Meet Our Coaches
Meet Our 5k/10K Coach - Michele Mannino
Michele Mannino is a native Vermonter who grew up playing soccer and sprinting for her high school track and field team. She began distance running in college and has loved it ever since. Currently she competes in races ranging from 5ks to marathons and is a certified run coach through the RRCA. She enjoys working with runners of all abilities and experience levels. She is a big supporter of RunVermont and has competed in the Vermont City Marathon several times from 5-person relay to full marathon, as well as the Half Marathon Unplugged. Michele is the owner of Summit Physical Therapy in Stowe, VT where she specializes in working with runners, bikers and other outdoor athletes.
"I love working with runners because they are so dedicated and passionate about what they do. The sense of accomplishment after a race is unlike any other sport; even if the run didn't feel great, you're still smiling afterwards."
Meet Our Half Marathon Coach - Joe Connelly
As RunVermont’s Director of Race Operations, Joe knows all the details on every RunVermont course. USATF Level I-Certified, Joe has been the Head Coach for Men’s Cross Country at NCAA Division II Saint Michael’s College since 2001, and also coached Saint Michael’s Nordic Ski team from 2001-2012. In 2003 Joe coached Saint Michael’s first NCAA Championship qualifier in Cross Country. Prior to Saint Michael’s, Joe worked with post-college runners and triathletes, primarily with beginner to intermediate athletes looking for structure in their training plan. Joe is a 20-time marathoner with 10 Boston Marathon finishes and 2 Vermont City Marathon finishes, including our inaugural year of 1989. He has over 500 race finishes in running, triathlon/duathlon, Nordic skiing, and cycling.
"My coaching philosophy for runners is based on Arthur Lydiard’s proven principles. I strive to put a runner in a place where they are able to honor their talent. There are no shortcuts in this sport – craft a plan, put in the work, and you will be rewarded."
"In road racing and cross country, tailoring one’s training to the type of course they are looking to have a good performance on is often a critical factor in one’s success. As designer and measurer of most RunVermont courses, and with an eye on how to analyze courses other races use, I believe I can deliver key insights to the runners I work with to put them in a position to excel on race day. This is something we work on a lot at St Mike’s – we’ll try to do our key training sessions on routes that are similar to the profile of the championship races we’ll be at late in the season."
Meet Our Half Marathon Coach - Hilary Therrien
Hilary is a lifelong Vermonter born and raised in Franklin County who didn’t take to running until her early 20s but grew up playing soccer year round so the transition was pretty natural for her. She's run a ton of races around the northeast but our local races have always been some of her favorites. Hilary is partial to the challenges of the marathon distance, but thinks the half marathon distance is the perfect one. Hilary is a wife and mother to an 18-month-old boy named Beckett, and works full time in the Mental Health field. When not working or chasing her son, you can find Hilary on the roads or in the local gym where she also works as a fitness instructor and personal trainer.
"I love working with other runners and a real passion of mine is introducing others to this sport and the positive impacts it can play in your mental and physical health. I look forward to working with each one of you and having the opportunity to coach through RunVermont."
Meet Our Marathon Coach - Sam Davis
USATF-Certified Coach Sam Davis has been running competitively for more than 40 years. His accomplishments include being a collegiate cross-country champion, as well as a former record holder in track. He is a respected member of the RunVermont Hall of Fame and has completed over 27 marathons (including four Vermont City Marathons) and countless half marathons. Coach Davis has PRs of 2:32 and 1:08 in the marathon and half marathon distances. And to prepare for the coaching realm his education includes; Level 2 Certification from USATF, Level II Certification from Road Runners Club of America, Level II Certification from Lydiard, a VDOT 02 Certification in the Jack Daniels method and a USECA Certification.
"I believe that one size does not fit all when it comes to training. I strive to customize training programs to an individual's lifestyle and include factors, such as running age, past injuries and long-term goals. I have learned more from my mistakes than from my successes and work to apply that knowledge to help runners achieve their goals."
