Hi,I’m Matt

FOUNDER & RUN COACH

I’m Matt, and my coaching is deeply shaped by my own journey as a competitive runner. I grew up in Duluth, Minnesota, and quickly rose through the ranks in high school—earning the 2012 Gatorade Minnesota Boys Cross Country Runner of the Year. But my path wasn’t linear. At the University of Minnesota, I faced years of injuries and self-doubt, questioning whether I still belonged in the sport. A turning point came when I returned to my roots for a summer of high-mileage training, rediscovering the joy of running. That season of renewal led me to finish my collegiate career at the University of Portland, where I found the team, coaching, and support I had long been searching for. We finished second at the 2017 NCAA Cross Country Championships, and I’ve continued racing post-collegiately, qualifying for the 2020 and 2024 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials.

Through it all, I’ve learned that consistent, healthy training—not just intensity—lays the groundwork for performance and longevity. As a coach, I see training as a partnership built on trust, communication, and shared curiosity. I meet athletes where they are, helping them navigate the real-life demands of work, school, and family while still chasing big goals. Whether you're just starting out or aiming to qualify for Boston, I’ll help you build a plan that reflects your unique strengths, background, and vision. Coaching is about more than getting faster—it's about becoming more in tune with your body, your confidence, and the deeper reasons you run.

How I Coach

✔ Consistency & Long-Term Health Over Quick Gains
The foundation of high performance is sustainable, injury-free training that builds over time—growth comes from patience, not shortcuts.

✔ Coaching is a Collaborative Partnership
Training should be built with the athlete, not just for them. Open communication, trust, and adaptability are at the heart of progress.

✔ Running is a Journey of Self-Discovery
True breakthroughs happen when athletes learn to listen to their bodies, embrace setbacks as part of the process, and stay connected to the joy and purpose behind their movement.

Why I Coach

Some of my favorite moments as a coach are when I get to witness athletes break through the limitations they didn’t even know they’d placed on themselves. Whether it’s finishing a race they once thought was out of reach, showing up with new confidence, or finding joy in the grind of daily training—that’s the stuff that fires me up. I love seeing people realize they’re capable of more than they imagined.

What Shaped Me as a Coach

  • 🏔 Rooted in Legacy, Driven by Grit

    Growing up in Duluth, Matt was inspired by hometown legend Garry Bjorklund and pushed himself to the national level in high school. He trained with relentless dedication—working, studying, and logging up to 100-mile weeks. That blue-collar work ethic still fuels the way he trains and coaches.

  • 💥 Redefining Success After Setbacks

    Matt’s time at the University of Minnesota was marked by frustration, inconsistency, and injury. But instead of walking away, he dug deeper—rediscovering the joy of running and transferring to the University of Portland, where he became part of a team that finished 2nd at NCAA XC Nationals. His story shows that growth often comes when you step back, recalibrate, and reconnect with your “why.”

  • 🔗 From Athlete to Advocate

    Beyond his own running career—which includes multiple Olympic Trials qualifications—Matt balances training with a full-time job in social work. This gives him a rare perspective: he knows how hard it is to train seriously while managing real-life responsibilities, and he coaches with that same grounded, human-first approach.

Schedule a free coaching call with
Matt

I’ve lived the highs and lows of competitive running, and that journey shapes how I coach—with empathy, strategy, and respect for your individual path. On a free coaching call, we’ll talk honestly about your goals, challenges, and how to create a sustainable plan that fits your life. Whether you're chasing a PR or looking for consistency, it’s a chance to get clear on your next step forward.