is some of the best in the country!  This race also holds a special place in my heart because it was the first time I ran under 30 minutes for the 10km.   

What race/event are you looking forward to doing in the future?

An organized one at sea level!! Time trials and small races can be fun, but I am excited to toe the line with thousands of other people again!

Tell us about something you do to prepare for a key workout or race

I like to visualize the race and the outcome, I don’t get too caught up in the little details, but I like to prepare myself for the hard work that is coming by thinking about the race, and also thinking about the runs that have got me to the start line. 

What can runners in Calgary look forward to M2M bringing to the city?

We aim to provide an inviting environment for athletes of all ages abilities who want to pursue their goals and train in a group setting. There are quite a few social run groups, but there are not as many options for people who don’t want to join a varsity track club, but are still looking for a group to do workouts with. We’ve seen lots of committed runners attending workouts and are experiencing growth, which I chose to interpret as people enjoying what we are doing!

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Coach Matt is currently accepting new athletes for Personal Coaching and the M2M Calgary group workouts welcome runners of all abilities – don’t hesitate to reach out and join the group!

About Coach Matt: Coaching Profile

About M2M Calgary: City Profile