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Meet The Running Explained Run Coaching Team

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Nick Klastava

Chief Running Officer

​Hi, I’m Nick. I am the current Chief Running Officer at Running Explained and I am here to help runners at all levels understand and balance their pursuit of their goals with their love of running. I want to continue to build an amazing community of runners who aren't afraid to chase their poential but have fun balancing their lives along the way. The running community has been one of the most amazing things in my life and I am passionate about bringing it to all runners to enjoy this sport as much as I do. I started running back in 1996 and has been competitively running for 28 years now with a brief break in my 20’s. My spark for running came back in High School, being a part of a team and finding a sport that brought out the best in myself. I knew even back then one day he wanted to run the Boston Marathon, which I would do in 2014. I ran competitively in college for Monmouth University in New Jersey and ran PR’s in the 5k and 10k that stood until I finally broke them back in 2018, almost 16 years later. Post college I took 8 years off and gained valuable experience that has helped me excel when I began again at age 30, putting entirely less pressure on the results/myself and more on the process and truly enjoying running. I have run 15:37 5k, 32:39 10k, 1:10:56 Half Marathon and 2:30:47 all after becoming a parent and at age 37. I attribute a lot of his success to hiring a coach back in late 2017 when I felt stuck and not progressing on my own. I am currently finding my way back with running and life and trying to chase goals now as a Master’s runner but I ultimately believe a goal is just something to shoot for not to define myself by, the key to everything is balance and enjoyment. I live just outside Baltimore, Maryland with my wife and two daughters (Chloe and Amelia). My favorite thing about coaching is to unconditionally support runners and their journeys. To invest in a runner and their experiences. The good, the bad, and the day to day to help them achieve things they once thought were impossible. To ultimately help them understand not only the physical training side of running but the mental approach to running and having a mindset to support the ups and downs of running. I love working with athletes of all experiences no matter what they are training for.

I have limited roster spots available currently at the Classic tier.

Favorite Race

Boston Marathon

Favorite Fuel

Science in Sport Beta Gel

Favorite Accomplishment

Running 2:30 at the California International Marathon

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At Running Explained, I’m proud to have a team of experienced, passionate coaches who are as dedicated to your running journey as I am. Each of us brings something unique to the table, but we all share one common goal: to help you become the best version of yourself as a runner.

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Our coaching isn’t just about race results; it’s about providing personalized, science-backed guidance that fits into your life. We understand the challenges runners face, from training burnout to juggling busy schedules, and we’re here to support you through it all. Whether you’re aiming for a personal best or simply want to run without injury, we’ll work with you to create a sustainable, enjoyable approach to your training.

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What sets us apart? We believe in a holistic approach to running, focusing on everything from aerobic development to nutrition, strength, and mental resilience. Each coach brings their own expertise and perspective, ensuring that no matter your goals, you’ll have the right support every step of the way.

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Together, we’re here to empower you with the tools and knowledge to reach your potential and keep running strong, for life.

Jessie Gruca

Jessie Gruca

Run Coach

Works with Basic & Classic Athletes

1:1 Roster Status: Accepting new clients

Jessie began her running journey in college as a way to stay in shape once high school sports (field hockey and soccer) were over. A roommate asked Jessie to run a half marathon in 2009, where she completed it in 1:49 and decided she enjoyed running. She went on to run her first marathon in 2011, in 3:24 and quickly learned what a BQ was and finished that coveted race in 2013. The journey to complete a marathon in all 50 states began as a way to visit friends after college and since has completed 25 marathons (in 23 states) along with multiple 5Ks, 10Ks, and half marathons. She has also had her experience as a triathlete completing many Sprint and Olympic distance triathlons along with a half ironman finished in 5:38. Her motivation has allowed her to self-coached herself to PRs after reading multiple running books before finally deciding to get her RRCA running coach certification in 2021, to be able to help other runners improve their running and find the thrill as well. Her current PRs are a 19:32 5K, 1:30 half marathon, and 3:13 marathon. ​ Jessie’s coaching philosophy is to make running fun while working hard to reach our goals! A lot goes into having a good training block including building up the aerobic base through easy running but also including speed work and longer runs based on the race distance, goals, and experience. To be a well-rounded runner, she values the importance of also including strength training and mobility work to improve performance and as a way to prehab to help avoid potential injuries. She can relate to having fully scheduled days and limited time to help provide ways to fit running into our lives in an enjoyable way while giving feedback and support throughout training.
Favorite Race

San Francisco Marathon

Favorite Fuel

HumaPLUS Gels

Favorite Accomplishment

Running a 19:32 5k PR after having kids; placing 1st Female in a 10k

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Elena Solazzo

Elena Solazzo

Run Coach

Works with Basic & Classic Athletes

1:1 Roster Status: Accepting new clients

Elena grew up playing sports, primarily Soccer and Basketball. She ran for her Varsity Track team as a sprinter placing 4th in Westchester County Sectionals in the 100m, and went on to play Division 1 soccer at Syracuse University and Binghamton University. Her first distance race was in 2015 when she ran the Miami Half Marathon (finishing in 1:48). After running that race she fell in love with the sport and set a long-term goal to run a half marathon in all 50 states. Her current half marathon PR is 1:39 and current marathon PR is 3:51. After falling in love with running Elena couldn’t stop reading and researching the sport. She wanted to help and connect with other runners, so she became a run coach, receiving her certification from RRCA. Elena’s training philosophy is to first get crystal clear on your goals to make sure training aligns with what you want to achieve. She believes proper training comes down to a balance of each athlete’s goals, experience level, and schedule. After assessing areas for improvement, she makes sure to build workouts into your plan that turn weaknesses into strengths to make you an all-around strong runner. Another area of emphasis is molding mental skills she feels these skills are just as important as making physical and physiological changes.
Favorite Race

NYC Marathon 

Favorite Fuel

Maurten 100s

Favorite Accomplishment

Breaking 1:40 in the Gulf Shores Half Marathon

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Natalie LaMendola, DPT

Natalie LaMendola, DPT

Run Coach

Works with Basic & Classic Athletes

1:1 Roster Status: Accepting new clients

Natalie's love for running began when she was in junior high and her dad invited her along for his evening runs around the neighborhood. She quickly realized how much she preferred running to other sports that she participated in, and joined her school's track team. She continued to compete in track and cross country throughout high school and as a DII athlete at Rockhurst University. Running kept her sane during the challenges of physical therapy school, and she decided to begin chasing some big goals after graduating. With the help of our very own Coach Nick, she was able to see how running can fit into an already busy, full life. In addition to coaching, Natalie works as an orthopedic physical therapist in Kansas City, helping patients and athletes realize their full potential after injury. She loves to combine her knowledge of rehabilitation science, strength training, and running principles with everyone she works with, either through coaching or in the clinic. When she's not working, you can find Natalie chasing around her twins with her husband Mitch, cooking new dishes, reading a book, or cheering on the Chiefs. Natalie's coaching philosophy is "Progress Over Perfection." She knows just how tough it can be to fit training into a busy life, and wants to help runners do this very thing by listening to their needs, adapting to their schedules, and celebrating every step in their journey. From 5ks to marathons, Natalie loves coaching all distances as much as she loves running them and would love to work with you
Favorite Race

Boston Marathon

Favorite Fuel

Maurten gels and Skratch electrolyte powder 

Favorite Accomplishment

Continuing to chase big running goals after becoming a twin mom

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Mik Van De Veer

Mik Van De Veer

Run Coach

Works with Basic & Classic Athletes

1:1 Roster Status: Accepting new clients

Mik grew up playing soccer & ran Cross Country her senior year of high school. She continued running on and off through college where she studied Industrial Design & gave the marathon a shot for the first time in 2019 at the Chicago Marathon; she ran for charity without taking a single gel. Yikes. Since her marathon debut in 2019, she’s run a bunch of half marathons, 2 more marathons and a 50k. She’s improved her marathon time from 4:52 to 3:37 & run a 1:36 half marathon. In 2022, she had her first run-in with marathon heartbreak when she missed her BQ goal by 20 minutes; this led to some burnout and a lot of inner work to rediscover her love for running. In 2024, she successfully put that burnout to bed by falling back in love with the training process, putting glitter on her face and taking every race as a celebration of the hard work in training rather than proving her worth. Mik’s coaching philosophy is about building a collaborative relationship with you to get after your running goals and help you LOVE running regardless of what season of life you’re in. She knows just how tough it is to juggle all of the life things while doing the running things which is why it’s important that running compliments our lives. Mik wants you to set big goals and fall in love with the process of reaching them and embrace all of the highs and lows along the way. 5k to 50k, she would love to help you chase your goals!
Favorite Race

Flying Pig Half Marathon

Favorite Fuel

BPN Mixed Berry & SIS Beta Fuel

Favorite Accomplishment

Running a 15 min marathon PR as a training run for her 50k and feeling strong AF at mile 20 (thanks carbs!)

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Andrew Cantor

Andrew Cantor

Run Coach

Works with Basic & Classic Athletes

1:1 Roster Status: Accepting new clients

Andrew started running his freshman year of high school when he joined the cross country team because he had friends who signed up, but immediately fell in love with the team environment and the support he received from his coaches and teammates while also seeing improvement. To this day, one of the many things Andrew loves about running is chasing a tangible goal. Andrew competed at Salisbury University for two years before deciding to take a break due to injury and burnout. In 2014, he committed to running a full marathon, with the goal of qualifying for Boston. Although he ran 3:09 and missed his goal by four minutes, Andrew used that race as a learning experience and since then has completed nine marathons, one ultramarathon, and lowered his Personal Best time to 2:44:42 at the New York City Marathon (2019). Andrew’s other notable personal best times include a 16:37 5K and a 56:35 10-mile, both of which occurred in the midst of marathon buildups.​ Andrew’s coaching philosophy revolves around becoming a better overall runner, no matter your goal race distance. He understands that having a large aerobic engine is vital to success at longer distances but also believes in incorporating some leg speed into marathon training. He also believes that building a strong aerobic base is crucial to running fast times at shorter distances. While this methodology is, an effective way to maximize performance, MORE IMPORTANTLY, it is fun and helps build confidence in the athlete. Athletes run their best when they are enjoying the process and believe in themselves! Andrew’s goal as a coach is to not just help runners achieve their goals b
Favorite Race

NYC Marathon 

Favorite Fuel

Vanilla GU and Lemon-Lime Nuun

Favorite Accomplishment

Running 3 PRs in 2023 after coming back from injury (10k: 34:10 | Half: 75:42 | Marathon: 2:43:42) AND having all of my athletes hit at least 1 PR this year!

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Amanda Katz

Amanda Katz

Run Coach

Works with Classic Athletes Only

1:1 Roster Status: Accepting new Classic clients

Amanda Katz is a full-time fitness professional; a certified personal trainer, RRCA certified run coach — joining the Running Explained coaching team in 2022 — and serves as a group fitness instructor specializing in indoor cycling, treadmill running and total body conditioning formats at Equinox in New York City. She’s a marathoner, lover of distance running and lifting heavy. Her philosophy is based on the notion that all bodies deserve a fitness experience without guilt or shame. She approaches her craft with humor, real talk and ultimately, wants her clients feeling strong and more capable in their bodies through movement.
Favorite Race

NYC Marathon 

Favorite Fuel

SiS Gels in Salted Watermelon

Favorite Accomplishment

Balancing fun and training. If we’re not having fun, what’s the point?!

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Unlock your potential with 1:1 coaching!

Book your coaching discovery call! Please be mindful of choosing the right time zone!!

Not Ready for 1:1 Coaching? Check Out The Run Club App!

If you're not ready to commit to 1:1 coaching or looking for a more affordable option, The Run Club App offers a fantastic alternative!

Get the support you need with:

  • App-Based Group Training: Follow a training program that suits your goals while benefiting from a supportive community.

  • Weekly Group Chats: Stay connected with fellow runners, share your progress, and get tips from others on the same journey.

  • Monthly Live Group Coaching Calls: Join our live sessions for coaching guidance that runs parallel to your chosen Running Explained pre-written training program.

Whether you're training for your next big race or simply want to stay consistent with your running, The Run Club App is here to support you every step of the way. Learn more about The Run Club App Group Coaching!

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