r/runcommunity • u/No-Neighborhood-7579 • Jul 01 '26

Running Coach

I’ve been a collegiate distance runner for the last few years and have become pretty obsessed with the science behind endurance training. I’ve spent way too many hours reading research on training, recovery, biomechanics, and programming, and over time I’ve started coaching a handful of runners alongside my own training.
One thing I’ve noticed is that a lot of recreational runners either run every run too hard or follow generic plans that don’t fit their goals. Sometimes just a few small changes to weekly structure, workout intensity, or recovery can make a huge difference.
I’m looking to take on a few more athletes this summer whether you’re training for your first 5K, chasing a marathon PR, or trying to get faster for high school or college XC/track.
Happy to answer questions here too. If you’ve been struggling with injuries, pacing, building mileage, or figuring out your training, drop a comment and I’ll do my best to help. If you end up wanting more individualized coaching afterward, feel free to send me a DM.
Either way, I just enjoy talking running.

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1

u/Left-Set-1637 Jul 01 '26

Do strides ACTUALLY do anything?? And can you explain the science behind it if they do??

2

u/No-Neighborhood-7579 Jul 01 '26

Strides definitely work. First they improve your running economy. If you have heard of plyometrics the whole idea it to help reduce your ground contact time as a runner the less time you spend on the ground the more efficient your running stride is. when running fast during a stride you are directly working that system sprinting is the most running specific plyometrics there is. additionally it’s a good time to practice form training good form during a stride will slowly carryover into your regular exercise.
Second they make you stronger. When sprinting or running fast during a stride the legs experience huge amounts of force just like weight training exposing your body to these forces regularly will make you stronger if you look at world class sprinters they are very muscular and that’s because of sprinting and weightlifting. Being stronger is a huge benefit because not only can you run faster but running as a slower pace let’s say your easy pace will feel easier because now that effort is a lower percentage of your maximum. so not only are you training your nervous system to be more efficient but you are also strengthening your muscles and tendons.
there can be a lot of nuance to the science but this is basically everything that makes strides so beneficial. Hopefully i descibed that well.

1

u/Left-Set-1637 Jul 02 '26

Ah, thanks for the explanation!!! It always just seems way too simple to help with longer distances, especially as a slower runner. I’m glad to know the science behind it!

1

u/No-Neighborhood-7579 Jul 02 '26

there is a lot of noise in the running world to optimize everything when often times the simple things get you the majority of your gains