Kristina Opalecky – Scranton Running Coach
From: $90.00 / month and a $19.00 sign-up fee
Experienced obstacle course racer, trail runner, hybrid athlete. Want to be ready for any and every outdoor adventure?
Description
Scranton running coach Kristina Opalecky specializes in training both beginner and intermediate runners on the roads and trails, including OCR and Spartan events, with knowledge in strength training, mountain running and olympic lifting. Reach out to Kristina below to get started!
LEVELS: Beginner, Intermediate
TYPES: Road, Trail
DISTANCES: 5k/10k/Half Marathon, Marathon, Ultra
TRAINING PLATFORM: VDOT
TRAINING PLAN: Individual, customized training plan
COMMUNICATION: Unlimited email, unlimited text
RESPONSE TIME: Within 24 hours
LOCATION: Hawley, PA
IN-PERSON SESSIONS: No, online coaching only
SPECIALTIES
- Beginner-intermediate trail running
- Hiking and backpacking fitness
- Obstacle course, adventure, tactical events
- Beginner-advanced strength training
- Hybrid Training and Functional Fitness
- Handler fitness for sporting and working dogs: (Examples: Canicross, Wilderness SAR)
PHILOSOPHY
I believe in embracing fitness as a foundation for life’s adventures, both on and off the trail. Fitness isn’t always about running races and setting PRs, it’s about preparing ourselves for the challenges and surprises that life presents. My coaching approach is rooted building a strong, resilient body. Whether you’re climbing obstacles in an OCR race or navigating life’s obstacles, I aim to empower you with the skills and mindset to conquer any terrain.
I advocate for fitness that promotes longevity in sport and life and is adaptable to fit seamlessly into any individual’s busy schedule.
COACHING EXPERIENCE
During my college years, I undertook a personal training internship that encompassed 20 hours of lectures on training principles and client communication, complemented by practical hands-on labs where I honed these skills in real-world scenarios. I then coached as an at my campus recreation center for two years as an American Council on Exercise Certified Personal Trainer. I’ve since expanded my expertise as a National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified Personal Trainer and UESCA Certified Running Coach, guiding individuals in hybrid fitness events, road races, mountain trail running, and preparing them for backcountry adventures.
Fun fact: I actually design fitness programs for working and sporting dogs too!
ABOUT ME
I am a veterinary student with a passion for all aspects of working dog occupational health, from preventative care, sports medicine to pre-hospital stabilization and emergency medicine. I also love emergency preparedness and response and have found incredible joy combining this with my love of working dogs as I train as a Search & Rescue K9 handler.
You’ll often find both me and my dog squatting or running up a mountain—yes, she squats too! My passion for fitness was ignited through weight lifting and Crossfit, and was further fueled during my time on the college rowing team, where I first fell in love with endurance sports. I’ve completed 25+ Spartan OCR races, several road half marathons and marathons, however my heart truly belongs to the trails and hybrid events, with the 50k being my favorite distance. I also love being able to build fitness for both my dog and I at the same time through canicross!
My long term bucket list goals are to run a 100 miler and an ironman, and to just be as fit as I can be for anything life throws at me!
BIG INFLUENCES
My two idols are currently David and Megan Roche of SWAP. Their training principles are evidence based and I love their scientific approach to training theory.
I really believe that strength training is important for every athlete for it’s role in injury prevention and love that it is very easily adaptable to any kind of fitness or experience level. As someone who became a runner after a weightlifting background, hybrid training principles play a big role in how I program.
RACING HISTORY
I have competitively run 30+ spartan races from 5k-50k in distance including Spartan World Championships in Lake Tahoe, CA in 2019. I have placed Top 3 in my age group many times, with my most memorable performance being 5th female overall in the ultra distance. I have run several road half marathons and marathons and trail races such as the Cayuga Trails 50K and Blues Cruise 50K.
CERTIFICATIONS
- National Academy of Sports Medicine – Certified Personal Trainer
- United Endurance Sports Coaching Academy – Certified Running Coach
PRs
- Half marathon: 2:01:36 (4/25/21) , Endless Mountains Half
- Marathon: 4:51:12 (3/28/21), Two Rivers Marathon, ran the half marathon the day prior pacing my brother in his first!
- 50K: 7:37:50 (10/4/23) Blues Cruise 50k
- Spartan Ultra: 11:09:55 (10/2/21), NJ Ultra, 11K ft of vert, 70+ obstacles, 5th female overall
CONTACT KRISTINA
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
Robbie –
Kristina is an amazing Coach! She has been helping me with my fitness goals for years throughout multiple lifestyle changes. She adapts her programming to match your needs and is very open to feedback. She consistently checks in to ensure the program is enjoyable while still encouraging you to push your limits!
Robert McIvor –
Working with Kristina has been great! I chose her for my coach because of her background in trail running as well as spartan races. She is very flexible and easy to work with. I have some short term and long term goals and Kristina has designed a training plan that works great with my schedule. I’m very pleased with Coach Kristina and will continue to utilize her knowledge and experience.