Sam Renikoff – New York City Running Coach

5.00 out of 5
(20 customer reviews)

$165.00 / month and a $19.00 sign-up fee

Running coach focusing on races ranging from the Mile through the Marathon! Working with runners to work hard, set and achieve goals, and enjoy the process!

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Description

New York City running coach Sam Renikoff specializes on the roads and the track, working with athletes looking to take their running to the next level, whether it’s stepping down in distance to pick up speed on the track, or going for that prestigious Boston qualifying time in the marathon. Currently working with runners from New York (Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan, and Queens), Philadelphia, Minneapolis, and Orlando, Sam is ready to partner in setting and achieving your goals wherever you’re coming from.

Are you looking to continue the momentum and get serious after your fall marathon? Or are you seeking some redemption after a tough race? Running can be tricky to navigate on your own through the winter months, so now is the perfect time to get started with a coach!

Contact Sam

LEVELS: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
TYPES: Road, Track
DISTANCES: Mile/5k/10k/Half Marathon, Marathon
TRAINING PLATFORM: Final Surge
TRAINING PLAN: Individual, customized training plan
COMMUNICATION: Unlimited email
RESPONSE TIME: Within 24 hours
LOCATION: Philadelphia & New York City
IN-PERSON SESSIONS: On occasion – Reach out to Sam first before booking. Options include but aren’t limited to: long training runs, pacing speed workouts, occasional easy runs, in-person race prep discussions.

SPECIALTIES

I specialize in coaching distances ranging from the Mile up through the Marathon, working with committed amateur athletes looking for a focused, yet fun approach to training. From those looking to set new personal bests in the Mile on the track, to runners looking to achieve a Boston-qualifying time in the marathon, I have the experience to help athletes succeed.

I am here to build a custom training plan, respond to any questions, and provide both motivation and accountability toward achieving running goals! I also provide advice on how to fuel in training and on race day, how to navigate the race-day experience, and strategy for race execution.

My athletes receive access to my “Athlete Resources” page, which includes an up-to-date racing calendar, recommended strength exercises, activation and warm-up drills, and a database of running-related content and media.

PHILOSOPHY

My coaching philosophy is centered upon consistency and balance. Improvements or success in distance running is contingent upon consistent, incremental growth. This means that training plans need to be sustainable for each athlete, both in volume and intensity, and they need to work within the realistic confines of everyday life. When I work with athletes, the first thing that we do is identify the priorities in their life that need to be worked around. In my experience, athletes that make time to enjoy and pursue other hobbies, or spend time with friends and family, tend to have more success than athletes that are more singularly-focused. This balance helps keep the joy in running alive, creating a more sustainable training plan that avoids burnout. To me, the training process is as much part of the goal as the race itself, and enjoying that process is incredibly important.

I also want to instill a mindset of flexibility with my athletes. Injuries, aches, and pains can pop up during training (though we do our best to avoid it!), and I always listen to the athlete, and encourage the athlete to listen to what their body is telling them. Tweaking a training plan to add an extra day of rest is much better than pushing through and getting injured!

COACHING EXPERIENCE

I’ve been coaching runners since 2020, having received my RRCA (Road Runners Club of America) and USA Track & Field Level 1 Certifications. The runners I have coached range from those trying to get in shape, runners returning from injuries, those building up to their first 5k, all the way through runners attempting to qualify (and re-qualify) for the Boston Marathon. I am also currently coaching track and field at the high school level, working with runners focusing on the 60-meter dash up through the 3000-meter distance events.

Outside of run coaching, I’ve also coached high school baseball and youth soccer. I just love coaching!

ABOUT ME

Born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota, I left for New York and made that home for six wonderful years. Recently, my wife and I moved to Philadelphia, and we are loving it! I frequently run with my wife, my friends, and a couple of social running groups. Outside of running, I love traveling the world and writing about it, I am a big fan of live music and dancing, I read a lot of books (I’m always looking for recommendations), and you can often find me experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen!

BIG INFLUENCES

My biggest influences are athletes who are able to produce incredible performances while still having balance in their lives, which aligns with my coaching style and philosophy. This would include Elkanah Kibet, who recently finished 4th at the U.S. Olympic Trials at 40 years old. He manages to train at an elite level while navigating deployments and working a day job as a comptroller in the Army, on top of being a father of three. I would also add Keira D’Amato, who took time away from professional running to become a real estate agent and be a parent, before rediscovering her joy for running and ultimately setting American records in the half marathon and marathon.

RACING HISTORY

My running history has been one of ups and downs, which has made me appreciate the process even more. I started out running 3:32 in my first marathon, and over the course of the following five years, I brought that PR down to 2:40. It took me a couple of tries before I got my first Boston qualifier, which made my first Boston all the sweeter, and I haven’t looked back since! I’ve gone through some injuries and comebacks over the years, and after 20+ marathons, I’ve learned a lot along the way. I’ve run races in many places, ranging from my hometown in Minnesota, to New York, Boston, Chicago, Berlin, and Barcelona!

Recently I’ve added to my racing resume, by racing in a couple of track 5k’s, a trail ultramarathon, virtual time trials, and lots of unsanctioned races in the middle of the night! I love trying different styles of races, as they always remind me of my love for running.

CERTIFICATIONS

  • USATF (USA Track & Field) Level 1
  • RRCA (Road Runners Club of America)
  • CPR/AED Certified (American Red Cross)

PRs

  • 1 Mile: 4:57 (5/3/24) Trials of Miles Track Night NYC
  • 3k: 9:57 (2/1/24) NYRR Night at the Races
  • 5k: 16:48 (1/23/25) NYRR Night at the Races 
  • 10k: 35:47 (9/14/19) OSR 10k
  • 10-Mile: 57:35 (9/29/19) Bronx 10-Mile
  • Half Marathon: 1:19:33 (3/17/24) NYC Half Marathon
  • Marathon: 2:40:00 (10/13/19) Chicago Marathon

CONTACT SAM

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.

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PUBLICATIONS

SOCIAL

20 reviews for Sam Renikoff – New York City Running Coach

  1. 5 out of 5

    Alyssa

    Sam has been phenomenal to work with! He does such a great job of creating challenging (yet doable) and fun programs for your goals. I’ve tried a variety of online programs in the past, but immediately felt a difference in my running under Sam’s expertise. In addition to the programming, he is able to provide feedback on your workouts to help maximize your potential, while still giving you the flexibility to move things around (since life always tends to happen). I couldn’t be happier to work with him, and highly recommend him to others!

  2. 5 out of 5

    Kyle M

    Working with Sam was one of the better running decisions I ever made. I approached Sam to take me to the next level and hit the goal marathon time that I had been trying to achieve for a few years. I was tired of “good enough” training that kept me just short of my goals and felt the accountability of a coach would push me over the edge.

    Sam truly tailored a plan around my specific goals, including understanding my personal preferences, weekly schedule, and travel plans throughout the season. He was flexible when I asked about potential changes and was always available to give advice at any point during the training.

    All runners (experienced or novice) would benefit greatly from working with Sam. Keeping all of the focus on the quality of my workouts while a coach like Sam stayed on top of everything else is a benefit that was hard for me to appreciate (until I had it)! There is so much effort and planning that goes into training – it’s the little things and small details that was best left to an experienced, unbiased coach who had my best interests in mind.

    In the end, working with Sam not only allowed me to achieve my goal marathon time, but also allowed me to achieve multiple PRs at other distances such as the 5k. I cannot recommend Sam enough.

  3. 5 out of 5

    Sean B

    Sam is a fantastic coach who I would recommend to anyone looking to take their running to the next level. After running my first marathon in 2023 without a coach (and not being fully happy with the result), I began training with Sam to prepare for the 2024 New York City Marathon. With Sam’s help, I was able to PR my marathon by nearly 25 minutes!

    Throughout our training block, Sam consistently created thoughtful (and varied) workouts, provided extremely helpful feedback, and served as a trusted sounding board. He was also extremely flexible, helping to structure my workouts around an often hectic schedule. Above all, Sam makes running fun – his relentless enthusiasm is infectious and helped to motivate and excite me to run.

    Overall, really can’t say enough positive things about working with Sam. If you are looking for a thoughtful and motivating coach, Sam is exactly who you want on your team!

  4. 5 out of 5

    Matt

    Can’t recommend Sam enough! He coached me for the 2024 NYC Marathon and helped me achieve a 25 minute PR! Sam is an enthusiastic, detail oriented & knowledgeable running coach. We communicated weekly on workouts and he helped motivate me during injuries or failed workouts. He was always available for questions about running, strength workouts, injuries, diet, etc. His messages and emails about race prep and racing tips were SUPER helpful and I appreciate the detail he goes into. Tracking in the Final Surge app was also really easy and he would update if I was sick, injured or traveling. He came out to see me at my NJ Half and the NYC Marathon as well which meant a lot.

  5. 5 out of 5

    Sam

    Working with Sam has been a fantastic experience. I started training with him as a motivated novice runner looking to run a half marathon to the best of my abilities. With his coaching I was able to run a full marathon faster than I ever thought I could. He gives detailed workout plans and provides great feedback to my workouts. The plans he has developed for me work around my schedule and goals. Even with injuries he has modified my plans so I could continue training. I cannot recommend his coaching enough.

  6. 5 out of 5

    Raj Desai

    I write this review after just coming back from the Berlin Marathon – still high off of the experience of not only finishing the race strong but obliterating my goal time. None of that feeling and success would be possible without Sam. I have been working with Sam for the past six months, and there has not been a single moment where I felt I was not getting what I needed from him – he was there every step of the way, helping me through every doubt and concern I had about my training. Sam worked with my hectic travel/work/school schedule, modified my training based on how I was feeling or how busy things were, and worked with me through every step – his ability to communicate made him a pleasure to work with. I could not recommend Sam more; if you have any doubt about working with him, just know the answer is yes, you should absolutely work with him. Sam is an incredible coach, and I am excited to work with him in the future for other races.

  7. 5 out of 5

    Paul

    First and foremost, Sam has been an amazing coach and a pleasure to work with. We started working together in October 2023. Prior to running with Sam, I’d had limited experience with running aside from a holiday 5k and one half-marathon post college, which I think was my only run with double digits of miles – and resulted in some lingering injuries. Fast forward to now – where I’m currently training for a 10mi and a half-marathon this fall, which will be my 6th and 7th races of this calendar year! We started off with some 5k races, and it was really fun to see my progress and continue to shave time off each race. Now we’ve been building up to some longer distances – all while staying injury free! Sam has been great at helping me find a balance of setting realistic/ambitious goals – and now I’m a couple completed races away from completing the NYRR 9+1 program, with hopes of the NYC Marathon in 2025! Also he has been very helpful/insightful fielding my many questions as a relatively inexperienced runner – even logistics of race day or navigating 9+1. Lastly, I have a pretty unpredictable work schedule that also includes some travel. Sam has been indispensable in helping me move my workout plan around life inevitably gets in the way. Overall, this has been such a positive, fun experience working with Sam, and I’m excited to continue working with him. I cannot recommend Sam highly enough, even for beginners such as myself.

  8. 5 out of 5

    Ernesto

    It has been a pleasure to have Sam as a coach. I am preparing for a marathon and he has helped me a lot with my training. In summary, Sam has taught me many things. He explains me the rationale for each workout, how to warm-up before runs, teaches me how to control pace, how to maintain form when tired and provides strategy for racing day, among others. He also created an adaptive plan based on my needs and my working schedule, and helped me calibrate the right pace in my workouts to improve every week. In terms of communication, he is always available if I have questions and super responsive at all times. I also enjoy a lot our in-person sessions. He is always providing knowledge throughout the runs and has been very helpful to better understand the running nuances to get better. Sam is also a great guy and awesome to hang out with! It has been super fun to work with him and I look forward to continue improving with him in the future. He was exactly what I was looking on a coach when I signed up for this program!

  9. 5 out of 5

    Greg Flood

    I really enjoy working with Sam. He is helping me build endurance and speed for my next marathon in March 2024. I feel like Sam is invested in my success. He gives me constructive feedback, asks questions, and builds my confidence. I really appreciate how Sam takes the time to work through obstacles that get in our way. At 46 years old I now feel less like a recreational runner and more like a competitive athlete, and that’s the biggest recommendation I can give Sam as a coach!

  10. 5 out of 5

    Lucia

    *** Updated review as of December 2023 ***

    Sam was my coach for my third marathon (and my second) and he created a plan to improve from last time. Going from one training cycle to the next in less than a month initially made me nervous I might burnout. However, Sam did such an awesome job mixing up the workout types and adding new fun ways to work hard so I never got burnt out. Sam gave me tons of insight into the marathon (Chicago) from his experience and research which really made me feel prepared mentally and physically. Not only did I finish the marathon, but I finished 1 minute faster than the goal time I was working toward and cut my time from my previous marathon by 9 minutes (and by 25 minutes from my first marathon). With Sam’s help I am so much more confident in my running abilities and am really looking forward to continuing to improve with his help!

    *** Original review as of April 2023 ***

    I would recommend Sam to runners of any level. Sam himself is a highly experienced and advanced runner but has the ability to communicate in a manner that is encouraging and positive while also creating plan that allows me to push myself and take my running to the next level. In creating my marathon training plan, he took into consideration what my schedule would be (including things like work, preferred rest days, travel days) and implemented a plan that makes sense for me personally. In addition to Sam’s ability to coach, he also has a ton of knowledge about running in general and it is fun to pick his brain on a topic which he clearly has such a passion for. The app that the training is tracked through is super user friendly and I always look forward to going in there and recording my workout results once completed. Since starting this training plan with Sam, I am feeling like a stronger and more confident runner while also still finding the enjoyment of getting out for a run that is sometimes lost during a long training cycle. I will no doubt be asking him to create my next training plan.. and the next.. and the next!

  11. 5 out of 5

    Erin

    I’m very thankful to have Sam as my running coach! An injury took me out of running for about a year and half, and I was apprehensive about starting again. I hired Sam a few months ago, and it was the best decision — he eased me back in to higher mileage (and still is doing so) at a pace that felt comfortable and builds in time for recovery runs, stretching, and strength training. The workouts are challenging and effective, and I appreciate that he rotates them frequently so they don’t feel stagnant. He checks in regularly to see how workouts feel, he is flexible when life gets in the way and will move the plan around, and he even showed up to my first race back (which I was very nervous for, so really appreciated the extra support)! I’ve come a long way since working with Sam, and I know that I’ll be in even better shape than before my injury (in some ways, I already am!) in no time 🙂

  12. 5 out of 5

    Malvi Desai

    Sam is an incredible coach! He coached me for the NYC Marathon this past year and helped me shave 16 minutes off of my PR. It is very clear that Sam is passionate about coaching- he’s dedicated, responsive and a true expert in running. The training plan and workouts that he put together for me were challenging, but all together it helped me realize my potential. He also is flexible and adjusted my training plan to fit with life (trips, working late, getting sick, etc). When I had to take a few weeks off of running because of a medical procedure, he was extremely thoughtful in putting together my plan before I was “off” as well as my return to running. I’d no doubt recommend Sam as a coach and look forward to continuing to work with him!

  13. 5 out of 5

    John

    I have been working with Sam for the last few months. His keen insights and encouragement have been invaluable. He has helped push me to do things I had previously thought to be impossible. Sam has always been quick to respond to any issues and make adjustments to my training plan as necessary. His messages and comments are always encouraging and thoughtful. I cannot recommend him highly enough.

  14. 5 out of 5

    Richard Renikoff

    ***Updated as of December 2023***

    I am grateful that Coach Sam has led me through 3 running comebacks this year. We started working together in January 2023 and got me built up for a June Half Marathon. When an injury set me back he built me up for a 10 mile race in October. When another injury struck he has me back up and on track for the NYC Half Marathon in March of 2024. It has not been easy but he built in small advances for me to “win” in my comebacks and then cheered me on when I hit those goals. He keeps me on track and focused on the little things (strength, stretching) to make sure progress continues to the bigger race goals. He is motivating and realistic!

    ***Updated as of October 2023***

    In late August I presented a unique challenge to Sam as my running coach. After a herniated disc in my back brought any ability to exercise to halt on June 13th – I still had a goal of running the Twin Cities 10 Mile race on October 1st. I had only been doing PT when Sam built a return to running program for me starting on August 19th. He put my daily PT into my daily workout calendar, added Pilates when I tentatively went back to Pilates twice a week 9/1 and started me on walk/run workouts. As the numbness in my toes started to recede my leg strength began to come back. He had me stay away from using weights but used body weight only for strength work. Recovery days included foam rolling to help my body recover more completely. He then very gradually built me up over 15 runs in the month of September. Two weeks before the race day of October 1, Coach Sam had me run 6 miles for the first time – followed by an 8 mile run one week before the race. His plan worked ( even though the race was cancelled due to excessive heat) I still ran the race and did it without pain or a struggle! His thoughtful plan worked to perfection!

    ***February 2023 Review***

    Working with Sam has re-ignited my interest in distance running. At age 61 I have been dormant for over 10 years in part due to injuries, and in part due to lost enthusiasm for the sport. I have run 15 marathons and many other races but I felt defeated by my slowness and inability to “care” like I used to. Sam has opened my eyes to a return to running with baby steps and some shared accountability. He has built a gradual program for me to use as I work toward my goal of a half-marathon I am signed up for this June. I really like the way he has blended in my twice per week Pilates classes into my cross training days. I have been working with him for two months and the steady diet of miles, strength training and stretching has returned my running appetite to its former level! Sam pays attention to my comments posted after my runs or strength training and makes adjustments to the schedule when needed. The app is an easy tool to use for building accountability to these goals. It always feels good to record the success achieved each day. Sam has good instincts around the way your brain can help or hurt you when training and he builds in accomplishments that help you push to the next level. Great teacher and coach!

  15. 5 out of 5

    James M

    I highly recommend Sam to anyone looking for a knowledgeable, supportive, and motivating running coach. He is easy to get along with and he comes up with a plan based on your goals and current running skill he provides ongoing communication and feedback. I have been working with Sam for 2+ months now, and I have seen significant improvement in my running. He has helped me to set realistic goals, and he has pushed me to train at a level that is making me more confident in achieving my goal. I am know with his coaching and my determination I will be able to achieve my running goal. I highly recommend working with Sam.

  16. 5 out of 5

    Lisa

    Working with Sam has been completely game-changing for me. To avoid writing a book-length entry, I will note some of the transformative impacts of working with Sam: I discovered new parts of Central Park that I *love*, getting off my usual path. I have external accountability for staying on my training plan, providing the much-needed push both to get out the door and to keep going when I lose steam. Sam advises through aches and pains, and adjusts our plans immediately (also around my ever-changing work and travel schedule). I am incorporating more at-home strength training which is clearly evident in my faster and more enjoyable runs. Sam has helped me pace myself, so that on some runs, I stop focusing on pace and just focusing on how good the run feels. This is my first time as a runner that I truly enjoy running and not only how I feel after. This has been the best investment for me, and I couldn’t recommend Sam more highly!

  17. 5 out of 5

    Michael Faas

    I would highly recommend Sam to runners at any level. He does a great job of giving variety in your workout plan and helps navigate your training around anything that comes up in life. He is very responsive when you ask questions and gives thoughtful answers. Sam is a coach that helps you enjoy running!

  18. 5 out of 5

    mdornbusch

    Sam has been great. I appreciate that he’s highly engaged even when we don’t have scheduled coaching sessions and extremely adaptive/responsive to my needs through changes in my program and various injuries. Highly recommend him!

  19. 5 out of 5

    Kathy

    After one month of hiring Sam as a coach, I am already feeling stronger, faster and more confident as a runner. I have been a runner for many years, but as I have gotten older, it’s been harder to get myself motivated to become a better runner. I hired Sam to help me prepare for a 1/2 marathon which I will be running in June. During our initial consultation we discussed goals and objectives and he has been great about incorporating my other athletic activities into my program. He has been creative and flexible with my plan which keeps me interested and looking forward to my runs and workouts. I love the strength training that is part of the program as well as the cross training ideas. Sam offers great advice and encouragement! And I enjoy documenting my runs on the Final Surge platform. I am excited to continue my training with Sam and see how I do in June. Sam is the best!

  20. 5 out of 5

    Elisabeth

    Sam is a great coach! He is coaching me for an 800m track race and has helped me build confidence in my running. He is flexible and adjusts workouts as needed. When I’ve had a few great workouts in a row he adjusts to challenge me more, or if it’s a busy week at work he helps me adjust the training schedule according to what is do-able. I also love the training platform, Final Surge. It’s easy to use and helpful to track my progress. I definitely recommend Sam as a coach!

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