Training

Training for the 2011 Pine Beach 5K will be provided by J & L Coaching. Matt Jelley and Rick Lill are a team of experienced runners and coaches. The training will consist of meeting as a group at Vista Park on Sundays beginning February 5th for runs at 10:00AM. This is a completely free service offered by Matt and Rick. It does not matter if you are the first timer, couch potato runner, or PB addict a program will be designed for you. The coaches will write programs on a weekly basis go over stretching, warming up, nutrition, and mental preparation as the race gets closer.

About the Coaches:

Matt Jelley, the highly successful head cross country/track coach at Toms River High School North and Temple University will be bringing his years of experience and expertise to help you reach whatever level of running you want. While at Temple the team has become a threat outside of the conference, breaking into the regional rankings and becoming a presence at the IC4A Championships. The men posted back-to-back University Section titles in 2009 and 2010. On the women’s side, Temple has continued to make strides. The Owls placed 13th in consecutive seasons in 2009 and 2010, placing 17th as a team at the 2010 ECAC Championships. While at Toms River High School North, Matt was named the 2001 New Jersey Cross Country Coach of the Year by the Newark Star-Ledger and coached four cross country teams (2001-04) to national rankings by Harrier Magazine. He also mentored 10 high school All-Americans and owned a 41-5 dual meet record during his time at Toms River North (2000-07). In addition Matt is certified by the United States Track and Field Association as a Level II Coach in Endurance, Throws, and Jumps.

Rick Lill is an experienced coach and runner. With over 20 years of running experience he manages to find a way to keep it a part of his life. His coaching career began at Toms River High School East where he coached athletes to All-American, All-Shore, and All-County Honors. He later moved to Toms River North where he began coaching as assistant to Matt. During his time there he assisted Matt in all aspects of the Cross Country and Track team. Rick took a hiatus from high school coaching and completed his Masters in Social Work at Fordham University. He combines his knowledge of running and the mental health to help athletes perform to their best. Rick is certified by the United States Track and Field Association as a Level II Coach in Endurance, and Throws.

If you have any questions please contact them at pinebeach5k@gmail.com or through the race Facebook account.