Meet Coach Erin Taylor
“Running and Funning”

With over 29 years of running experience, coach Erin Taylor brings a lifetime of passion, dedication, and competitive excellence to the Raleigh Running Collective. Erin’s journey began humbly during her freshman year of high school. What started as a way to get in shape for soccer quickly transformed into a lifelong love. After just one week of cross country practice, she never looked back. Soccer’s loss was running’s gain.

By her senior year, Erin had become one of the top runners in Virginia, earning a coveted spot at the 1999 Foot Locker Cross Country Championships and securing a Division I scholarship to NC State University, where she competed at the collegiate level.

Post-college, Erin continued to train with fellow adult runners and made running a cornerstone of her everyday life. She has completed 11 marathons (PR of 2:47:31) and remains a competitive elite masters runner in the Raleigh area, showing no signs of slowing down.

In addition to her personal accomplishments, Erin is deeply invested in the next generation of runners. She volunteers as a coach for a local youth running club where her two sons, Cameron (12) and Jack (9), are enthusiastic members. Her husband Kent—her biggest cheerleader—can often be found on the sidelines supporting the whole crew.

Erin’s approach to coaching and running is all heart: equal parts grit and joy. Her motto, “running and funning,” reflects her belief that progress and play can go hand in hand. Erin is committed to training, racing, and enjoying the sport for as long as her legs will carry her—and inspiring others to do the same.

 

 

Meet Coach Teresa Carver
“We are stronger together”

Coach Teresa specializes in coaching beginner runners and those new to the long-distance world, with a focus on building confidence, motivation, and a true love for the sport--all while having fun along the way.

A proud Raleigh native, Teresa ran track at Millbrook High School and was a scholarship athlete at NC State University, where she exclusively focused on pole vaulting. After college, Teresa was a volunteer coach at Panther Creek High School, which sparked her lifelong dream of becoming a running coach.  Teresa helped assist a local youth running club, and now shares her excitement for running with the cross country team at Magellan Charter School, she is one of their coaches as well!

Teresa is a mom of four with an incredibly supportive husband, Chris, who is an active member of the F3 community. Teresa is certified by the American Red Cross in Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED and strives to create a safe, motivating, and joyful environment for every runner she coaches.

Teresa believes running should never feel lonely-- she knows that running is great way to start your day, especially when you get to train with others!  As Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni said after winning Super Bowl LIX, “You can’t be great without the greatness of others.” That quote captures the heart of Teresa's coaching philosophy: we rise together!

Whether you're training for your first 5K or simply looking to find joy in the miles, Teresa is here to support you every step of the way and will be your biggest cheerleader!

Meet Coach Adam Short
“Enjoy the Process"

Adam's passion for running began in high school, where he participated in track and cross country. After high school, he jogged occasionally but never imagined running more than three miles at a time. However, his perspective changed when he watched his wife, with no prior running experience, complete a 5k program and progress to a half-marathon.

Inspired by her determination, Adam laced up his running shoes again and went from struggling through a two-mile run to completing his first half-marathon. Since 2016 he’s run 16 marathons, including five of the world majors (Boston, Chicago, New York, London, and Berlin), and raced distances from the mile to the 10k on the track, roads, and trails. 

Adam finds joy in the rhythm of training and helping others in the running community reach their goals and have fun. He led the run club for his kids’ elementary school from 2017-2025, coached track and cross country for a local youth running team with Teresa and Erin, and volunteers with his kids’ track teams (whether selling concessions or raking sand pits) whenever needed. Much to his family’s embarrassment, he also runs whatever Thanksgiving race they participate in dressed as a turkey. 

As a coach, Adam is known for providing quiet encouragement and building up runners over time.  He combines his extensive knowledge of the sport and training processes with his personal experience to meet runners where they are, collaborate with them, and adapt training to fit their lives.  

Nothing makes Adam happier than seeing his runners achieve their goals, but he is also there to support them on days when things don't go as planned. 

Current Certifications

• USTFCCCA Endurance Specialist

• RRCA Level 1 Coach

• USATF Level 1 Coach

• USATF Cross Country Specialist

• Red Cross CPR/First Aid

• Safe Sport Trained

• Positive Coaching Alliance