Meet Andrew Evans & Bill Robb of Phoenix, AZ

Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrew Evans & Bill Robb.

Hi Andrew and Bill, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Fittingly, our vision for AZ Endurance was realized during a conversation over post-run refreshments in a bar. I (Andrew) expressed my desire to help runners of all abilities train more efficiently, and Bill replied that he had that same aspiration. One of us pulled out a pen and started mapping out the business model on a cocktail napkin – so cliched, I know!

Within weeks, we were coaching runners and testing our model. Our first coaching clients were friends — we couldn’t even convince our families to be our guinea pigs. These poor souls were gracious and patient enough to allow us to test our training theories on them. They provided essential feedback, which we used to work out the kinks and refine our approach. It was imperative for us to begin modestly and earn a reputation based upon merit and athlete satisfaction. Eventually we saw enough success in what we were doing that we felt confident in our product.

Now, AZ Endurance athletes are consistently setting personal records, including completing 125+ mile trail races, earning spots on podiums, and qualifying for the Boston Marathon. While these achievements are first and foremost a testament to the work ethic of the athletes we have been fortunate enough to coach, we were thrilled to confirm early on that the science-backed approach to training utilized by an overwhelming majority of professional endurance athletes also works exceedingly well for novices, enthusiasts, and age groupers alike.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I (Andrew) call it a passion project, and in that sense, I would describe the road as quite smooth. AZ Endurance is not about gimmicks, fitness trends or “vibes”, but rather a holistic focus on what works. That is our litmus test. We promote a balanced training load, tried-and-true workouts, supplemental cross-training, mindset development – all the fundamentals of endurance mastery.

When our athletes achieve their goals, we often reiterate that we are thrilled for them but not surprised in the least. Most of us have nowhere near the time or flexibility to devote to the training regimen of a pro runner, but we can implement the same principles that work for them – and they will work for us!

One of the challenges for me (Bill) has been to meet our athletes where they are. My background is in trail and ultramarathon, but most of the athletes I coach are training for the marathon. That has meant I have had to expand my knowledge base, which in turn has made me a more well-rounded coach. And every new client we take on has their own unique set of circumstances that affects their training. Helping them navigate those circumstances, and not hinder their growth, is at the core of what makes coaching such a dynamic, ever-changing process. It also means that not every athlete is going to be a good fit. Being okay with that, and not taking it personally, is also something Andrew and I had to come to grips with.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
AZ Endurance provides 1-on-1 Run Coaching and Custom Training Plans tailored to your skill level and goals. Our first priority is your health. That means not just physical health, but mental health. As Phoenix, Arizona-based running coaches, we want you to train smart, build a healthy lifestyle, and have fun while doing it. It’s our goal to instill the confidence, resiliency and swagger that comes from overcoming the toughest of challenges.

What were you like growing up?
Andrew: I didn’t begin running until I was nearly 30, so I sometimes wonder what I could have accomplished had I started younger. At the same time, I enjoyed many wonderful years of playing competitive golf, which I wouldn’t trade. As an only child growing up in a quiet suburb, I spent a fair amount of time by myself, which might explain why I truly enjoy the individualistic aspect of running. I love to run with friends, but I also look forward to a couple hours of solitude in the mountains on a weekend run.

Bill: Where Andrew found running later in life, I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t careening around on two feet, whether it was playing soccer or basketball, or simply getting from one side of the room to another. That’s not to say I always loved running. In fact, my stint on the High School Track Team was the first time I seriously considered walking as a superior form of getting around on two feet. I didn’t seriously reconnect with the sport again until I was in college, when I needed an outlet for the stresses of being a terrible student. I began a weekly practice that eventually blossomed into a passion in its own right. Once I moved to Arizona, and discovered the trails, the lifelong obsession was clinched. The only question remained: how fast and how far could I go? And I’ve yet to have that answered to my satisfaction.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://azendurance.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/az_endurance/

Image Credits
Jeremy Harper