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Coach

Carla Parsons

5k to 10k, Half Marathon, Marathon
road, track
Vancouver, BC
Select Carla

Carla Parsons

road, track

About Carla

Carla discovered her passion for running 17 years ago upon moving to Vancouver. In pursuit of a Boston Qualifier (BQ), she enlisted Dylan Wykes and Tony Tomsich as her coaches through M2M. Not only did she achieve her BQ but also became a sub-3 marathoner. As a certified distance running coach with credentials in both McMillan and Jack Daniels VDOT, along with being a certified Pilates instructor, Carla is well-equipped to guide you through training, help prevent injuries, and steer you towards achieving your goals.
Carla speaks
  • English

Qualifications

  • Certified Distance Running Coach - Jack Daniels VDOT
  • McMillan Certified Running Coach
  • Certified Pilates Instructor - Physical Mind Institute - A La Ligne.

My Coaching Philosophy

My core philosophy is : 1) Honest communication 2) Consistency in training is key 3) Your body won’t go where your mind won’t go (self-limiting beliefs stifle progress); 4) You can be serious about your goals and still have fun (look at the big picture, it is so worth it).

  • Gran Fondo Whistler 2019, invited to UCI World Champs
  • Great Wall of China Marathon – 2nd Canadian
  • Boston Marathon, 2019
  • Marathon
    02:54:00
    California International Marathon , 2021
  • Half Marathon
    01:23:52
    Toronto Waterfront , 2022

Qualifications

  • Certified Distance Running Coach - Jack Daniels VDOT
  • McMillan Certified Running Coach
  • Certified Pilates Instructor - Physical Mind Institute - A La Ligne.
Shannon Briggs
Vancouver, BC

Joining M2M is the best choice I've made for myself in a long time

I was so intimated to join M2M but working with Carla has made my experience absolutely amazing. She is so accommodating, caring and thoughtful. From just a few months of training with Carla I got a 22min PR and negative split (first ever) in my fall marathon.

Interview

  • Favourite race type and why?

    If you had asked me this question 10 years ago, I would have easily said my favourite distance was the ultramarathon. Today, I have a much harder time answering this question because I love different aspects of each race distance. I have learned to love the heart-pounding, sometimes nausea-inducing challenge of shorter races on the track but there is something undeniably special about both the build that precedes a marathon and that feeling of crossing the finish line after 42.2 km.

  • Favourite post-workout treat or go-to place?

    I absolutely love getting together with my teammates post-workout to chat about all things running. For winter training, you will find us in a coffee shop. During summer training, you are more likely to find us on a patio having a beer.

  • Favourite running podcast, website, book, videos, or blog?

    Let Your Mind Run: A Memoir of Thinking My Way to Victory – Deena Kastor

  • Favourite quote?

    Some days it just flows and I feel like I’m born to do this, other days it feels like I’m trudging through hell. Every day I make the choice to show up and see what I’ve got, and to try and be better.
    — Des Linden

Carla's Next Group Workout

Track

Tuesday May 7th
/
6:45 pm

Tuesday Track

with
  • Stephanie McGregor
  • Carla Parsons
UBC Track
Vancouver, BC

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