Evolve Multisport Athletes


Spenser Popeson
--Professional Triathlete (2012)
--Former NYU Track & Field Athlete
--1st overall at 201 Philly Triathlon
--1st in AG and 3rd overall at 2011Age Group World Championships in Bejing China

“I recently won the World Championships in Beijing this summer and I wouldn't have been anywhere close to where I finished with any other coach. Marisa is the key to my success. 
I could go on for days about her inspired workouts and how they are backed up by years of experience as an athlete. I could say that she backs up any advice with years of education and intense study of the human body and its mechanisms. But there are some (not many, but some) coaches out there within similar credentials as far as that goes. Marisa has an attribute that is both invaluable and infinitely hard to find: she knows what to say. Right before a race, right after a bad workout, when you feel like you don't want to do this incredibly hard sport anymore... she knows exactly what to say. Few coaches know what to say. Marisa does.
I cannot give a higher endorsement of anyone. Marisa is top notch.”

Sarah Bodin
--Physician, Mother, Equestrian, Swimmer, & now Triathlete

“Marisa and I met through her now hubby, Jeff, my friend and colleague, last spring. I had done my first sprint triathlon, and knew that I had no idea how to train myself to improve! Fortunately, Marisa took the time to find out about me, my goals, lifestyle, strengths and weaknesses. We hit it off immediately, and she began helping me train. She helped me find a rhythm in life and training, and showed me that I can do more than I ever thought I could! I completed 3 more triathlons and a half marathon last season, including my first international distance tri, which I would not have thought I could accomplish, working full time as a physician, and being a half time single mom. But Marisa’s training plan helped me work in sensible and appropriate workouts, taking my sometimes tricky schedule into account. She maintains flexibility when needed for fatigue, or unexpected events, and stays in touch day to day by email or my training log online, and regular phone calls. Her moral support and specific training advice and plans made all the difference in my motivation, progress, and enthusiasm for the sport. I am looking forward to my second tri season with Marisa, right after swim season! Much more importantly, Marisa is also now one of my best friends. She is one of the most grounded, sensible, thoughtful people I know, and I am so fortunate to have met her.”
Karson Anderson
--Fierce competitor, Cycling goddess, Triathlete, Bikram Yoga Enthusiast, and Lover of Cross-fit
“Marisa has been amazing from the first day I met her.
I never felt as though I needed to put on a front as to what I was really doing in my training: being honest and real with her was very easy. I know that I was a sent a true gift and blessing with her as my coach. Not having had any real experience with athletics I was nervous as to how all of this would play out. I never played any sports in as a youth, during high school or even college: I was nervous. I had two huge goals and Marisa got me to both of them in 2010-2011: I finished my first half iron man, and several after, and finished my very first marathon with her coaching. She was always careful in her planning of my plans: she took into consideration my personal schedule (full time Kindergarten educator and full time graduate school student). I know that without Marisa's support and unwavering devotion, I would have not been successful in accomplishing 70.3 and 26.2. She is my inspiration and motivation beyond my training goals. She is a beautiful person inside and out and honestly cares about the folks she is offering her services. She was there for me when I needed her most: I remember getting sick on several occasions before an event and she was there every step of the way to ensure my mental and physical success.”

Lori Stresemann
-- Marathoner, Boston Qualifier & Competitor, Swimmer and now Triathlete
“I have been a runner for many years, but like Forest Gump, I was just "floating along on the breeze"-running without purpose or direction. When I started training with Marisa, I learned so much more about the science of running. She taught me how train effectively, gaining fitness and strength to achieve things I never thought my body was capable of; and, she made it fun! Now, she's helping me to realize another goal I've set--to participate in my first triathlon!! I consider myself a very lucky person to have met Marisa--she is an awesome coach, a very inspirational person, and a true friend.”

Bill McKenzie
--Age 61, double lumbar fusion L4-S1 at age 26, Triathlete, Entrepreneur, Author, &
70.3 Championship finisher
" Marisa has the ability to get you to a performance level you may have thought unobtainable. She combines her academic training and elite athlete status with your specific goals to provide the very best in personal coaching. Her enthusiasm is contagious and even the most demanding workouts become adventures in achievement.
With certain physical limitations, I never expected to compete at the half ironman level. Working with Marisa has led me to realize that the joy of competing knows no boundaries, regardless of age or physical condition.With Marisa, it's believe and achieve. As a 'senior athlete', Marisa has rolled back the years for me and I'm having a new lifestyle blast! "