Interview with a Local: Cross-Country Skiing, Running and Endurance Coach Martin Benes

Endurance sports are a staple of the outdoors community in the Truckee-Tahoe region. From cross-country skiing in the winter to running and participating in triathlons in the summer, there are no shortage of trails to explore and races and events to join. However, for many it can be a daunting task to try the sport or develop new training routines to pursue higher milestones. 

This is where hiring a coach comes in, and Martin Benes is the region’s trusted expert on developing personalized training programs and group clinics to help athletes pursue greatness and fuel their potential. His philosophy: "People first." By creating training plans specifically catered to each athlete's background, skill level, lifestyle and mindset, he is able to help them make quick and noticeable improvements by making it "make sense" to them. Fostering positive growth and community is important to Martin, who has called Truckee home for almost 14 years.

I recently got the chance to interview Martin about his journey to becoming a coach and his training philosophy, goals and favorite local spots to train. Continue reading to see his responses to my questions, and I hope that you will be just as inspired as I am to continue the pursuit of personal greatness through outdoor endurance sports.

What inspired you to become a coach, and how has it made a positive impact on your life?

After racing cross-country skiing at the NCAA Collegiate level, I wanted to give back to a community that had such a positive impact on my life as an athlete and as a person. So I started coaching soon after graduating college and have pursued it ever since. One of the most rewarding aspects for me has always been getting to work with athletes and help them exceed their expectations. Getting to work with very different personality types is always rewarding and a fun challenge.

What is your philosophy when it comes to coaching endurance athletes, such as cross-country skiing and running?

People first. Everyone is an athlete, but everyone has their own story. That includes athletic background, personal lives, social lives, work-life balance, etc. I can look at sport science principles and design an "ideal" plan, but ultimately when I put together training programs for people, it has to work for them and make sense to them. Getting to know everyone as an individual helps me effectively write a workout plan and also form a connection that makes coaching more productive. I do apply sport science principles, but I have to make sure they work in real life.

What does a typical "day in the life" look like for you?

The big thing that almost every day includes for me is getting out and enjoying living in the Tahoe area. In the winter that is typically cross-country skiing or skinning. In the summer that is usually running or mountain biking. I like to be able to improve my fitness and skills in all these activities, and it also helps me think about how I work with athletes. In addition, I often communicate with athletes and write training programs and strength plans for people. There's often day-to-day adjustments and monitoring there. 

You also host various clinics and have some XC skiing ones coming up this season. Can you tell us how those work and how people can get involved?

One of the primary reasons I got into coaching was the community. I like to engage with local XC ski resorts and partner with them to offer clinics throughout the winter. I've got a couple coming up in February. On February 8 I've got an intermediate skate clinic up at Royal Gorge Cross-Country. On February 9, I've got another intermediate clinic at Tahoe Donner Cross Country. Those are open to the public and people can reach out to those areas to get signed up or join. I will occasionally offer other clinics as well. The best way to stay up-to-date is to follow me on Instagram at @mvbcoaching.

XC Skiing is a great endurance sport for all levels. Photo Credit: Scott's Shots Photography. 

What are some tips you would give to people interested in getting into endurance sports?

I think the two biggest things are that it takes time and community. Thankfully, the Tahoe area is a region that makes it easy to get outside. It's easy to spend lots of time on skis, running, biking throughout the year and build an aerobic base. We also live in a place where people are excited to share their sport with you. You can find like-minded people who will be stoked for you when you're making progress and also be there for you if you're plateauing or struggling to find motivation. This ties into things taking time as well. It's easier to stay in it for the long haul when you have a strong community supporting you and stoking the fire.

What made you want to call Truckee home?

I've been in the area for almost 14 years but I also grew up skiing at Royal Gorge Cross-Country. I was definitely drawn to the area for the amazing outdoor activities and landscapes. Unique aspects of the Truckee-Tahoe area as a mountain community are the lakes and water. I think having grown up near the coast, I like having access to the lakes of the area. I love the people around the area and how it continues to grow. It's been amazing to see the growth of trails, land stewardship and outdoor options continue to develop in meaningful ways.

Where are some of your favorite local spots in the Truckee-Tahoe region?

There are almost too many to list. I love the Sawtooth area and all the new trails they've built for mountain biking and running. I love the sheer number of spectacular cross-country ski trails at Royal Gorge, Tahoe Donner, Tahoe XC, and Nevada Nordic (and more)! Skiing at Sugar Bowl, the docks on Donner Lake and views of Lake Tahoe never seem to get old for me. One of the amazing ways we've grown in Truckee is the food and coffee scene. I'm Truckee-based so I'm biased, but spots like Zuri Coffee, Sierra Bakehouse, Old Town Tap and Golden Rotisserie are all great spots for keeping me fueled and caffeinated. 

What have been some of the most memorable moments in your career thus far?

I love getting to work with motivated athletes. Back to what I was saying about people exceeding their expectations. That has come in the form of athletes making the US Ski Team, making a Junior National team, winning multiple NCAA titles and winning World Championship medals. I've been fortunate enough to work with some amazing people who happen to be amazing athletes as well. It still amazes me how excited I get by coaching and working with endurance athletes. And that I get to do this for work. 

Summer is a great time for trail running, triathlons and overall endurance. Photo Credit: Scott's Shots Photography.

What do you do on your off days, and how do you recommend people balance recovery and training?

I think one of the best off-day activities in summer is getting out to the docks on Donner Lake or hitting up another body of water. In winter, it's nice to take advantage of a mellower day by getting out for a walk on one of the bike paths or walking around Downtown Truckee or Tahoe City. Year-round I'll get to a coffee shop on my days off from training to get some work done and usually run into some folks. I'm a big fan of finding ways to make recovery days enjoyable so it's always a variety. 

What are some of your goals for this year? 

I've got some of the same goals every year. One is to get more people out and stoked about cross-country skiing. We live in a place that has some of the best cross-country skiing in the world. I say that having been lucky enough to ski in a lot of different places. It's such a great way to enjoy the winter and especially in lower snow years. I am always looking to build community as well. That comes through clinics and other training groups. I've also been involved in the Donner Party Mountain Runners run club and hope to build on the fantastic community there. I've got some racing plans that I'm still working on, but I'm always excited to get outside throughout the year.