REAL ATHLETES. REAL STORIES.

“After years of frustration, I was finally able to return to consistent training and reach the start line feeling prepared.”

I contacted Empire State Endurance over the summer regarding run coaching. I was trying to rehab an injury at the time, and the first step was a referral to Dr. Bath at Integrative Chiropractic. I was able to get an appointment with him very quickly. He immediately identified potential causes and solutions for a hip injury that had plagued me for YEARS and prevented me from getting to the start line of 2 ultramarathons. I worked with him for several weeks to address scar tissue adhesion and build strength to correct imbalances. I saw very rapid improvement and was able to return to consistent training by the end of summer. After years of frustration, it felt like he had performed a miracle!

I then began working with Michelle on focused training for a December marathon. I have worked with coaches before and did not feel like they “got” me - this was not the case with Michelle! I wanted to finish this marathon feeling okay and maybe work on some speed along the way. My weekly workouts challenged me but allowed ample recovery, and I reached the start line feeling more prepared that I had in the past for the race.

It was a hard course in hard conditions, and although I missed my time goal, I finished the race near my current PR time and with a big smile on my face! I was tired and sore but did not feel completely wiped out, had no signs of old injuries resurfacing, and have been recovering well since. I am very excited to continue working towards new goals with Michelle in 2026!

I should also mention that I actually FIRST contacted ESE for support learning to swim early in the spring and have been working with Mike since May 2025. I have gone from no swimming experience/barely being able to swim 25 yards to covering 1700+ yards in a session. My endurance has improved by leaps and bounds. Mike is very kind and patient and does a great job of pushing me outside my comfort zone while also being encouraging and supportive. I am looking forward to continuing to improve my technique and endurance in swimming as well!

– Laura G.

“You took a ridiculous timeline, built a plan around it, and made it work.”

35 days. On August 2nd - I went for what I thought was a long bike ride – 30 miles – to clear my head. Somewhere along the way, I decided I was going to do the Lake George Half Ironman on September 5th.

There were a few problems: I could barely swim, I hated running, and at the time 30 miles on the bike felt like a lot.

35 days later, I finished 1.2 miles swimming, 56 miles biking, and 13.1 miles running in 6:22:58 – beating my 6:30 goal.

In those 35 days: I biked 412 miles, ran 55 miles, and swam 8.5 miles – completing a total of 60+ hours of training with plenty of 4AM alarm clocks and some very long days.

Michelle Carr – you took a ridiculous timeline, built a plan around it, and made it work. Every workout had a purpose and you believed in the timeline even when I doubted it. Thank you, and good luck at World Championships next week in France!

– Christian S.

“Because of her coaching and the support of Empire State Endurance, I arrived at the start line feeling prepared and confident.”

I've known Michelle through the running community for many years, so when I decided to train for my first Ironman 70.3 Maine, I knew I wanted her guidance.

As an experienced runner, I needed help improving my swimming and cycling. Michelle created a personalized plan that did exactly that.

She was always responsive, regularly checked in on how I was feeling, helped me find group rides to build confidence on the bike, and adjusted my training when work and life demands required flexibility.

Michelle is encouraging, kind, and supportive while also holding her athletes accountable. Because of her coaching and the support of Empire State Endurance, I arrived at the start line feeling prepared and confident.

I couldn't have asked for a better coach for my first 70.3 experience!

– Drew B.