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Sam's MaxExperience



"The decision to reach out to Coach James and sign up for my first race was a true turning point in my life. Two half marathons, a full marathon, and 60 lbs. down, I can honestly say I have never felt physically better in my adult life."



Everyone remembers how their life changed in March of 2020. Lockdowns began and most folks stayed home, chowing down on comfort foods and trying to resist the urge to drink alcohol before noon.


I decided to take this time to reflect on how I wanted to continue going forward. I was overweight, out of shape and lazy. Frankly, I was embarrassed to be in my 20s and look and feel the way I did.


In high school I was in-shape, a multi-sport athlete and several pounds lighter. In college I realized no one was going to force me to do conditioning, lift weights and stay in shape. Coincidentally I also discovered that beer and 2am Taco Bell was more fun than an early alarm to workout. Out of college, I started a desk job and my poor habits continued a downward trend.


What better time to “start over” and try to better me than when the world was seemingly on pause? So I took off on a run. After what felt like 30 minutes I looked down at my watch and had gone ¼ mile. This was discouraging, but you must start somewhere and that ¼ mile was my somewhere.


August 2020 rolled around, and I was able to run 3 miles consistently. I had hit a plateau and needed some help going forward. After reading David Goggins’ book Can’t Hurt Me (which had me ready to run through a brick wall) I wanted to challenge myself. So, I reached out to Coach James about training for the Joplin Memorial Run ½ Marathon in December. After getting set-up and going through my first few weeks of programming I couldn’t believe how well everything was going. My MaxEndurance workouts were clear and concise. I was able to follow along and trust Coach James. Within a month I was running twice as far as I had ever run before and at a faster pace.


By the time December 2020 came I was incredibly excited and felt well prepared for the race. After crossing the finish line, I was overwhelmed with emotions, reflecting on where I started in March to where I was nine months later. I knew in the back of my mind I couldn’t let this accomplishment be the end of the road and slip back into old bad habits.


Fast forward to summer of 2021 – still running but itching for a new challenge. I sent a text to Coach James.



Coach James seemed to have less apprehension about me running a full marathon than I did. Thinking back on where I started with a ¼ mile run, 26.2 miles was difficult to wrap my head around. What started as a “pipe dream” quickly turned into a reality. I got back to work with Coach James and registered for the full marathon in November 2021. No backing out now! Just like my training for the half, I felt more confident with each passing week that I could achieve this goal by following the program Coach James had set in place.


November came and I once again felt prepared, excited but nervous to run my first marathon. When I crossed the finish line I was again overwhelmed. I thought back to the beginning of this process – I put my body through almost 5 hours of hell, but surprisingly enjoyed the misery. I accomplished something I never in 1000 years thought I’d be able to do prior to becoming a MaxEndurance athlete.


The decision to reach out to Coach James and sign up for my first race was a true turning point in my life. Two half marathons, a full marathon, and 60 lbs. down, I can honestly say I have never felt physically better in my adult life. I will forever be thankful for Coach James and eager to continue running races and working to improve my overall health.



No matter your level, if you are ready to take your personal fitness or training goals to the next level, schedule your free consultation today!



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Meet Coach James

James Spencer, Founder


I was born and raised in Southeast Kansas and developed an interest in sports and fitness early in life. To pursue my passion in teaching and coaching, I received a Bachelor of Science in Education from Pittsburg State University in 2007. I taught physical education and coached basketball in a rural community south of Kansas City for 7 years, and in 2013, I completed my Master’s Degree in Human Performance and Wellness.


In 2014, our family relocated to Joplin to be closer to our family and I continued teaching and coaching in the Joplin School District. I currently teach physical education and serve as the assistant boys basketball coach at Joplin High School and also serve as the Joplin Middle School cross country coach.


Through my career as a teacher and coach, I have developed a passion for helping others achieve their goals. For that reason, I have worked to receive certifications from NASM-CPT, Precision Nutrition Level 1, IronMan and Revo2lution Running.


My family is my biggest motivator in all that I do. My wife, Kayla, is currently a pediatric physical therapist for the Joplin School District. We have two children, Emery (age 8) and Cale (age 5). Our family enjoys an active lifestyle, loving to run, cycle, swim, hike and be outdoors together.






 
 
 

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