Lydia started running with purpose as an adult looking for stress relief from work and family but instead found a new passion and calling. Lydia trained for her first half marathon, the NYRR Staten Island Half, in 2009 and her first marathon, the New York City Marathon , in 2010. Running with local groups, Lydia soon found joy in running the streets of NYC with an amazing community of runners.

Lydia has been a coach since 2011, working with youth athletes for 10 years and later with adult charity runners training for half and full marathons. A USATF Level I Coach, she has run 13 marathons, including four New York City Marathons and three Boston Marathons, as well as more than 30 half marathons.

Q&A with Lydia

What program do you coach?
Group Training

How would you describe your coaching style?
Work hard and challenge yourself because you can always do more than you think you can! But never lose the joy in running.

What is your proudest coaching moment?
Cheering at mile 20 for runners completing their first New York City Marathon.

What is your favorite workout to coach and why?
I love showing runners that hills are not their enemy!

How many years have you been coaching?
More than 10 years.

Please list any awards, achievements, or certifications below. This can be sports and/or coaching certifications.
USATF Coaching level 1.

Where is your favorite place to run in New York City?
By the water—Manhattan and Brooklyn waterfronts and bridges.

What is your favorite NYRR race?
TCS New York City Marathon

What is your personal running motto?
Running is a journey—equal parts hard work and joy.