Today we’d like to introduce you to Matt Mills.
Matt, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
When I was 13 years old, I started running for two reasons: to lose weight, and be more like my older brother. As a young teen, I was shy, awkward, and also a bit overweight. I saw the personal and physical transformation that my brother experienced when he started running competitively in college, and it inspired me to follow in his footsteps and try out the whole “running thing” and see if I could experience some of that transformation myself. I was never that great at other team sports as a kid, so running felt like a natural fit. I started with small goals, running a couple of miles at a time, and eventually became addicted to running. I did experience my own physical, mental and emotional transformation, and running gave me more confidence, motivation and drive than I ever had before. I started running competitively for my high school and collegiate cross-country and track teams. Running inspired me to take on more leadership roles such as team captain, and I loved helping support, motivate and lead fellow teammates so they could be at their best.
I continued running both competitively and recreationally after college, and it’s served as a way to grow my social circle, stay healthy, and also de-stress from work. It’s also helped me achieve huge personal goals, overcome some of my biggest challenges, and learn some of my most valuable life lessons. I started running marathons in 2007 and have since completed 10 with many more to come. Running has always been an essential part of my day to day life, and I love engaging with the running community as much as I can. In 2014 I became a certified professional coach, helping hundreds of individuals step into their full potential so they can achieve their top personal and professional goals so they can thrive in their life and work. I use running as a tool in my coaching work because I’m passionate about the transformative power that running can bring to people’s lives, as it has for me since I was 13, and I’ve seen how it can impact other people’s lives in many profound ways.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
While there have been ups and downs along the road, running has remained the steady constant in my life and has helped me get to where I am today. As a coach, I help other people explore and discover their purpose in their life and career, and it took me a while to find my own. I started my career working in the entertainment industry, which was fun and exciting for a time, but ultimately became unfulfilling. The stress and demanding hours were leading to burnout, and I knew I had to make a change. During this time, I used running as a form of mediation and introspection to help me think about what my next step would be. I took it one stride at a time through lots of career exploration and experimentation, and ultimately I discovered a passion and skill for teaching and coaching, so I took the leap to pursue that as a new career. Overcoming this challenge (and any other) was like training for a marathon – it took proper motivation, planning and effort to ultimately get to the finish line of a fulfilling career path as a coach.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Coaching on the Run – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I believe running can change all areas of your life for the better, and working with a professional coach to help facilitate this transformation is incredibly valuable. “Coaching on the Run” started as a way to bridge life and leadership coaching with running and race training, and as a coach, I work with runners who are ready to take bold action for major change in their life, and are eager to accomplish their top running and self-leadership goals. As an ICF Professional Certified Coach, as well as an RRCA Certified Running Coach, I provide one on one training and coaching, as well as corporate and group programs that help individuals and teams thrive in their everyday life and work.
I’ve helped many runners hit personal best times in a variety of race distances while also experiencing significant positive change in their careers, their relationships, their mindset, and their overall well-being. My approach utilizes a unique and proven coaching methodology called F.A.S.T.E.R. that provides participants with accountability, inspiration, and motivation to stay committed to their top goals and create results with great speed so that they can experience more mental and physical self-mastery. Through this “whole person” approach to coaching, the people I work with become more purposeful, powerful and passionate on the run and beyond. As a result, they feel more alive, awakened, actualized, and activated, giving them greater energy, engagement, and enjoyment in running and life.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
What I’m looking forward to is continuing to grow my business and brand, and expand “Coaching on the Run” in bigger ways, including launching a podcast, hosting retreats and helping others experience more enjoyment, purpose and engagement in their life through running.
Pricing:
- I offer a free strategy session for anyone interested in learning how they be a stronger and better “running leader,” and provide individual coaching packages after that.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.coachingontherun.com
- Email: matt@coachingontherun.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/coachingontherun
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/mattmills25
- Other: www.mattcmills.com
Image Credit:
Allison Knight
Suggest a story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
