A good coach can leave a lasting impact on an athlete, and an outstanding coach will foster a lifelong passion for excellence in sport and beyond. By surrounding yourself with a mentor and a supportive team in your running – whatever that means for you – you can create the foundation for success in training, racing, and life.
Even if you tend to run solo, training and preparation for competition never happens alone. Whether it‘s a high school or collegiate team, your family and friends, or a coach and other running related professionals, support comes from a wide array of individuals who help us grow and improve.
Some of us are lucky enough to find a mentor to guide our long-term love affair with running. They set the standard high in their own accomplishments and inspire us to do the same. Jim Butler, whom I’ll forever refer to as “Coach”, has been doing that for over 30 years as the head coach of men’s cross country team at my alma mater, Connecticut College.
Jim Butler on coaching, athlete intangibles, & developments in the sport
Coach Jim Butler was the 2002 New England Cross Country coach of the year, the 2004 New England Small College Athletic Conference Coach of the year, and an impressive 2:37 marathoner. He coached multiple national qualifiers and took his 2002 team to the national championship meet.
Aside from being an outstanding coach, Jim is also an incredible human who took those he coached under his wing and always made them feel like family. During my time at Conn, we went to his house regularly for meals and get-togethers that helped us grow as a team.
In our conversation, we discuss his background and how he developed a passion for running and coaching, and how he has continued to instill that in others over the years.
Our conversation includes:
- Memories from his competitive days at Rutgers and road racing in Connecticut
- What has kept him invested in the sport for so long
- The intangibles he seeks out in prospective athletes above and beyond fast finish times
- Training strategies and mindset to take your performance to the next level
- The impact of new technology on the sport
Coach has had such an impact on my running and my career – I know you’ll enjoy our conversation!
Subscribe to the podcast in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, iHeartRadio, or Google Play.
Links & Resources from the Show:
- Want your own team? Join Team Strength Running
- Read more wisdom from Coach (and check out my 2005 cross-country picture!)
- Become a fan of the Connecticut College Men’s Cross Country Team
Thank You Previnex!
We’re supported by our newest partner, Previnex. After resisting most supplements for the better part of my life, I’m cautiously changing my tune. I’m less than a year from being a Masters runner and in my personal life, I’m optimizing for longevity. I want to be my healthiest self for as long as possible and I’m excited to partner with Previnex to make that happen.
Previnex uses the most bioavailable, clinically tested ingredients, the optimal form and dose of each ingredient, pharmaceutical grade manufacturing, testing of raw ingredients and finished products. For every purchase you make, they also donate vitamins to kids in need.
I’ve been taking their Immune Support and multivitamin over the last month and I feel great. I have more energy and clarity, not to mention peace of mind that I’m giving my body what it needs. I believe Previnex works and I hope you experience the same benefits as I do. Use code jason15 for 15% off your order at Previnex!
Thank you Lagoon!
Our newest sponsor is Lagoon, maker of the most comfortable pillow I’ve ever used. And that’s no hyperbole. I’m pleasantly surprised every night I lie down because this pillow is just perfect for me. Since I know that sleep is the #1 recovery tool at my disposal, I’m taking it a lot more seriously.
I took their sleep quiz to find the right pillow for my body size and sleeping position at. It only takes 2 minutes and you’ll find the type of pillow that will work best for you. I’m using the Fox and absolutely loving it. A big reason why is because it’s adjustable.
Since you can add or remove fill to get your alignment right, it’s a great way to optimize the most important way you can become a better runner that isn’t training: sleep. We all know how important sleep is. It’s the best recovery tool that you have at your disposal – better than compression, ice, heat, massage, or anything else you can think of. Sleep is when the magic happens and your sleep quality matters.
Take your rest and recovery to the next level with Lagoon and get 15% off your purchase with code strengthrunning here.
