"Two years ago, I ran my first race ever—the Tely 10. Midway through, Coach Mark Didham (who I didn’t know at the time, as I was completely new to the running scene) struck up a conversation with me and guided me through some kilometers, giving me my first experience of being coached without even realizing it. As I finished the race, Mark met me with strong encouragement just as I was beginning to fall apart and was on the verge of puking. He picked me up with words of motivation and offered to help me on this journey.
Instantly, I felt my first runner's high, realizing that I didn’t even know this person, and he was willing to help train me purely out of his passion for running. A year later, he’s helped me shave a minute off my first Tely 10 race (which I almost quit due to sickness, but Coach Mark pulled me out of my dark mindset and motivated me to reach the finish line). He has introduced me to all levels of training, from the 5k to the Cape to Cabot 20k.
He has humbled me every time I’ve tried to push my limits too far, never hesitating to train me correctly without risking injury. The way he explains recovery shows that he’s never out there to burn someone out or take advantage. He truly provides a pure training experience, and I feel immensely blessed that Coach Mark Didham has entered my running life. He is genuine and always available to answer questions, ensuring he’s there for the runner. Thanks Coach." - Chris Nash
"Mark is such a great coach for me! He took the time to check in with what I wanted to accomplish throughout the season, and his training programs were tailored to all my goals. He helped me balance training for my goal races and still run lots of the smaller local races because they are fun!
I really appreciate how responsive Mark is. He answers all my questions, and I have a LOT of questions! He also helped me adapt my training while I was injured, which let me keep my fitness and enthusiasm going while I healed up. Mark's quick comments after key workouts helped me focus on what I needed to work on, and boosted my confidence when I needed that. Mark offers a fantastic mix of knowledge and encouragement, and a little push to remind me that I can work hard and run faster! I'm so grateful to be working with him." - Wanda Power
"Mark, you’re the Best! Thank you for the guidance, support and motivation you provided throughout my marathon training. It has been quite a learning curve for me. Your expertise, encouragement and personalized training
plans made all the difference. I honestly couldn’t have reached and surpassed my 1st Marathon goal without your support.
Looking forward to continuing working with you in 2025….. Chicago!!" - Sandy Goobie
"I have followed Marks training plans the last 3 years. Through his guidance and leadership I’ve set numerous PB’s in the 10k, half marathon and marathon distances. I’ve managed to post qualifying times for Chicago (3x), New York and last fall Boston (with a new PB by a full thirty minutes!).
Mark is always available for questions and concerns and doesn’t mind being challenged if you don’t agree with something. He truly cares about you as an athlete and as a person. I highly recommend Mark as a coach. If you are willing to work hard he’ll get you to where you want to be." - Jeff Berdahl
"After one year being trained by Mark Didham under Iceberg Training Team, I not only improved my running in ways I never thought I could after almost a decade away from dedicated running but also found my passion again to run."
Mark really gets to know his runners and understands what motivates them, how to communicate to get the best from them, and provides the right feedback to encourage his runners. Mark's approach does not only just provide positive results but also allows runners to feel safe to make mistakes and use those as learning moments and not as struggles that reinforces guilt and shame. Anyone at any level from beginning to run to elite runners, will be in the right hands under Iceberg Training Team and Mark Didham." - Brandon St. Croix