Meet the Running Explained Coaches!
Nick Klastava
Head of Run Coaching
Nick started running back in 1996 and has been competitively running for 24 years now with a brief break in his 20’s. His spark for running came back in High School, being a part of a team and finding a sport that brought out the best in himself. He knew even back then one day he wanted to run the Boston Marathon, which he would do in 2014. He ran competitively in college for Monmouth University in New Jersey and ran PR’s in the 5k and 10k that stood until he finally broke them back in 2018, almost 16 years later. Post college he took 8 years off and gained valuable experience that has helped him excel when he began again at age 30, putting entirely less pressure on the results/himself and more on the process and truly enjoying running. He has run 15:37 5k, 32:39 10k, 1:10:56 Half Marathon and 2:30:47 all after becoming a parent and at age 37. He attributes a lot of his success to hiring a coach back in late 2017 when he felt stuck and not progressing on his own. He is currently finding his way back with running and life and trying to chase goals now as a Master’s runner but he ultimately believes a goal is just something to shoot for not to define himself, the key to everything is balance and enjoyment. Nick lives just outside Baltimore, Maryland with his wife and two daughters (Chloe and Amelia). Nick has a degree in Software Engineering and currently works as a program manager by day. His favorite thing about coaching is to unconditionally support runners and their journeys. To invest in a runner and their experiences. The good, the bad, and the day to day to help them achieve things they once thought were impossible. To ultimately help them understand not only the physical training side of running but the mental approach to running and having a mindset to support the ups and downs of running. He loves working with athletes of all experiences no matter what they are training for.
Elisabeth Scott
Founder & Chief Running Officer
Elisabeth started Running Explained with the mission to help runners of all experiences and abilities become students of the sport and understand the how, what, and why of running! Although active in sports growing up (including swimming, cross-country, and downhill skiing), running just to run was never on her mind! After a long stretch of inactivity through college and her late twenties, Elisabeth picked up running at the age of 29 after getting sober and set the goal of running a local 5k... just to "get in shape!" Within 6 months, she had run a 5k, 10k, half marathon, and full marathon, finishing her first half in 1:56 and her first full in 4:05. This "crash course" in running (including learning a lot about what not to do) fueled the inspiration for the work she does today. She has since run 6 marathons, multiple 5k, 10k, and half marathon races, and her current PRs include a 20:07 5k, 1:36 half marathon, and 3:31 marathon (BQ). Elisabeth's training philosophy emphasizes the importance of developing a strong aerobic capacity, creating training habits that encourage consistency, whole-athlete development (including advising on strength training, mobility, nutrition, hydration, and managing life stress), and helping runners enjoy what they're doing and making running fit into their life... not the other way around! She works with runners who have goals ranging from "become a better runner and quit the cycle of training burnout", to running a first half or full marathon, to running a specific goal time in races of all distances from the 5k through the marathon distance and multi-race weekends. Elisabeth intentionally limits her client roster to provide her athletes with individualized attention along with balancing the needs of managing the business; please note that Coach Elisabeth only accepts clients at the Premium level of coaching ($295/month).
Elisabeth started Running Explained with the mission to help runners of all experiences and abilities become students of the sport and understand the how, what, and why of running! Although active in sports growing up (including swimming, cross-country, and downhill skiing), running just to run was never on her mind! After a long stretch of inactivity through college and her late twenties, Elisabeth picked up running at the age of 29 after getting sober and set the goal of running a local 5k... just to "get in shape!"
Within 6 months, she had run a 5k, 10k, half marathon, and full marathon, finishing her first half in 1:56 and her first full in 4:05. This "crash course" in running (including learning a lot about what not to do) fueled the inspiration for the work she does today. She has since run 6 marathons, multiple 5k, 10k, and half marathon races, and her current PRs include a 20:07 5k, 1:36 half marathon, and 3:31 marathon (BQ).
Elisabeth's training philosophy emphasizes the importance of developing a strong aerobic capacity, creating training habits that encourage consistency, whole-athlete development (including advising on strength training, mobility, nutrition, hydration, and managing life stress), and helping runners enjoy what they're doing and making running fit into their life... not the other way around! She works with runners who have goals ranging from "become a better runner and quit the cycle of training burnout", to running a first half or full marathon, to running a specific goal time in races of all distances from the 5k through the marathon distance and multi-race weekends.
Elisabeth intentionally limits her client roster to provide her athletes with individualized attention along with balancing the needs of managing the business; please note that Coach Elisabeth only accepts clients at the Premium level of coaching ($295/month).
Amanda Katz
Running Coach
Works with Classic Athletes Only
Amanda Katz is a full-time fitness professional; a certified personal trainer, RRCA certified run coach — joining the Running Explained coaching team in 2022 — and serves as a group fitness instructor specializing in indoor cycling, treadmill running and total body conditioning formats at Equinox in New York City. She’s a marathoner, lover of distance running and lifting heavy. Her philosophy is based on the notion that all bodies deserve a fitness experience without guilt or shame. She approaches her craft with humor, real talk and ultimately, wants her clients feeling strong and more capable in their bodies through movement. Favorite Race: NYC Marathon Favorite Run Fuel: SiS Gels in Salted Watermelon Favorite Accomplishment: Balancing fun and training. If we’re not having fun, what’s the point?!
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Brendan O'Kane
Running Coach
Works with Classic & Basic Athletes
Brendan started running as a kid and hasn't stopped since. From asthma attacks and being barely able to finish an 800m in middle school to running at the Millrose Games and adidas Outdoor Track and Field Championships finishing with a 4:24 mile as a senior in high school. Running was and continues to be an important part of his development as a person. Brendan competed at the University of Scranton, and then Loyola University. He was the team captain and holds the University’s 4th fastest time in the 10,000m at 32:13 and 10th fastest 8,000m at 25:43. Since graduation Brendan has run a 56:53 for 10 miles, a 1:15 half marathon, and a 2:46:42 marathon finishing 8th at the Baltimore Marathon in 2015. He's qualified for Boston four times and hopes to PR there this spring. He also knows what it's like to struggle with injury. Throughout his life, he has missed two years of running and by this point is well-versed in injury prevention and the importance of strength work and rest. Brendan’s coaching philosophy focuses on the holistic development of the runner. In order to compete and progress in running it’s essential to cultivate a mentality that allows you to get the most out of your ability. Brendan does this by focusing on the good, focusing on strengths each runner has that can be further developed all while tending to some of the areas that have room for growth. He believes in running hard on hard days and easy on easy ones and developing the belief and knowledge that you could always do one more rep or one more mile but sometimes it’s best not to! The focus will be on developing the aerobic engine but also the speed necessary to make moves and have fun in racing. Brendan has experience coaching new runners and experienced ones and knows that each person requires different attention and care in order to be successful. He’s interested in helping you reach the goals you have and doing so in a way that allows you to have some fun and increase self-belief in the process. He’s ready to work with any runners who are serious about stepping up to the next level! Favorite Race: NYC Marathon Favorite Run Fuel: Maurten Gels + Bonk Breaker Chews Favorite Accomplishment: Being selected as Team Captain at Loyola College; placing Top 10 at the Baltimore Marathon
Andrew Cantor
Running Coach
Works with Classic & Basic Athletes
Andrew started running his freshman year of high school when he joined the cross country team because he had friends who signed up, but immediately fell in love with the team environment and the support he received from his coaches and teammates while also seeing improvement. To this day, one of the many things Andrew loves about running is chasing a tangible goal. Andrew competed at Salisbury University for two years before deciding to take a break due to injury and burnout. In 2014, he committed to running a full marathon, with the goal of qualifying for Boston. Although he ran 3:09 and missed his goal by four minutes, Andrew used that race as a learning experience and since then has completed nine marathons, one ultramarathon, and lowered his Personal Best time to 2:44:42 at the New York City Marathon (2019). Andrew’s other notable personal best times include a 16:37 5K and a 56:35 10-mile, both of which occurred in the midst of marathon buildups. Andrew’s coaching philosophy revolves around becoming a better overall runner, no matter your goal race distance. He understands that having a large aerobic engine is vital to success at longer distances but also believes in incorporating some leg speed into marathon training. He also believes that building a strong aerobic base is crucial to running fast times at shorter distances. While this methodology is, an effective way to maximize performance, MORE IMPORTANTLY, it is fun and helps build confidence in the athlete. Athletes run their best when they are enjoying the process and believe in themselves! Andrew’s goal as a coach is to not just help runners achieve their goals but to connect with them, support them and invest in their journey. Favorite Race: NYC Marathon Favorite Run Fuel: Vanilla GU and Lemon-Lime Nuun Favorite Accomplishment: Running 3 PRs in 2023 after coming back from injury (10k: 34:10 | Half: 75:42 | Marathon: 2:43:42) AND having all of my athletes hit at least 1 PR this year!
Natalie LaMendola, DPT
Running Coach
Works with Classic & Basic Athletes
Natalie's love for running began when she was in junior high and her dad invited her along for his evening runs around the neighborhood. She quickly realized how much she preferred running to other sports that she participated in, and joined her school's track team. She continued to compete in track and cross country throughout high school and as a DII athlete at Rockhurst University. Running kept her sane during the challenges of physical therapy school, and she decided to begin chasing some big goals after graduating. With the help of our very own Coach Nick, she was able to see how running can fit into an already busy, full life. In addition to coaching, Natalie works as an orthopedic physical therapist in Kansas City, helping patients and athletes realize their full potential after injury. She loves to combine her knowledge of rehabilitation science, strength training, and running principles with everyone she works with, either through coaching or in the clinic. When she's not working, you can find Natalie chasing around her twins with her husband Mitch, cooking new dishes, reading a book, or cheering on the Chiefs. Natalie's coaching philosophy is "Progress Over Perfection." She knows just how tough it can be to fit training into a busy life, and wants to help runners do this very thing by listening to their needs, adapting to their schedules, and celebrating every step in their journey. From 5ks to marathons, Natalie loves coaching all distances as much as she loves running them and would love to work with you!
Elena Solazzo
Running Coach
Works with Classic & Basic Athletes
Elena grew up playing sports, primarily Soccer and Basketball. She ran for her Varsity Track team as a sprinter placing 4th in Westchester County Sectionals in the 100m, and went on to play Division 1 soccer at Syracuse University and Binghamton University. Her first distance race was in 2015 when she ran the Miami Half Marathon (finishing in 1:48). After running that race she fell in love with the sport and set a long-term goal to run a half marathon in all 50 states. Her current half marathon PR is 1:39 and current marathon PR is 3:51. After falling in love with running Elena couldn’t stop reading and researching the sport. She wanted to help and connect with other runners, so she became a run coach, receiving her certification from RRCA. Elena’s training philosophy is to first get crystal clear on your goals to make sure training aligns with what you want to achieve. She believes proper training comes down to a balance of each athlete’s goals, experience level, and schedule. After assessing areas for improvement, she makes sure to build workouts into your plan that turn weaknesses into strengths to make you an all-around strong runner. Another area of emphasis is molding mental skills she feels these skills are just as important as making physical and physiological changes. Favorite Race: NYC Marathon Favorite Run Fuel: Maurten 100s Favorite Accomplishment: Breaking 1:40 in the Gulf Shores Half Marathon
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Jessie Gruca
Running Coach
Works with Classic & Basic Athletes
Jessie began her running journey in college as a way to stay in shape once high school sports (field hockey and soccer) were over. A roommate asked Jessie to run a half marathon in 2009, where she completed it in 1:49 and decided she enjoyed running. She went on to run her first marathon in 2011, in 3:24 and quickly learned what a BQ was and finished that coveted race in 2013. The journey to complete a marathon in all 50 states began as a way to visit friends after college and since has completed 25 marathons (in 23 states) along with multiple 5Ks, 10Ks, and half marathons. She has also had her experience as a triathlete completing many Sprint and Olympic distance triathlons along with a half ironman finished in 5:38. Her motivation has allowed her to self-coached herself to PRs after reading multiple running books before finally deciding to get her RRCA running coach certification in 2021, to be able to help other runners improve their running and find the thrill as well. Her current PRs are a 19:32 5K, 1:30 half marathon, and 3:13 marathon. Jessie’s coaching philosophy is to make running fun while working hard to reach our goals! A lot goes into having a good training block including building up the aerobic base through easy running but also including speed work and longer runs based on the race distance, goals, and experience. To be a well-rounded runner, she values the importance of also including strength training and mobility work to improve performance and as a way to prehab to help avoid potential injuries. She can relate to having fully scheduled days and limited time to help provide ways to fit running into our lives in an enjoyable way while giving feedback and support throughout training. Favorite Race: San Francisco Marathon Favorite Run Fuel: HumaPLUS Gels Favorite Accomplishment: Running a 19:32 5k PR after having kids; placing 1st Female in a 10k
Not Ready for 1:1 Coaching? Check Out The Run Club App!
If you're not ready to commit to 1:1 coaching or looking for a more affordable option, The Run Club App offers a fantastic alternative!
Get the support you need with:
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App-Based Group Training: Follow a training program that suits your goals while benefiting from a supportive community.
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Weekly Group Chats: Stay connected with fellow runners, share your progress, and get tips from others on the same journey.
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Monthly Live Group Coaching Calls: Join our live sessions for coaching guidance that runs parallel to your chosen Running Explained pre-written training program.
Whether you're training for your next big race or simply want to stay consistent with your running, The Run Club App is here to support you every step of the way. Learn more about The Run Club App Group Coaching!