Andrew Simmons

Co-Founder of Lifelong Endurance-Head Running Coach, Host of Defining Endurance Podcast

Certifications

• USATF Level II

• Training Peaks Level II

• Lydiard Foundation LII

Specializations

• Marathon + Ultra Distance

• Road Racing

• Youth XC + Distance Track

• Strength + Conditioning

Coaching Values

• Communication| Coaching is a dialogue, not a dictatorship.

• Basics First | We start simple and progress

• Strength & Conditioning |Injury Prevention & Performance

• Using empathy and creativity to create a flexible training schedule

Coach Andrew Simmons is the co-founder and head running coach of Lifelong Endurance, as well as the head coach for the youth program, Peak Performance. Coach Andrew uses his problem-solving skills as a former engineer to creatively build training plans into even the most packed schedules. He thrives on finding structure in chaos, and fosters an environment of compassion and encouragement for his athletes. Coach Andrew is driven by the overwhelming feeling of achievement and joy he sees in his athletes when they take on their goals.

While Andrew is an accomplished athlete in his own right, having finished 39 marathons with a PR of 2:39, he manages to keep a healthy balance in his life. When he is not coaching his adult athletes or youth running team, his often out running and cycling on the mountain roads and trails of Colorado with is wife, Katie, and dog, Mable. Otherwise, he is fishing in the river, enjoying time with friends.

Reviews

Andrew is amazing; he has been a friend, mentor, coach - checks on me a lot to make sure I am doing well; the personal touches mean so much to me

Jeff Tissue Denver, Co

2:33 Marathon PR; Chicago Marathon American Development Team

My first marathon I hit the wall pretty hard, 3:44. My second, I didn’t bonk but wasn’t fast either, 4:00. A couple of months after my second marathon I started training with Andrew. At first we talked every week then we paired it down to every other week. My goal was a PR and to qualify for Boston. With Andrew’s training plan and knowledge I really noticed everything begin to change. I had a lot of self doubt. He coached me through all of it. We put a plan together for race weekend and I followed it precisely to a 28 min PR, 3:16 and BQ. It’s a lot of hard work but it’s all worth it. I can’t recommend Lifelong Endurance enough.

John Leniz Reno, NV

Marathon Runner

Andrew and LE really present a customized approach and meet their clients where they are at. I just started running 2 years ago and have worked with Andrew for a year. I’ve never considered myself an athlete and he’s really helped me change that mentality. In that year I dropped 45 mins off my marathon PR and 19 off of my half. His workouts have really pushed me physically and mentally he’s helped me progress faster than I would have ever on my own.

David Zwarycz Chicago, IL

Marathon Runner

Andrew has helped me get to my goals from training for my first marathon coming from a total beginner runner to now as I approach my fifth marathon. He knows me. He knows when to push, when to challenge me and when to say ease up. More so, when I hit the doldrums of my off season, he helps keep me motivated.

Joe Guarino, Chicago IL

Marathon Runner

I would recommend Andrew because he takes the time to get to know you as a person and as an athlete. This allows for open and vulnerable communication which is key to success. Meaning I felt comfortable talking to my coach so that if something felt off, too tired or sick, he could adjust my training. I also had a season of injury and my coach helped me navigate this difficult time which would have potentially otherwise ended my season. With his guidance I was able to properly cross train, stay fit, and start the race with fresh legs, feet and mentally able to give it my all. I honestly was a little skeptical about getting a coach because I figured I knew enough to coach myself but after working with a coach I have found the real value is having someone who believes in you and supports that belief with evidence from all the training and work you put in together. Yes having a plan delivered to me and not having to think about my own training was nice but the accountably and motivation are what set me for success both physically and mentally which is big because once you are in good shape physically, the hardest part of any race is your mental game.

Michelle Hiland Bozeman, MT

First overall female of the 2019 Dirty 30 50k