Meet Coach Mwangi

BIO:

"My running journey began in Kenya where I was born. In elementary school, I competed in a few local track & field meets, dabbling in various events both on the track and in the field. After moving to the U.S. I attended South Kingston High School where I ran varsity track & field for 4 years, competing in the 800m, 1500m and 4x400m. I was also a captain during my senior year. In addition, I played soccer, football and was a 1st-team All-State wrestler.

After my senior year I enrolled at Brown University. I wrestled for their D1 program for a year before switching schools and finishing up my studies at the University of Rhode Island with a degree in business administration. I continued to run recreationally at URI and also played intramural basketball, a sport I had always loved but never competed in.

After graduating I moved to New York City and began working in finance. It was there that I re-discovered my passion for competitive running and I found my niche in the mile to 5K distances. I competed in both road races and in track & field meets. I was also determined to test my strength in a range of disciplines and so in 2011 I decided to run my first full marathon. I qualified for the Boston Marathon, which I ran in 2012 and in 2014 I ran the Chicago Marathon. I even competed in an ultra marathon distance, running a 60K for the first (and perhaps last) time!

While in New York I was also a captain of a local competitive running club and eventually a Pacer with Nike Running. As a member of the Nike Running NYC Pacer team I helped plan, execute and pace a wide range of workouts from track sessions at Icahn Stadium to tempo runs in Central Park. I developed a greater understanding of training and coaching while working alongside one the country’s most successful coaches and participating in events involving elite Nike athletes.
During my time in New York I also became a USATF-certified running coach and I have now coached numerous athletes to personal best times, in distances from the mile all the way to the marathon. 

Along with my own training and racing, coaching is a true passion of mine and I believe a lifelong calling."
 

RUN CLUB PHILOSOPHY:

My philosophy on Run Club:
- Everyone is a runner. Whether you believe it or not, you are a runner.
- No runner left behind - we will ensure that we have enough Pacer support at the front, middle and back of every run group.
- Running can be fun. It doesn't always have to feel like work. We will find ways to make it fun.
- If you are an experienced runner, this is the club for you. We have runners of all abilities.
- If you are a beginner runner, this is the club for you. We will be the home base for your first miles, before they become fun miles, then fast miles!
- We will get creative and leverage what our community has to offer to our runners.
- Run club will always start on time.
- Run club will always be on. Unless the weather is downright dangerous.
- We will be a good example for our runners and earn their trust.
 

TESTIMONIALS:

• “ Mwangi coached me as I worked toward completing the Brooklyn Half and then for the Hamptons marathon. All the while, he created workouts, stretches, plyometrics, warm-ups and cool downs each designed specifically for my racing goals. He always checked in to see how my legs reacted after the workout was through. He often was able to provide helpful suggestions on how to recover and prepare for the next session. From hill workouts, to weights, to speed, to distance, Mwangi proved to be knowledgeable and dedicated. He kept me motivated by his passion and love for running and I’m sure he can do the same for others who have him for a coach. ”

  — Lisa G.

• “ I hired Mwangi to prep me for the Fifth Avenue Mile race in New York City, while also keeping me in shape for 5K racing. He was extremely thoughtful in designing my program, and also very flexible in modifying it as needed. He came prepared to every workout not only with a solid plan but also with water for me — much appreciated, as we trained during the heat of summer. He provided just the right amount of encouragement with advice on how to improve my form, speed, and stamina. His coaching was top-notch and his demeanor above-and-beyond supportive. I’d recommend him highly to anyone, no matter his or her goals. ”

  — Amy R.

• “ First off, Mwangi is a very skilled coach. His excitement toward running is contagious and very motivational. There are no limits to his skill set and his natural ability to bring the best out of a runner, anyone from a beginning runner to a seasoned marathon participator can benefit from his knowledge. His love for running is evident and he is a generous coach. “Running will both test you and reward you.” He couldn’t have been more correct! I use to run in Micheal Jordan sneakers. Yes, I ran miles in basketball sneakers! Mwangi made some assessments and he put me into the correct sneakers and gear. He setup a plan for me that strengthened my speed, endurance, and strength. My runs have been elevated to another level. As he once told me, “we want to focus on long term running health”.I recommend Mwangi to all runners! ”

  — Jeff W.

• “ When you start to enjoy anything in life you naturally you want the opportunity and knowledge to be better and gain more from it. There aren’t to many people in the world who carry the desire to consistently be challenged, learn and strive for excellence for the sake of others. This is what Mwangi’s coaching represents, an opportunity for you to be a better you. From good days, bad days, and all that is left between; he delivers his best knowledge. My experience with Mwangi has not only helped me to achieve goals, but more importantly, it has enabled me to discover who I am as an athlete, what makes me tick, and how far I can really go. He has a gift of being able to find the hidden treasure, that allowed me to achieve such goals. My sessions with Mwangi have not only helped me be a stronger runner but they have easily translated into my daily life. He is truly one of a kind, I’ve been luck to have his guidance along my journey. ”

  — Krystal S.