Meet the Sneaker Store Run Coaches
Our spectacular team of run coaches have coached their athletes to dozens of PR’s and countless gains. Meet the team that makes it happen
Coach Karen McDaniel
I began running when I was 23 years old, and quickly found my way to the local road racing scene. As a competitive runner, I've raced every distance between 400 meters and the marathon, participating in indoor and outdoor track, cross country and road racing. Throughout my competitive running years, I was mostly self-coached. I ran and read a lot, and focused my attention on evidence-based principles of training. My success in running has spanned decades because I've focused on sustainable training methods. I have achieved the following certifications: RRCA Level 1, USATF Level 1, The Lydiard Foundation Levels 1 and 2, and Training Peaks Level 1.
Our coaching staff can help you define and achieve your running goals through a personalized, structured training program. This includes a 1:1 on-boarding session, weekly coaching via Training Peaks, a monthly newsletter, a private Facebook group, in-shop use of Therabody Recovery Boots, group sessions and more!
Email: karen@the-sneaker-store.com
Coach Josh Belisle
I began my running career in high school to stay in shape for soccer. I would never have imagined I would be where I am today. I took to running distance quickly and really enjoyed both the team aspect as well as the solo efforts needed to be successful at this sport. Now in the 40+ age group, I have completed most distances from the mile to the marathon, some with success and some with failure. I guess that is where my love of coaching was developed. I am currently a certified RRCA Level I coach.
Bob Dylan once said, “There is no success like failure and failure is no success at all.” I like to believe that Bob was saying use the lessons of your failure to progress toward your next success, but don’t spend too much time in that failure. I approach my coaching in that manner. You won’t always have a smashing success. In fact, sometimes during a training cycle it’s hard to fathom racing let alone setting a new PR. Not until we begin to peak can we appreciate all the work behind us. My coaching philosophy can be summed up as: work hard in your zones, recover harder and always keep your eyes forward on that peak race in your training cycle. There is only one A race in your training plan, the rest are just whistle stops along the way.
Stay focused, grow that beard and the wood chopping will follow!
Email: josh@the-sneaker-store.com
Coach Jeannine Macera
As a coach, I strive to bring my 30+ years of running experience to the table with each and every athlete. I began running in my late teens and completed my first Boilermaker in 1991. A former school counselor, I left my position when my first son was born and have since decided to pursue my passion for health and wellness.
Throughout the years, I’ve participated in countless races, ranging from 5k to marathon. The Sneaker Store coaches tailored my program to accommodate my training load and intensity. Training under The Sneaker Store, I was able to successfully run my first marathon with a time of 3:34, a 20+ minute Boston Qualifying buffer. Sneaker Store Run Coaching has shown me the importance of varied approaches and specifically tailored workouts for overall fitness, race goals and injury prevention.
I am RRCA Level 1 certified, and I’m also certified in Holistic and Sports Nutrition. It is my belief that appropriate nutrition is a huge part of improving performance and enhancing fitness.
Personally, running has always been a source of empowerment. So, I feel that part of my role as a coach is to assist my athletes in sustaining a love for the sport and achieving their goals; ultimately experiencing the empowerment that comes with good health, wellness, and fitness.
Email: jeannine@the-sneaker-store.com
Coach Jen Bachelder
I began running later in life, wanting to get in shape after having children and find some time for myself. My 3-5 milers eventually turned into training for a half marathon and so began my love for distance running. Since then I have gone on to run several half marathons and six official marathons plus several virtual/non-certified. I ran back to back Boston Qualifying times in Oct ’21 and Mar ’22 and am looking forward to my first Boston in 2023. I have tackled the ultra-marathon distance running two 50k’s and a 50 miler.
I had a great deal of success in 2021, running a personal best in every distance from the mile to marathon. I attribute this success in great part to the coaching I had consistently been receiving from The Sneaker Store. I decided I would like to help others achieve their goals so I took the RRCA Coaching Level 1 Class recently and became certified. I am looking forward to working with runners of all abilities and helping them to chase their dreams all while balancing family and work priorities.
Email: Jen@the-sneaker-store.com