Rdy2Run Coaching
If you are trying reach a running goal and want some advice specifically tailored to your goals, then look no further; we’ve assembled a team of coaches who will guide you in your running pursuits, all from the comfort of your home. Our team of coaches share a passion for running and offer years of experience in working with hundreds of runners. RunVermont’s Rdy2Run Coaching will give you access to online discussions, podcasts, runner forums and insights to answer your questions and help you meet the challenges of a running lifestyle. Whether training for and running your first marathon, seeking to finish your first 5K, or looking to improve your personal bests, our coaches are ready to guide and support you. Enroll in your preferred distance-specific group and your coach will contact you to introduce themselves and provide meeting and discussion schedules. Meetings will be conducted via Facebook Live or similar, or in-person, and may include group fun runs.
Meet Our 5k/10K Coach - Cheryl Aley
As a lifelong competitive athlete Cheryl brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. Coach Aley combines 35 years of running every distance known—from 5Ks to Ultras and road racing to trails—to bring unique insights and plenty of practical application to her coaching. In addition, 10 years of coaching young runners and a USATF Level 2 Certification have helped to hone her approach to encourage a healthy lifestyle, a positive outlook and the element of joy through running to help you achieve your specific goals. Cheryl will help you find both fun and challenge in your running.
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."
