“My wife and I moved to La Crosse in late 2022. Being runners, we decided to sign up for the La Crosse Half-Marathon in spring of 2023. One day, out of pure happenstance, I was browsing the La Crosse Marathon website and saw the Grand Bluff Training Team. Being new to the area, I suggested to my wife that we check it out, if nothing else other than to meet some people. We went to the first info session and were hooked. The coaches were upbeat and friendly, and the members motivated and high energy. We made lots of friends and learned a lot about the La Crosse area just by running through it. On top of being a great way to meet people, GBT is a good fit for runners trying to set new PR’s. I signed up for the personalized training to help me get my goal of a sub 1:30 half. Coach Vern wrote me a great program that had me pushing the pace and crushing my goal time. I am already looking ahead to races this fall and next spring, planning to set even more PR’s for both full and half marathon. No matter if you’re in it for general fitness, socialization, or aggressive pace pushing, GBT has something for just about every runner.”  -Jacob Runge, June 2023

“My husband and I joined GBT in early 2023. We were brand new to La Crosse, and we were looking for a run community. We were welcomed with open arms to GBT, and finding the group was the best start to us settling in. I’ve ran a handful of half marathons previously. By far, I’ve never trained this well, enjoyed it this much, and had this much success. I did personalized training with (GBT Individual Coaching Services) for the 6 weeks between my two half marathons. He helped me to kick some bad habits and explore new options. We got to the bottom of some lasting issues that I had been struggling with, and I can’t wait to race Grandma’s half marathon soon! From brand new to experienced runners, everyone is welcomed and appreciated in GBT. I couldn’t recommend it more!”  -Megan R., June 2023

“I had thought about and attempted training for half marathons in the past and just couldn’t motivate myself to get out to do the longer runs and ended up making excuses for why I couldn’t. Fast forward a couple of years and my lovely friend Sami told me about this AWESOME running group called Grand Bluff Training. With some convincing I decided to try it out. It was the best decision I made! GBT made running long distance so much fun, which I would have never believed a few years ago. It is such an inviting and encouraging community of people that all share a passion for running and having a good time. In all honesty I don’t think I could have ran my first half marathon without this supportive group. They are there for you on the good days, the bad days, and all the days in between. I enjoyed it so much that I am planning to join the group again to train for another ½ marathon in the spring as well as attempt my first Tough Mudder in the summer. I can’t thank GBT enough for giving me the confidence to try something I didn’t think I could ever do.”    -Kourtni A., Jan 2023

“I joined GBT in the early months of 2022 for their Spring Half-Marathon In-Training Class. I had recently moved to the area alone, didn’t have many social outlets, and had always wanted to run a half-marathon. Before finding GBT, I had been an inconsistent runner, attempting a half marathon but halting training, because training alone was just not it for me. After revisiting the idea of a half-marathon, and deciding to register for the La Crosse Half Marathon, I saw that GBT was a sponsor and was intrigued. I had been training on my own for a few weeks already, and GBT had already started their spring session. However, with a quick email to (the director of GBT) pleading my case – I was quickly accepted into the class with open arms. Running with GBT has helped me achieve running goals I never thought I would reach. From stellar training plans and creative running routes to an excited and committed crew of coaches – I quickly found the joy of running that I had been missing. With each training session, I was running farther, and stronger than I ever had before. Joining GBT isn’t just joining a class, it is joining a community. The community is full of encouraging, accepting, and friendly running partners, many of whom have become running FRIENDS! Thanks to GBT, I was able to successfully train for, and complete two half marathons in one year!! I am looking forward to another Spring training session with GBT, and cannot wait to see what else I can accomplish with the help of GBT and my local running community!”    -Sami M., Jan 2023

“I found GBT by googling running groups in my area. I was nervous to join because I didn’t consider myself a “runner.” Every once in a while I’d come back to the website and look at it, but ultimately decide I wasn’t ready. Eventually I built up the courage to attend one of the intro meetings. Immediately I felt welcomed by the group and my nerves went away. I was so excited to talk to fellow runners about running! I looked forward to meeting the group on our evening runs, even if I had a bad day at work, running with the group always made my day better. On the training side of things, I was held accountable to my training plan and felt pushed to do my best. With the help of the group I PR’ed my half marathon time and successfully ran a sub-2 hour half! I am so happy I joined the group and now have local runners I can run with. If you’re on the fence about joining, do it!”  -Ellen O, November 2022

“I sought out training to get me ready for a half marathon and 25k trail race. I chose individual coaching as it was what fit best with my life. I had an amazing coach and they were able to get me to the half marathon and to the 25k! My goal was to finish both and have fun doing it! Both were achieved.This was after dealing with illness and a foot injury during my training.   My coach was very responsive to questions and checked in often while developing a running plan for me. There was so much encouragement and tips that were super helpful along the way to keep me motivated and reminded me how far I have come with running. I recommend utilizing individual coaching to anyone needing help, encouragement, strategies, etc in running any sort of distance. You won’t regret it!”   -Sara S.,  November 2022

“There are not enough good things I can say about my experience with Grand Bluff Training Individual Coaching! In a year where everything appeared to be going wrong, Coach Vern helped me progress in my weight loss journey despite all the curveballs COVID-19 threw my way. Gyms were closed due to the pandemic, causing me to reach out for individual coaching to help me best utilize what little space/equipment I had at home. Each time I entered a new challenge with self doubt, I was met with motivation and positivity. The monthly meetings kept us in sync on how to progress with training plans, from race goals to Maid of Honor dress goals! In the six months from April to October, I managed to lose 34.8 pounds (out of 67 total so far!), cut a full thirty minutes off of my half marathon PR time, and find so much self confidence. I would absolutely recommend GBT to anyone looking to improve their fitness! 10/10, 5 stars, 100%!”   -Sierra L., 28yo, Oct 2020

“I joined the Grand Bluff Training group in the summer of 2018 with the hope of getting a training program that would guide me to an injury free half marathon. I’m excited to say that I have trained with them through two half marathons and both were injury free! This group has been so much more than a running group. The coaches completely amaze me at how much they have helped me. They truly care about each member of the group. This group encourages me and helps me to push myself harder than I would on my own. I believe the GBT group is the reason I shaved 4 minutes off my half marathon time and set a new PR. I’m so happy I found this group. I’ve met some of the kindest and happiest people, they make me smile at every run! Thank you Grand Bluff Training!!” -JoAnn S., June 2019

“I joined Grand Bluff Training in 2015 because I wanted to become a more consistent runner. I also wanted to run my first half marathon but knew I would need some help. I was nervous to join because I wasn’t that strong of a runner, but I am very happy that I did! The group keeps me motivated and on track each week and the coaches are very supportive and encouraging. It’s awesome to have a group to run with through the dark winter months and hot summers when I wouldn’t normally be able to on my own. I highly recommend Grand Bluff Training to anyone looking to improve no matter where they are in their running journey. I am now working toward my sixth half marathon all thanks to the coaches and members of Grand Bluff Training! :)” -Dayna P., Apr 2019

“Being apart of GBT has helped me fall in love with running again! I love the fun encouraging group atmosphere! It’s a great group to train with!”  -Xochitl M., Feb 2019

“I started with GBT before they were GBT!  This year will be my 5th Granddad Half.  This group is awesome and supportive regardless of your running ability and goals.  My personal goal for my 1st half was to finish by 2 hours and 30 minutes.  I achieved that goal my 1st year! (I finished under 2 hours and 25 minutes).  Last year I PR’d with a time for 2 hours and 13 minutes.  It’s a great group; will encourage you, motivate you and if you are not careful, make new friends!?”  -Judy B., Feb 2019

“I’ve ran by myself since I started running about 5 years ago, by that I mean I never ran with a group… maybe a friend here and there. So when my friend told me about this “GBT” group I was super hesitant to join, I only knew my friend and I was nervous. Well I took the leap and signed up at the last minute on the first day of training for the 2017 Maple Leaf Half Marathon, mind you I have run several half marathons, 5 mile races, and 5ks before. I was welcomed with open arms and some amazing people. Ended up shaving almost 30 seconds per mile off of my half time, placing 2nd female in the Sparta Half, and placing 1st in my age for a 5k recently. The coaches are top notch, there is someone always pushing you and coaching you to be your best and there is great camaraderie from the whole group. As I have told them before, I will never run alone again. So if you are hesitant about joining, don’t be, just do it! I’ve never ran faster and had so much fun doing it, I love love love GBT!!!”  -Arrie T., November 2017

“Grand Bluff Training has made a major difference in not only my running, but my life.  I ran my first half marathon in just under 2 hours and 40 minutes with some self training.  I ended up hurting my hip and not running for over a month.  Once I joined Grand Bluff Training, I could barely run over a mile without a break.  I slowly started knowing a difference with the encouragement, training and speed work designed to improve your running to whatever level you want it to be.  I began running faster and further each week.  We had great seminars improve our running and safety.  During the training, I began having problems with my left ankle and knee.  I received advice from the coaches and also was able to see Dr. Jake who found my problem and began a plan to get me back on track.  I went to a few of the events with the training group, but I was missing some of the long training.  I was able to get healthy and decided to still run the Maple Leaf Half Marathon.  Not only was I able to do the half marathon, but I ran the entire race and cut 25 minutes off of my first half marathon.  All of this was accomplished because of the support and coaching I received.  If I can do that while being hurt for nearly 3 weeks, and I can’t wait to see where a full training will take me.  I would like to thank all of the coaches and also the other Grand Bluff Training members.  The happiness, healthiness and friendships I have forged due to the training group has forever changed my life.” – Luke R., November 2017