Your Coach & Our Story
Heron Athletics was born out of my own comeback to running. As an elite high school runner, I earned a Division I scholarship, but a chronic condition forced me to step away from the sport before I ever had the chance to compete. After nearly a decade focused on rebuilding my health, I returned to running, but my condition still limited my ability to recover from training. Rather than trying to train like everyone else, I developed a system that maximized fitness while minimizing unnecessary fatigue. It worked, allowing me to return to competitive running and ultimately qualify for the Boston Marathon.
As I shared my training with other runners, I realized the same principles that helped me manage limited recovery also worked remarkably well for working adults. Careers, families, stress, and the demands of everyday life all reduce an athlete's ability to recover, making traditional high-volume training difficult to sustain. My system allowed runners to continue pursuing ambitious goals without sacrificing balance.
After seeing the same success with athletes in the Night Heron Run Club, I founded Heron Athletics to serve competitive adult runners who refuse to choose between chasing big goals and living full lives. My mission is to help athletes reach their potential through smart, efficient training while keeping faith, family, friendships, and purpose ahead of running. We train for life the Heron Way.
Mission Statements
Foundation of Faith
Acknowledging that our efforts are in vain without Christ, Heron Athletes strive to glorify God in whatever our hands find to do: choosing discomfort, doing hard things, and trusting in the Lord. We run the race in such a way as to pursue the eternal prize of salvation and endure faithfully to our finish line.
- "Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain." – Psalm 127:1
- "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might." – Ecclesiastes 9:10
- "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run (in such a way) that you may obtain it." – 1 Corinthians 9:24
Miles Before Medals
Our focus will be on building mileage, speed, and consistency while minimizing injury risk. The goal is an efficient, systemized approach to improving your lactate threshold, VO₂ max, and running economy. Just as importantly, if you don’t enjoy the months of training, then what’s the point? Our training plans are designed to help you push yourself, embrace the struggle, and find enjoyment in the process. It's training for life; the heron way!
Prioritized Perspective
Running should not become the center of an athlete’s world. Life has many priorities that should remain above training. As a result, Heron Athletes will run a maximum of six days a week, maintaining balance while maximizing their potential. Seek God, not glory, and you'll find joy.