My Coach Larry (MCL) is the kind of coach that uses his own face as his company logo, has his own team theme song (check it out on his website at www.mycoachlarry.com), and whose most memorable experience is coming in as runner up in a beer mile. If that doesn't tell you everything you need to know already... But, seriously, MCL is the best coach. I was not a runner, and not the least bit athletic, but somehow, I went from never having run farther than a mile, to running a half-marathon, getting faster, and eventually running (and completing) my very first full-marathon - all while having a great time doing it. He maps out your mileage and course every week, with water on the course and mile markers put out for every single long run. Literally, all you have to do is show up. And if you don't show up, he'll check-in to make sure you're still on track. On top of it all the team is full of great people, from all different backgrounds, abilities, and speeds, and everyone supports each other. MCL has a regular "cheer squad" at every race. Plus, you get to hear him say things like, "when I was fit," except he still runs marathons in, like, 2:40-something..." without training. If you want to train with a coach and teammates that care, MCL is your man! Do yourself a favor, and go with the fro. read more

I'm close to 2 months into training with MCL and I highly recommend trying this group out. I get great tips on injury prevention, proper running form and much more. Everyone in the group is very nice and supportive. I tend to be slower, but have discovered that the group environment has helped me realize that I may be taking it too easy solo. You get great guidance for weekly training. Even though I only can get to the Sunday group long runs, I still feel like I can get individualized guidance to help improve my running. There are also nice running resources, like books and magazines to read after the run (or before if you are an early morning person). Unlike most run clubs I've been to, MCL has unique personal touches that make it stand out over other groups. I particularly like the foam rollers and stretching area, on course nutrition/hydration, post run hydration/snack option, ice packs and so much more. I've talked to local running stores and have been advised that Larry is one of the top running coaches in LA and the top coach in the valley. There are many runners at all levels, but Larry provides individualized attention to each of us and modifies workouts based on where we are in our personal training plans so we don't do too much or too little. This is an impressive group and I HIGHLY recommend checking it out. To really get a feel for the group, pick a race about a month or more out and train with MCL. read more

I'd give more stars if I could and here are the reasons why. I'm a lazy SOB. I love marathon tv watching, not marathon road racing. But after my friend became ill, I decided to raise money by joining the charity's running team. I picked Larry as my coach because of the great reviews and after some comparison shopping no one offered quite what Larry did. I could tell that he was going to be hands on while the other coaches and run groups gave you generic support, After 2 weeks, I injured myself because, as I said, I'm a marathon tv watcher/ professional couch potato with zero muscle tone. Larry quickly identified my problem (IT band) and recommended the perfect doctor for me! I went into physical therapy to build up muscle strength and soft tissue manipulation to break down years of scar tissue. Larry emailed me and kept up with my progress making sound recommendations as well as calming my nerves about my annoying injury. A month later, I was in full training mode with Larry. He built a calendar that was personalized to my needs with the injury. It was a super gradual build up. Not only that, every time my injury flared up he would rework the calendar to compensate for the change. When I saw all the work he was putting into these changes I was thoroughly impressed! The gradual and careful training has kept me injury free for 2 whole months and I can now run 17 miles a week comfortably. Never in a million years did I think I was capable of doing it. Larry's easy going attitude combined with a great work ethic helped me achieve it. He has given me great advice about running form, equipment (shoes, proper attire, watches, etc), and nutrition. If I have any questions he gets back to me promptly via email or telephone. This is SO much more than anyone else offers and Larry goes above and beyond the call of duty. My first half marathon is coming up and I'm looking solid so far! After I finish my first race I'm planning on continuing my training with Larry to improve my pace and set my sights on another half marathon. read more

What can I say about My Coach Larry? Only that HE'S AWESOME! No, seriously, if you are looking for a running coach who is knowledgeable, dependable, respected by his peers, He's the one. I started going to him because I hated running and I wanted to get better at it so I wouldn't hate it. Or hate it so much..and you know what? I actually like it now because of him. He actually teaches you and if you listen, you will become a better runner. He has long runs on Sundays and track workouts during the week. He and his wife are certified coaches and the runners in the group are great people to run and hang with too! If you are a runner or want to be, he's the one you want to go to. read more

Coach Larry is "THE" expert of his field. He knows how to coach you in training for 5K,10K 1/2 mar. Or full mar. From beginner to expert he will get you moving with as little injuries as possible along the way. I feel confident sending anyone from any level in his direction and know that they would be in the best of hands. read more

With Coach Larry's help I completed The LA marathon this past spring. It was a rewarding experience and I couldn't have done it without him. He tailors training to the need of the individual with fun training exercises and encouragement. I wasn't a runner before training with Coach Larry but I AM NOW. Looking forward to the next one! read more

Coach Larry is awesome!!! He is knowledgable, encouraging and fun! If you're looking for a good run group to join and if you want to improve a significantly I don't think you can find better than coach Larry read more

I'm currently training with Coach Larry in preparation for my very first 1/2 marathon with Team ASPCA. I am NOT a runner....no, I WAS not a runner. My initial pace was 13.45min/mil. After 3 months of team group runs and workouts with a running club he coaches, my pace is now 10.35min/mile and improving still! I've soared in my team! Coach Larry took me, a beginner, and shot me up the ranks fast!!!! All with fun, laughs and yes hard work and sweat! But no pressure! Anyone wanting to improve, anyone just wanting to finish? COACH LARRY is theee man! read more

Awesome group..AMAZING coaches! I've been training with this group since July 2015, and it has been a really fun experience! I initially joined because I ran my first half in March 2014 without training (WORST DECISION EVER), and I've always had running the LA Marathon on my bucket list. So I decided to be smart and start off training for a half, and then continue training for the full. I did my first half after starting with MCL in October. I was tired at the end but definitely did a lot better than my first. I ran another half in December and I felt great! - but maybe that's because I had already been training for the full, so I was running more than 13.1 miles hehe :) - I haven't ran the full yet, but it's coming soon and I have no doubt I'll finish strong with the training that I've had since starting last summer. I definitely recommend joining if you're a somewhat runner, advanced runner, or even a beginner! There's all different levels and it's easy to find a running buddy. Go MCL! p.s. tuesday/thursday drills day - such a good workout! ESPECIALLY the abs ;) read more

Coach Larry is awesome, super knowledgeable and on top of that, fun. I trained with him for a few months until my work schedule began to consume my life. He just knows so much and is able to answer any running question that pops up. I love the different routes and exercises he would create. I can't wait until I move closer and can resume training with him. read more

My Coach Larry (MCL) is an awesome Coach and runner! He helped me train for my first full marathon 2 years ago (something which I NEVER thought I could do!!) and I never left! Additionally, the MCL Running Group is full of great people. I have made some great new friends since starting with MCL. Go MCL!! :) read more

Coach Larry is AWESOME! He helped a group of us train for the marathon and we all finished. He really took great pride in guiding us every step along the way and explaining all the necessary information in detail. I will be running the next marathon again and will ask coach Larry to be part of my training. read more

Larry's a highly experienced runner and competed at all levels. He is an excellent team/club coach who genuinely cares for his runners and is suited to both beginners and the advanced. He is awesomely motivated and a nice guy all-round! Larry's program promotes a fun-healthy team atmosphere is sure to get you quick results without noticing. Larry's coaching and training quality is that of a top level running club which is sure to help runners reach their goals. For results, Larry has made me a stronger race finisher and go from a 7:40min/mile marathon race pace to 6:40 over the course of 3months. I'd definitely recommend Larry to any runner. read more

Getting caught up on my reviews for all of those that helped me achieve a major life goal, running my first marathon, and Larry was the most critical. I had been running for a few months leading up to this past January and had this crazy idea to go run the LA Marathon in March. I started looking up coaches or clubs and found Larry here on Yelp. Once again, Yelp's reviews helped me find the perfect fit for me. I was jumping in to the training cycle late, but Larry created a custom calendar for me, increasing my mileage each week, but doing it in such a way that it wasn't overly taxing on my body. He took time to answer any and and all of the questions I had about running, as well as diet which is so critical to running a marathon, and took time to work with me as an individual on what would be the best fit for my needs. He also knew exactly when I needed to start tapering to be in tip top shape to run the race, and there is not a doubt in my mind I would never have been able to finish my first marathon without his help. For anyone wanting to start running, whether you have the crazy goal I had, or something more reasonable like 5k's, 10k's, or half marathons, RUN to see Larry! (Yes, that pun was intended) read more

I trained with Larry for over 6 months. He helped me train for half and full marathons. What I love about working with Larry is that he is flexible and will encourage you to accomplish your running goals, whether you just want to finish or if you want to finish faster. He taught me how to create my own training plan and was especially patient whenever I had a question. I think he must have answered about 100 hundred emails regarding mileage and pacing. Larry's a great coach and will get you to where you want to be no matter what your level! read more

Larry is fantastic. I don't think I could have finished my marathon without him. I had really fell behind in my training, was in chronic pain and didn't know what to do. I decided to go see Larry and it was just the kick in the butt I needed. When I went to him I was less than two months away from the marathon and hadn't run further than 11 miles. He was honest with me. He said that with my current long run at 11, I may not be ready come race time. But also said he would help me prepare for the full marathon if that's what I wanted to do. Larry's got a laid back attitude that makes you feel comfortable and relaxed, but he can turn on his motivational side when he needs too. It's the perfect mix for someone like me. He gave me a new schedule that that wasn't easy, but wasn't too difficult. He also gave me some pointers and tips on how to warm up. Both were game changers. The last two months of training were terrific and I was more than ready come marathon time. Finished my first ever marathon in 4:12 and am gearing up for my second in November. I have to say I have Coach Larry to thank for that. read more

I have been training with Coach Larry weekly for over half a year to run a few 10Ks, a half-marathon, and the 2012 LA Marathon. The training schedule is perfect for runners of all levels-- beginners and novice runners feel welcome and inspired to gradually increase their mileage, and pros feel challenged by the subtle pressure of Coach Larry's personal need for speed (I am not the latter!). The running course itself, though in Griffith Park, is clearly and carefully planned with outlining mile markers, in addition to a bag at most stops with water/fuel, which makes running 20 miles actually feel organized and sane. The reason I recommend Coach Larry to my friends and colleagues is for the simple fact that he is approachable, experienced, and most of all, very knowledgeable about running and the pains/injuries that often times accompany. I never thought I could run a marathon, and now look forward to running the next one soon! read more