Blake Helton – Chicago Running Coach
Running coach and physical therapist. Specializes in injury prevention/training programming for runners of all ability levels.
From: $75.00 / month and a $19.00 sign-up fee
Running Coach Description
Chicago running coach Blake Helton works with all levels, from mid- to long-distance track events (800m to 5k) as well as road/trail racing for distances from 1 mile up to half and full marathon, while using his background as a physical therapist to focus on injury prevention and long-term running goals. Reach out to Blake below to get started!
Specialties
I specialize in custom programming for all mid- to long-distance track events (800m to 5k) as well as road/trail racing for distances from 1 mile up to half and full marathon.
I am also a practicing and fully Licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy (PT, DPT). I utilize my experience as a physical therapist to further augment my athlete’s training experience with services such as virtual gait analysis and injury prevention/strength training programming. I also use my experience in exercise science research to stay current with the best training interventions to prevent injuries and maximize performance.
Philosophy
I believe that staying healthy through a season is the best way to maximize performance, whether it is finishing your first 5k to trying to hit a personal best in a road or track event! I believe injury prevention, active recovery, and strength training are just as vital to your performance as your hard days spent at the track or on the road.
Coaching Experience
I have 2 years of coaching the University of Missouri Running Club under my belt and currently do injury prevention screenings and programming at local high schools around Chicago! I am open to working with anyone whether you are a high school athlete, professional, or a Master’s level runner.
About Me
I grew up running track & field and cross country in high school and fell in love with the sport! I loved training under my coaches in high school and college which inspired me to become a coach, myself. When I attended Physical Therapy School at the University of Missouri, I merged my passion for competitive running with injury prevention and running performance research, coaching myself in the marathon for a year. I ran a 2:45 in my first marathon, qualifying for the Boston Marathon. This caught the attention of the Mizzou Running Club and was asked to be a the Men’s coach. There, I programmed and wrote weekly injury prevention/strength training workouts as well as training scheduling for the Men’s team for 2 years. I wrote workouts specifically for 800m, 1500m, 3k/5k, 8k (cross-country), and half to full marathon. I joined Team Run Run in 2024 to continue pursuing my passion for helping others become the best runner they can be!
Big Influences
Personal experience, Jack Daniel’s philosophy, current research for running performance and injury prevention.
Race History
- 4x800m relay 2012 IHSA State Class 3A Championship: 7th place All-State finisher
- Bass Pro Marathon 2017: 3rd place medalist
- Bass Pro Marathon 2018: 2nd place medalist
Personal Records
- 800m: 1:57
- 1500m: 4:02
- 5k (track): 15:57
- 8k (XC): 26:30
- 10k: 29:31
- Half marathon: 1:16:08
- Marathon: 2:38:17
Contact Blake
3 reviews for Blake Helton – Chicago Running Coach
Kellie –
I’ve been working with Blake since November 2025 with my goal of running the 2026 Chicago Marathon. I have a history of an injury prone leg since a fracture (from running) 10 years ago. We have been working together to safely increase my load over the past 6 months. I take comfort that he has his Doctor of Physical Therapy so he is very knowledgeable with injury prevention, which is most important in a sport that has a high rate of injuries. He provides clear workouts that don’t just include runs but strengthening to ensure long-term success. He is also incredibly friendly, easy to talk to, and holds you accountable which makes for the perfect coach. I am so glad I found him!
Ryan McLaws –
My wife and I have both worked with Blake and it has absolutely been insightful and transformative. We went from thinking that we knew everything to knowing everything. He has made us accountable and provided us with a game plan. I was particularly hard in that I had 3 international marathons in 9 months to prepare for and I was completely lost and dejected in that I was recovering from injury and facing having finished above 7 hours in my prior marathon. With a lot of fine tuned work and therapy I was able to get within a few minutes of my PR and on pace now to beat them in racing two marathon majors. I can say if you are considering Blake that he will fit the bill and get you to your goal if you follow his plan and do the hard work! Thank you Blake!
Olivia Gill –
Working with Blake has been an absolute game-changer for my running journey. From day one, he’s been more than just a coach—he’s been a supportive guide, a motivator, and a thoughtful strategist. He helped me build a solid fitness base that has not only improved my endurance but also laid the foundation for long-term success.
What really sets him apart is his ability to navigate setbacks with care and expertise. When I faced an injury, he didn’t just adjust my training—he helped me work through it safely and intelligently, making sure I stayed on track without pushing too hard. His approach kept me motivated and moving forward without compromising my health.
Every workout he writes is purposeful and tailored—not just to better my running, but to strengthen my confidence as an athlete. I’ve seen real progress, not just physically but mentally too. His coaching has helped me believe in what I’m capable of, and I’m incredibly grateful to have him in my corner.
If you’re looking for someone who combines deep knowledge, genuine support, and a personalized approach to training, I can’t recommend Blake highly enough!