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December 2021 by Shannon Knight
This group has to be the friendliest ones I have been a part of in a long time and I have run with 7 different groups in the last 5 years. It is so nice to not only be a part of a group, but feel a real sense of community with IN FLIGHT RUNNING! You don't have to be training for a marathon to be a part of the group either! Coach Michael's group can help you get faster, and get stronger, no matter what the distance. Even if you could care less about racing, but you want to get in shape or return to running, check them out.This group gives so many options to run, early morning, longer runs on Saturdays, Trails on some Sundays and hills as well. There is even a social option on Tues evenings at Memorial Park. You choose if you want to do a chill loop or do some speed at the track.You get planned routes and hydration stops on Saturdays too. Coach Michael has been doing this for over 20 years and is a wealth of knowledge to help those new to the sport and those maybe wanting to tackle a new goal in running. I don't ever see this much support in group running these days, it is so apparent that he cares and pours himself and his knowledge into the group.I appreciate his perspective and guidance. He has great webinars to help with all aspects of training from proper running form, injury prevention and how to follow the plan, and trust it. He also always has a tip or two to share with us pre and post run.I had such a great experience that I am now able to be a part of In Flight Running as a Coach. I recently received my RRCA Level 1 certification and am really not sure what I plan to do with it yet. I feel lucky to learn from him and train with his group this year. I am trying to see what else I might have in the tank as an over 50 yr old runner.I am excited for this season. He really knows his stuff, runs a great group, makes it fun and makes us work hard too. I can't wait for Prime Season! It's in a couple of weeks!
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December 2021 by Robert Haynes
I recently joined IFR because I wanted to have a running regiment tailored to my goals, and have a group setting to help push me towards those goals. I've been impressed with the quality of the workouts, the variety, and the science that the coach put into the individualized training plans. The fellow runners are all highly motivated, and keep you on your game. Truly something for everyone that wants to move to the next level.
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December 2021 by Brendon Hall
I've been running with In Flight for two years now and I'm looking forward to my third. It has been the foundation of my running hobby. Coach Mike provides the support and knowledge to improve and do so safely. In Flight has been very safe during the pandemic, and a great way to get outside, keep active and safe./
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December 2021 by Aimee Derr
Joining In Flight has taken my running to the next level. It has provided me structure and a level of focus that I don’t think I would have achieved on my own. The community that Coach Michael has built is truly top notch and these people have provided me with the support and motivation to help me continuously raise the bar over the last several years.
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December 2020 by Jo Villarreal
I joined IFR when running a marathon was just a crazy idea. Thanks to Coach Merlino’s training and guidance years later, a marathon, many half marathons, and a couple of TIRs behind me I’m looking forward to the 2020 Houston Marathon and my first 50 miler. The team is amazing. They are welcoming and encouraging if it’s your first day or if you’re a veteran. Coach Merlino goes above and beyond to help you reach your goals. In 2020 IFR is still going strong. Coach added trail running and is hosting our own virtual Houston to keep us running and motivated.
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December 2019 by Thomas Allen
I was looking for running coaching last fall after running the same time in a few races. A friend recommended this group, so I reached out to Coach Michael. I liked the approach he explained, so I joined. In less than 3 months my half marathon PR improved by over 10 minutes. The workouts and training plans are tailored to a runner's ability. Coach is always available and provides helpful advice and instruction.The group is fantastic as well. Great people with runners of all levels. I look forward to all work outs - long runs, track, hills, etc. - not only for the running but also interaction with the team. I'm glad I joined.
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December 2019 by Andrew Ellender
I joined IFR in August 2018 and signed up for the Prime Season Package. I ran competitively in high school, but prior to joining In Flight, I had not run consistently in about 10 years. I wanted to start running consistently again and maybe even train for a marathon at some point, but I knew it would take the right coaching/group to keep me focused. I could not be happier with my choice. Coach Michael and my IFR family are incredible. There is a place for every runner whether you are trying to qualify for Boston or run your first 5K. Coach Michael makes himself available for one on one strategy discussions and really works to understand each member's goals. Additionally, there is an interval workout every week (with an AM and PM option on Tuesdays) as well as fully supported long runs on Saturday. There are several sponsors that offer discounts just for being in the group (Fleet Feet, Corner Bakery Cafe). Coach Michael even organizes events for the group outside of training (Rockets games, dinners, Happy hours, etc.). I have made lots of friends and I am excited about running again. I have already run a PR this year at the half marathon distance (faster than I ever ran in high school) and just this past weekend, I completed my first marathon in which I felt very prepared and was ecstatic with the result. I HIGHLY recommend In Flight Running for everyone!
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December 2019 by Michelle Lee
This was my first time experiencing a running group and it was amazing! Everyone makes you feel welcome from the get go. I ended up irritating an old injury so Coach Michael sent me to the best place for rehabilitation! Love Koala Wellness! I'm still nursing this injury so the Chevron Half will have to be a fun run for me this year but I know next year with the track/hill workouts we do I will kill it in 2020. I will definitely be signing up again this year and hopefully get my sister to join too! Truly an awesome running group!
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December 2019 by Michelle Dixon
Love this running group. Great support from the coach and team members. I have lived in Houston for 5 years and thought I need a group to run with to push me along. Coach Michael gives great support along with tips through out the year. Offers track and hills through out the season. Signed up for my second year. Have meet some great new friends as well.
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December 2018 by Wynne Walker
It's not an exaggeration to say that InFlight Running has changed my life. When I started, I knew very little about running and had never even enjoyed running. Less than a year later, I've experienced significant improvement and now love to get up and run every day (well most days, coach makes me rest some). I wholeheartedly recommend Coach Michael and the InFlight team for anyone looking to improve their running. While running may seem like a solo sport, I can assure you that training with a team made all the difference for me.
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December 2018 by Prateek Verma
Joining In Flight Running was the best decision I've made this year. Coach Michael is an amazing person who really cares about each and every individual in this club. I got into running this year in March and ran the Woodlands-half without much training. Even though I had a respectful time for a first time half marathon runner with no training, I wanted to improve more and needed a purpose for my running. Eventually I found my running goal, to run in all Abbott World Marathon Majors (Boston, Chicago, New York, Berlin, Tokyo & London). To get the right amount of training I researched on the web and found In Flight running club. After leaving a call request, I got a call from Coach Michael in less than 24 hours and he had me sold on the idea of joining this club. In the month of October with all his training, advice, coaching and inspiration from every member of this club I was able to run the Boston-Half and Koala Houston Half, and surprisingly improved significantly in every race. Coach Michael has been there at every step and is always available via phone, email or text for any questions. I'm currently training for my first marathon in January which will be the Chevron Houston Marathon and I was lucky enough to sign up for the Chicago Marathon 2019 through charity which is an Abbott world major and brings me one step closer to achieving my goal.Truly blessed to be a part of this club.Thank you coach!
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December 2018 by Haley Pinard
Earlier this year, I had made the decision to sign up for a marathon. Although I was not new to running, the full marathon would be a first for me. I wasn’t sure what the training, nutrition, and preparation looked like for this race, so I googled “running groups in Houston.” After perusing several websites, I scheduled a call with Coach Michael to hear more about his program. He told me about his training plan and that he meets people at their current fitness level and works up form there. He talked about the supported long runs, the interval workouts on Tuesdays, and other services that can improve fitness performance. It was an easy yes.Now after being with In Flight for six months, I feel like I’ve improved. I finished my first marathon and felt like Coach Michael’s training plan helped me get there. I’ve made some great friends during our long runs on Saturday and look forward to seeing them every week. And I’ve gotten some more detailed info on my VO2 max and resting metabolic heart rate to help take my training to the next level.I couldn’t be happier to be a part of In Flight and look forward to many more miles to come!
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December 2018 by Jamie Varughese
After running several half marathons and marathons over the past decade, I thought I knew everything I needed to know about running. Since joining In Flight Running in July 2018, I’ve learned so much more from Coach Michael and my fellow In Flight Running mates, and I feel like I’ve become a better runner than ever before. I actually look forward to long runs now! Coach Michael is always available to offer expert advice and is so supportive throughout the training process. I feel so fortunate to have stumbled upon In Flight, and I look forward to running with the group for a long time to come!
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December 2018 by Ruth S
I have so appreciated this group since I joined in June for many reasons. I moved to Houston from New England about 3 years ago, and my running had been sidelined by life, and I was not able to stay motivated to take care of myself as I had before the move. I had tried another running group, but everyone was super-fast and noninclusive. Joining In Flight is one of the best decisions I have ever made. Everyone is always so kind and and encouraging on every run. It is an In Flight team, and it is amazing to be around people who feel this way. I am now training for the Houston Half after feeling so intimidated by the races in Houston, in spite of my running 2 marathons and too many halfs to count. Coach Michael always has tips and encouragement, and he genuinely cares. Having the supported long runs with drink stations is such a perk. I could go on and on. Best. Running. Group. Ever.
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December 2018 by Sharlie Velasco
I've been a member of In Flight since 2011. I can't say enough great things about this club! Michael Merlino, the head coach, is an experienced, dedicated, savvy coach. My overall running experience (emotional and physical) has improved significantly and I've made some wonderful friends over the years. Win-win! I highly recommend joining, especially if you're training for a half or full marathon. Training alone is dreadful! You learn SO much having the guidance of a seasoned coach and the support of your fellow running mates. It makes all the difference in the world.
