Running has the power to transform lives.
Let us transform yours.
Training rooted in science & fine-tuned with experience
A friendly 1-to-1 experience with your coach
Easy and prompt communication with your coach
Training that fits your lifestyle
A genuine interest in your success
When you work with us
you can expect
Beth's Story
When Beth set out to run the Philadelphia Marathon in 2017, she had the ambitious goal of a 3:35 Boston Marathon qualifying time. Unfortunately, she crossed the finish line in a disappointing 3:45.
Taking stock of what went wrong, Beth determined her current training methods weren’t cutting it. She turned to Run Your Personal Best for help, and five months later, she ran her dream race: a Boston Marathon Qualifying time of 3:31.
Since then, Beth has stuck with her coach's plans, hitting shiny new PRs at every distance from the 5k to the marathon. The physician and mother of three have done it all while working full-time as a medical director at multiple facilities.
While Beth’s story may differ from yours, we all share the same sense of joy and accomplishment when running confidently - no matter your ability. It carries over to all aspects of your daily life. You approach every new day with a sense of vigor and optimism.
Why Work With Us?
We understand that running may not be your first priority in life, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t important to you. You're eager to improve and willing to work hard to do so.
Great coaching is all about meeting you where you are, as both a runner and everyday parent, spouse, professional, or friend, and then designing a running program that fits with not only your lifestyle but also your experience level.
Training should be challenging but not break your back. Your workouts should motivate you, not scare you. Helping you run faster is more than just prescribing workouts. It’s about encouragement, feedback and guidance.
Based on this philosophy, we’ve developed a system that works to get you faster while helping you run longer, stronger, and more confidently, and we have the testimonials to prove it. This customized approach is just a piece of what sets Run Your Personal Best coaches apart from the rest.
Unlike many other running coaches, this isn’t our side gig, it’s our main gig. Our coaches have devoted a large part of their lives to learning and excelling in the art of running. Coaching isn't just our career, it's our passion.
No matter what type, age, or ability level runner you are, we’re here to meet you where you are today and take you beyond where you want to be. We are dedicated to your success 24/7.
Meet your
coaches
Expertise that only comes through
years of experience.
Coach Cory Smith
Founder & Head Coach
Elite runner and coach for over 25 years.
Cory holds a USA Track & Field Level 1 and 2 Endurance Certification. His training methodologies evolved from a mentorship with world-renowned coach and four-time Olympian Marcus O'Sullivan.
His personal bests include a 4:03 mile, 8:05 3k, 14:13 5k, a 1:10:28 half marathon at age 36 and, most recently, a 4:31 mile at the age of 43.
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Has been featured in Runner's World, Outside, Trail Runner, Women's Running, Men’s Journal and Muscle & Fitness
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Coached over 100 Boston Marathon Qualifying results
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Two-Time NCAA Division I National Championships Qualifier
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Eight-Time NCAA Division I Regionals Qualifier
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Held three Maryland State Records
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Former Head Cross Country and Track Coach at Penn State Brandywine
Coach Brandon Birdsong
Coach / Elite Runner Coach
Elite runner and coach for over 20 years.
Brandon holds a BS in exercise physiology. He has been mentored by the world's best distance coaches, including Damon Martin, 30-time winner of National Coach of the Year.
He is a 2016 Olympic Marathon Trials qualifier and holds personal bests of 29:54 10k and 1:04:21 half marathon.
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Has been featured in Runner’s World, USA Today & Daily Mail
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Coached multiple Olympic Trials Qualifiers
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2016 Olympic Trials Marathon qualifier
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Two-Time NCAA Division II All-American
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Colorado Cross-Country Championships – First-Place
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BolderBoulder – Second-Place Finish
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USATF Colorado – 10K Champion
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3rd Place in the 2016 World Championships of Elliptical Cycling
Coach Julie Sandquist
Ultra & Trail Coach
Highly decorated ultra runner and ultra coach
Julie has finished over 50 ultramarathons, including five 200 milers and several 100 milers. She regularly writes for Ultrarunning magazine, volunteers at races, and hosts running events in Albuquerque.
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Has over a 90% client finishing rate
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Has three course records in a 50-miler, 100k, and 100 miler
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Has many first-place wins in 50k to 200 miler
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Featured in Ultrarunning Magazine
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Les Mills Body Pump and Core Instructor
Coach Tawni Gomes
Beginner Runner Coach
Certified coach who has completed over 100 marathons
Tawni is an RRCA-certified coach, Certified Personal Trainer and is working on a Master's in Sports Nutrition. She has completed over 300 marathons, two Ironman Triathlons, ultramarathons, and one 100-miler.
Growing up morbidly obese, Oprah inspired Tawni to start transforming her life. She loves coaching beginner to intermediate runners and those who are often forgotten about at the back of the pack.
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Completed over 300 marathons
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Has run a marathon in every state and continent
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RRCA-certified running coach & ACE-certified personal trainer
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Successfully helped over 100 runners complete their first marathon
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Author of "No More Excuses!: Choose to Be Fit, Healthy, and Happy"
