Matthew Rogers

I am a doctoral level Sport Scientist, NSCA Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), RRCA Certified Running Coach, and a long distance runner of over 40 years. I am listed on the USA Track & Field Coaches Registry (New Mexico) which required completion of the SafeSport program and a background check. I am the former President and volunteer coach of the Golden Isles Track Club and am the owner and head coach of Sport Science Running & Fitness. I have been advising novice to advanced runners for decades regarding training, injury prevention and rehab, footwear, nutrition, running form, racing strategy and tactics.

I also have a Masters degree in Physical Education with a Sport Psychology emphasis, and a Bachelors degree in Psychology. I've worked as an exercise physiologist for 30 years in physical rehabilitation, education, and research settings.

High School: I transformed myself from a slow, awkward, overweight kid into a runner at age 13 and went on to make the varsity Cross Country and Track teams for my high school as an upper classman. A highlight from that era was my 11th place overall finish (6th high schooler, 1st on my CC team) in an invitational road race. I also broke 40 minutes for the 10k for the first time as a high school junior.

College: I walked-on and became a 4-year member of the Cross Country and Track & Field (5000 & 10000m) teams at NCAA D-I Eastern Kentucky University under legendary coach Rick Erdmann. I received a Scholar-Athlete Award from the university president. A highlight from college was digging deep to run a nearly 2-minute personal best of 27:58 on a hilly 5 mile course in one of my final CC meets.

Post-Collegiate: I continued as a "regional class" road racer, and while never a superstar I managed to win a few small races and place high in larger ones. Some highlights from races with elite fields include a 34th place at the hilly 1986 Cincinnati Heart 15K in 52:08 (this would be a top-5 time now); 120th place in a field of ~ 35,000 at the '86 Crescent City Classic in New Orleans, and several top 100 finishes at the Kentucky Derby Festival Mini (half marathon) from '87 - '97. As a grand-master's runner I continue to win or place high in my age group, and overall, in road and trail races. I've also tackled a few ultra-marathons from 50K to 50 miles.

When you aren't born with great athletic talents, you have to learn and apply all you can about training and racing to be successful. My ability to get the most out of my meager talents is perhaps my biggest highlight.

Virtual (online) coaching is available at 199 per month. Contact me so I can offer you a custom package via CoachUp for this option. I currently do not offer in-person sessions but the following will give you an idea of my training plans.

Typical sessions begin with an easy warm-up jog, followed by a series of active range-of-motion exercises, and on some days a short series of running drills. The running workouts are tailored to the athlete's current fitness, goals, and the time left until the season or the goal race. The run could include "easy" pace distance runs, "tempo" runs to improve the ability to run longer at a fast pace, intervals to improve maximal endurance, or repetitions ("reps") to improve speed and running form. Marathoners also do runs at current and goal marathon pace. The runs conclude with a cool-down. Some sessions include strength training exercises to help reduce injury risk and improve performance.

Early sessions will include visual gait analysis and instructions, drills, and exercises designed to correct any flaws in running form. These corrective measures will be coached during the ongoing sessions, along with any other athlete specific needs, and education on topics such as training and racing in hot or cold weather, hydration, proper eating habits, pacing, race strategy, and race tactics.

I emphasize that running should be fun, even when striving towards serious goals, and that a training plan must be flexible. As a CSCS with a rehab background, I ensure that my athletes understand the importance of injury prevention methods such as a proper warm-up and running specific strength and conditioning routine. I also provide racing tips and education on why we do certain workouts and how to improve running form.