Blake Helton – Chicago Running Coach
*** Roster currently full *** Running coach and physical therapist. Specializes in injury prevention/training programming for runners of all ability levels.
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!
*** Roster is currently full but you can still reach out to Blake below ***
LEVELS: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
TYPES: Road, Track, Trail
DISTANCES: 5k/10k/Half Marathon, Marathon
TRAINING PLATFORM: Final Surge
TRAINING PLAN: Individual, customized training plan
COMMUNICATION: Unlimited email, unlimited text
RESPONSE TIME: Within 24 hours
LOCATION: Chicago, IL
IN-PERSON SESSIONS: No, online coaching only
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.
RACING 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
PRs
- 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
Finding a coach who is a great fit for you is really important. We encourage you to email your coach prior to signing up so you can connect, communicate, and ensure a good athlete/coach fit.
SOCIAL
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