This is me before and after Run University. On the right, me after my first half marathon.

I could not have done it without you, Micki, and fellow runners’ help and inspiration.

Russ

I want you to know that YOU made this photo happen.  THANK YOU for developing training and programs that can take someone like me who was unathletic and overweight and help them achieve a goal that seemed unattainable.  I ran the Paris Marathon on April 10.  It was one of my life's greatest moments!  I have been fortunate to have had some amazing experiences in my life, but nothing could have prepared me for this marathon experience.

In 2003, I printed off your Couch to 5K program from your website and started training on my own. I ran a few months later in the Susan G. Komen run to celebrate my Mom's successful battle with breast cancer.  I enjoyed running so much I kept on running...5ks, then 10ks, then sprint triathlons, then half marathons, and now A FULL MARATHON!  I never ever thought this was something I could accomplish.  I was the chunky kid who barely fit in his soccer uniform and played fullback because you stayed back by the goal and didn't have to run very far.  And now look at what I have accomplished thanks to your training both from the Couch to 5K and the Running Boot Camp!!!

Just wanted to share my sincerest thanks for helping me achieve a once unimaginable personal goal!  Thank you for making a healthy impact in my life!  And an impact that allowed me to enjoy running through one of the greatest cities in the world!

Gary

We are so fortunate to have Danny in our little corner of the world. In my three short years of running I’ve learned so much from Danny. In my opinion, he and his wife are elite type athletes but not elitist about runners. His love and passion for your health and helping you achieve your goals comes through his words and actions. I’ve read a few books on running and I have a few magazines delivered to my door about running. None of these compare to Danny’s common sense knowledge about your body, the process of running, and inspiring you to get up and move.

Running is an amazing process. I am not amazing at this process but he has never made me feel inferior. When I made the decision to start running I had not run a step since high school long ago. I heard about Danny’s Couch group. Me and about 40 others went to his Couch group meeting on a misty rainy winter morning on the sidewalk in Homewood He said we could do this. He said we would take it slow and train our body to run. That’s what I wanted. It’s never been a decision I’ve regretted. My old body has changed for the better. I’ve made some amazing friends along the way. Danny has touched all our lives with his knowledge and inspiration.

Sandra

Thanks again for believing in me, even when I didn't believe in myself. Your
coaching has done more for me than words can ever express. I have found
inner strength that I never knew I had.

God Bless,
Teresa

Danny,
You were right, it is about confidence.  I am going to keep believing
that I CAN.

Thank you for all you do.  You and Micki mean the world.  Thank you
for believing in me!!!!

MG

I'm not ready for the group to end. I had to work last night so I wasn't able to join the group. I would like to say thank you for everything. For telling me how long to run, where to run and what time to be ready to run. There aren't that many things that will get me out of bed before 8:00 on a Saturday morning. Running does. I know I turned into the extreme introvert but that didn't mean I wasn't having fun. I never thought that I'd run 13.1 early on a Saturday morning, try to fit in an Upward Basketball game (didn't make it) and then run the concession stand for the Pinewood Derby until 4:00 without collapsing. But I did it and you helped. I now know that I can do anything. That's if I remember to add time to shower. That's why I missed the game : ) .

I'm really going to miss your emails. It helps so much to have someone tell me that I can do it...

Carla

As you may have noticed, I didn't make it to the Half on Sunday. Life got in the way of my training routine(pulled hammie, bronchitis X2, closed on my first house today, leaving for Hawaii on Thursday), so I did not feel prepared for the run. I mostly did not want to hurt myself before going to Hawaii. I'm not down on myself because, as you have told us many times, we're only competing against who we were two weeks ago. I ran the Susan Komen, Turkey Day and the Vulcan in the past 6 months and trained for another month and half for Mercedes. OK I am I am a little disappointed about not finishing strong, but there will be other races in the future.

I am a mental health therapist/social worker that provides individual and group counseling for Veterans and their families. I certainly appreciate your positive approach to coaching and motivating. Your approach has positively influenced how I approach motivating Veterans. I think of you as 3 parts Dr.
Kevin Elko-1 part Forrest Gump. Take care, and I look forward to running with you again in the future.

Nathan

Danny-

You are the best and you will never know the inspiration you have been to so many!  The names of those who pay for participation are simply such a small percentage of the people who have benefited from your program and become life long running enthusiasts. You wouldn't believe how many people say, "Oh, you know him," or "Oh, you actually ran with him?"  You have become quite the hero to so many by inspiring people to overcome their fear of such a fantastic form of therapy!  Aside from the physical benefits, you wouldn't believe how much better I have slept since running, which translates to handling stress better and a lowered blood pressure!  We may have pounded the pavement, but you have shown us the way and deserve way more credit than you'll ever get (along with your great team of partners, lest I forget!)

Andrea

Danny,

Thank you so much for such a phenomenal opportunity!  There were days when I thought I was in over my head, but your inspiring (yet funny) emails throughout the weeks kept me going.  I remember an email you sent with a quote from one of George Bernard Shaw's playwrights that says "Life is not about finding yourself; life is about creating yourself"...

Today, I can say I've been created into a runner and it's because of you and your program.

Through this journey, I've had highs and lows - I've made several friends, unimaginable accomplishments (1/2 marathon :-)), falls and injuries, but the highs outweigh the lows and I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Thank you and God Bless!

Marshey