Joseph Gendy

I am an avid distance runner, committed coach, and here to help you reach your finish line! I recently became certified as an RRCA level 2 coach and have experience coaching 3 athletes to PRs in the marathon distance this past year, as well as mentoring many others over the last 12 years of road running/racing. I came into running as a 20-year-old when I joined my college's XC team as a walk-on. I competed as a DIII athlete for the NYIT Bears for one season. My first race, I finished in last place. So far in last place that some teams had put away their tents and left! Why is this important? Because rather than discourage me (and believe me, there were many moments in that race I wanted to quit!), it is one of the most memorable races for me. Finishing led to a great sense of accomplishment and the encouragement from my teammates led to my falling in love with the sport. That season I ended up improving my 8K time by 33%! Did I do that in a vacuum? No. My coach guided me, my teammates believed in me and offered the camaraderie I so needed, and I showed up every day. I believe these are the keys to longevity and success in our sport! After college, it took me some time to adapt to life as a professional and I left running for 2 years. I started road running with the New Hyde Park Runner's club on Long Island in 2012. I learned many great things from them, made lifelong friends, and ran my first marathon at the 2013 NYC Marathon. Since then, I have completed 18 marathons and improved my time from that first race in 4:04 to my personal best completed in 2:52 at the 2023 Boston Marathon. It has been a fun journey, full of struggles, but great life lessons to go with all the wonderful friendships I've made along the way. I became certified as a Level 1 RRCA Coach in 2020 and recently completed the coursework to become certified as an RRCA Level 2 Coach by attending seminars in Tucson, AZ and completing the coursework. Shortly after, I launched my run coaching service dubbed "Festina Lente" which translates from Latin to mean "make haste, slowly." I used the mantra and its principles on my way to running under 3-hours for the first time at the 2022 Philadelphia Marathon. The principle focuses on the idea of trusting the process of doing things in due time. One cannot rush success in running and must consistently show up! I utilize VDOT to deliver a personalized training program, tailored by me for you, your goals, and your lifestyle. VDOT offers Olympic-style training for runners of all levels based off the scientific exercise principles of legendary running coach, Jack Daniels. I will tailor every aspect of your training, providing expert guidance, motivation, and support every step of the way!