I really want to brag on Gillian and Don and their super coaching session that I had with them. I was so tired of not finishing any of the 100 milers I started that I called on their expertise. First they evaluated what I was doing as their coaching is not generalized, but runner specific. I just finished my first 100 miler at Mother Road 100 ! ! ! And not only did I finish, but finished in one hour less than anticipated. My goal was 29:50 and I finished in 28:50 ! They changed what I ate prior to the run, and really helped working on my pace, so that I had energy to actually run in, passing people. I cannot thank them enough - this means so much to me, and it feels so good now to have actually finished a 100 miler, with energy to spare! Can't wait for my next one.

--Karen Riddle, who finished her first 100 miler

Gillian and Don,

I just wanted to let you know that the pre-race coaching session that I had with you two proved to be the critical piece to my successful finish at Mother Road 100. Based on your advice, I increased my calorie intake substantially and was able to keep putting one foot in front of the other all the way to the finish. I enjoyed meeting you both. Thank you so much!

--Verna Troutman, who at age 63 finished her first 100 miler

Gillian and Don,

I cannot thank you two enough for all that you did to ensure my success at my first attempt running a hundred miler. It's really difficult for me to put into words what all you did for me, but it went past coaching to me. You became more like long distance friends helping me out.

When I had bad runs you were always there to help me learn from them, and the lessons you taught me actually paid off during my hundred. I changed my eating habits during the race and you both helped me become much more adaptable which is almost a requirement. All the training paid off, just like you said it would.

In my opinion you are doing the entire ultra running community a great service by providing your expertise as coaches. You can find hundreds of books and idea's online for how to train for a marathon, but nothing for a hundred. WHY? Because it's so personal. No 2 people will react to the training the same exact way and I appreciate that yall tailored my training for ME.

Thank you and whenever I look at my BEAUTIFUL buckle I will always remember those who helped me get it, my wonderful wife/crew Michelle and the best darn ultra coaches in the world, the Zombies!

Don and Gillian, you not only have a customer for life but also a friend.

Thanks,

--Andrew Edwards, who finished the Lean Horse 100 Miler, his first

JFK is history! I ran with my friend and we finished together in 10:46. I loved every step. No low points. One big party. Felt fantastic the entire distance and finished with plenty of gas in the tank. Thanks a ton for everything. I could not have accomplished this goal without your ongoing support and mentoring. I very much took your advise on each and every point we discussed over the months. Your advise was customized to the specific goals we outlined the first time we spoke; and the advise was flawless. For that I am forever grateful.

--Glenn Spinello, who ran his first 50 miler at JFK

I engaged Don & Gillian to provide coaching for my first 100-miler in Vermont. I knew going into this that I would be a low-mileage runner due to the knee surgery I had about 3-4 months prior. Drawing on all their experience running long races, they were able to provide excellent guidance for things I could do smartly aside from just running lots of miles. We discussed an array of topics including strength training, heat training, eating habits before and during long races, pre-race planning, having the right gear in place, and race-day strategy. I pulled all elements of this coaching together for a very successful run. They were always available for phone calls and extremely responsive by email. They also went out of their way to meet me in the sauna during my heat training for some bonus coaching. In short, they were fantastic and I'd highly recommend their services.

--Tim Dalbec, after finishing the the Vermont 100 Miler.

I'm so excited to FINALLY have finished a 100 miler. Don and Gillian were incredible with all their advice and confidence and I know I could not have done it without their help. On their advice I did do some things differently, ate more, used a Hammer Gel flask on my belt (equivalent of 6 pouches), drank Amino and water alternately. And during the race, Don monitored how I was feeling and made excellent suggestions.

--Lucinda Fisher, after finishing the Javelina 100 miler, 2004. She had 16 previous attempts at the 100 mile distance.

Whoa!! Running a 100 miles... such a daunting task but dream big! There's no way I can run that long until I met DC and Gillian, my angels, and the force behind ZombieRunner. I could have never finished Rio Del Lago on Sept 23/24, 2006 without their support, guidance, motivation, encouragement, and most of all their FRIENDSHIP!! During the lowest moments at Rio (and there were many), I came to a realization that I am indeed truly blessed for having a very supportive, husband - Gus, family, friends, and for receiving one of the greatest gifts in life -- DC and Gillian and it definitely goes beyond ZombieRunner. Dream big and the reward is even greater - DC and Gillian are friends for life!!

--Carmela Layson, after finishing the Rio del Lago 100 Miler

I contacted Don and Gillian to get some advice on accomplishing my goal of running at least 100 miles at the Across the Years 24-hour run. They reviewed my ultra-running background and my race plan and offered some extremely valuable advice during a 1 hour phone session. They were selfless and even offered to help me during the race. During the race Don and Gillian made sure that I was moving well and eating and drinking properly. Around the 65 mile mark Don noticed that I was dragging and encouraged me to join him. After tagging behind Don for some time I found some renewed energy to make up the mileage difference between the two of us. Once I caught up to Don's mileage I mentioned that I would like to tag on to him to get to 100 miles and he was very encouraging about it. He made sure we were maintaining a consistent pace to get to 100 miles. I could not have achieved this goal without Don's and Gillian's help and I am truely indebted to them for helping me accomplish my goal. Thank you very much Don and Gillian, two of the nicest people I have ever met.

--Nattu Natraj, after reaching his goal of 100 miles at Across the Years

I had doubts if I could go beyond 50 miles but when I decided to run Miwok 100K, my prayers were answered because Don and Gillian ZombieRunners came to my rescue --- my ANGELS!!! You guys are indeed heaven sent!! I couldn't have done it without you!!! I came out of the MiWok experience a different person - stronger, more confident, more passionate and more ALIVE!! Thank you for giving me one of the best gifts that life can offer -- great friends, awesome trails, moral support, and of course good food :-)

--Carmela Layson, who finished her first 100K

I have to offer my thanks to Don and Gillian - their coaching, encouragement, and personal involvement with my training throughout the year was undeniably the difference between finishing and yet another DNF. My whole approach to runs like these has now forever changed due to their efforts and advice. I will forever be in their debt. As a pacer, Don was simply The Best. He was positive and encouraging, but also tough when he needed to be, and for that I thank him as well. The training paid off as did the foot taping - I wore the same shoes, socks and gaiters throughout the race and did not have any issues with my feet whatsoever!

--Steve Reagan, after finishing Western States 100, 2004. This was his first 100 mile finish after 3 DNFs at WS and several others

And then there were my friends Don and Gillian. I could write three pages on how they have changed my life. These are the people who led me to victory on my first 50 miler, my first 100k and now, my first 100 miler. They spent hours e-mailing me, teaching me how to organize my drop bags, how to keep an inventory and so many other tips and tricks including packing the Vivarin. They failed to mention the pain I would experience. Don and Gillian are the people I call when things go wrong, like missing the Cool turnoff. What did they do? They showed up at the Cool aid station to reassure me I was doing fine. Gillian paced me from mile 45 to 73, shouldering my frustration as we picked up the pace, only to lose the trail. She taught me to look for footprints in the dark when there were no trail markings. And Don crewed, even though he looked ready to drop, until 4:00 AM. These two people I will never be able to repay for their kindness and support.

--Karen Guenther, who finished her first 100 miler at Rio del Lago

Dear Gillian & Don,

I will forever be in your debt for helping me through my first 50K! The entire experience will be a cherished memory. Needless to say, you now have a customer for life!

--Cindy Lee, after finishing Pacifica 50K, 2004
(We continued to coach Cindy; she finished the Quad Dipsea and completed 65.865 miles at the 2004 Across the Years 24-hour run.)