Running Continuing Education

level 1 certified running gait analyst

A must-do running CEU course for anyone looking to provide runners the highest level of service.
Level 1 Certified Running Gait Analyst

level 2 certified running gait analyst

Level 2 shows you exactly how to treat and train runners. Conquer complicated injuries by diving deep into advanced gait retraining, plyometrics, strength, and the role of rest.
Endurance Running 
Coach Certification

running coach certification

Embark on your journey to becoming a comprehensive running specialist with our Level 1 Endurance Running Coach Certification.
Run Specialists

Skills Lab

Practice the Certified Running Gait Analyst skills with an in person Running CEU Course with guidance from our lead education instructors.

Free Course

If you are new to running biomechanics and Anatomy, or need a refresher.
Technology

 Helix 3D

Helix 3D combines proven 3D high-tech capture with proprietary software yielding amazing accurate results you can count on.
Gait Analysis

RunDNA Portal

Interactive training portal with the ability to create and sell personalized programs and coaching services.
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RunDNA Podcast

The RunDNA podcast is intended for educational purposes only.
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Blog

Part of the secret formula to healthy and faster running.
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VDot Calculator

Use the RunDNA Plan Builder to get the training, mobility, and strength programs.
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Find Your Provider

If you have taken RunDNA education, we want to help you find more of the clients that you love to work with, runners! 
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Running Coach Certification

Embark on your journey to becoming a comprehensive running specialist with our Level 1 Endurance Running Coach Certification. This program equips you with the training expertise and personalized approach that runners seek to achieve outstanding results, making it ideal for members of a local running club or an aspiring personal trainer.

Get certified today and start shaping the future of aspiring runners.

GET CERTIFIED OR LOGIN HERE
What You'll Learn

Become A Certified Running Coach

Our certification course is designed for those aspiring to become expert running coaches, focusing on the crucial balance between performance and fitness in run training. We emphasize consistent, scientifically principled training personalized for each runner, addressing the common issue of training load errors—responsible for up to 60% of runner injuries—often caused by overly rapid, excessive, or frequent training progression.

The course offers a deep dive into scientific training principles, featuring a systematic approach to crafting individualized training plans. A key component is learning to quantify training load effectively using the Rate of Perceived Exertion and Acute to Chronic Workload Ratios.

Participants will gain comprehensive knowledge of exercise science, coaching philosophy, and the intricacies of designing annual training plans, workout regimes, and event-specific training strategies. This systematic and personalized approach equips any aspiring certified running coach with the skills to achieve exceptional results in preventing injuries and enhancing runner performance.

Runners

Personalization

In our Level 1 Endurance Running Coach Certification, future certified running coaches will master the art of personalization through our exclusive 6-step process. This methodology is designed to tailor training plans that align perfectly with each runner’s unique abilities, goals, and physical conditioning.

Runner Readiness Assessment

Scientific Approach

You will gain an in-depth understanding of running mechanics and how to craft training programs that are scientifically sound and effective. Those aiming to become a certified running coach must have a keen focus on these fundamental components of endurance running performance:

Well Being

Race Specific Plans

Success in endurance running hinges on meticulous planning and strategic preparation. Our certification program equips you with the skills to design detailed training schedules for various race distances, including 5k, half marathon, and marathon.

Training plans are important, but constitute less than 20% of what makes a successful certified running coach –– while continuing education courses playing a vital role. You will learn to apply broader coaching principles, such as motivation, psychology, and athlete management, to support and enhance your athletes’ performance.

Form

Coaching Principles

The best running coach certification program teaches running coaches to master the language of run training, enabling them to communicate effectively and professionally with their athletes –– whether they’re elite runners or long distance runners.

This knowledge sets you apart as a true running specialist, capable of conveying complex training concepts in an accessible and engaging manner.

Case Studies

Training Load

Since understanding and managing training load is crucial for any coach in endurance sports, our running coach certification programs introduce you to advanced concepts like session Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) and the balance between Acute and Chronic Workloads. These tools are essential for quantifying and modifying the training load for your athletes, ensuring optimal performance and injury prevention.

Gait Analysis

Portal

Receive a free trial to the RunDNA Portal to organize your runners data and track their progress.

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A Preview of Our Running Coach Certification Program

Priced at $299, this course is meticulously designed to provide a systematic approach to personalizing each training plan, enabling you to quantify fitness levels and training loads effectively, essential in today’s competitive coaching environment.

Understanding the demands of training at this level is a must for any medical practitioner who wants to work with our runners. Collaboration between medical, coaching and other physio support staff is imperative for the success of our athletes and RunDNA gets at the heart of this.

-Joan Hunter, Head Coach Tinman Elite

The RunDNA systematic approach unpacks the layers of coaching and focuses on maximizing personalization in training. It was immediately applicable as a tool in coaching distance runners and equipped me with more confidence, and most importantly, results for my runners.

-Coach LK, USTFCCCA Endurance Specialist, USATF Cross Country Specialist, CRGA1, CRGA2, ERC1

The coursework was easy to follow and kept me interested throughout. I am excited to apply what I have learned to both my coaching and personal training careers.

This was a great course and the information is useful in training myself, providing training tips for patients and also evaluating plans they are currently using. I really enjoyed this course and found it very motivating!

Great informational course! I have taken other run coach certifications in the past that have disappointed me, this one largely made me a better coach. Thank you!

Great course! I really feel like this will help me bridge gaps between treatment and full return to training with my athletes.

Endurance Running Coach Certification
Endurance Running Coach Certification
Endurance Running Coach Certification
Endurance Running Coach Certification
Endurance Running Coach Certification
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Scientific Approach to Training Load

Learn to apply scientific methods to your training strategies. This includes understanding how to balance and adjust training loads to optimize performance and reduce injury risks, which is especially important for cross country runners.

Become a Running Expert
Become a Running Expert
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Race-Specific Training Plans

Gain expertise in crafting tailored training plans for different race distances. This skill is vital in preparing athletes for various events, from short 5k races to challenging marathons.

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Certification Credits

Successfully completing this course will earn you 7.5 Continuing Education Units (CEUs), contributing to your professional development in endurance sports coaching services.

Build a Plan
Certified Running Edurance Coach

Exclusive RunDNA App Trial
Integrating Technology in Coaching

As part of the Level 1 Endurance Running Coach Certification, an essential part of our running coach certification programs, you will gain exclusive access to the innovative RunDNA app trial. This powerful tool is designed to seamlessly integrate technology into the coaching process, giving you these advantages:

  • Aligns with Certification Principles: Integrates seamlessly with the methodologies and strategies taught in the certification course.
  • Personalized Training Plan Support: Enables the creation of customized training plans specific to each runner’s needs and goals.
  • Enhances Runner Communication: Improves your ability to communicate effectively with athletes, providing clear feedback and guidance.
  • Provides Performance Insights: Offers valuable data and analytics on runners’ performance, aiding in more informed coaching decisions.
  • Facilitates Progress Tracking: Tracks and monitors the development of your athletes, allowing for timely adjustments in training regimes, a major component to mastering running technique.
  • Analyzes Running Form: Helps assess and improve runners’ techniques, contributing to better performance and injury prevention.
  • Supports Informed Decision-Making: Aids in making data-driven decisions that positively impact your runners’ training outcomes.
Learn about the App
RUN DNA

Course Objectives

Endurance Running Coach Certification

LEVEL 1
$299

ENDURANCE RUNNING COACH

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

  1. Identify the three main components of the RunDNA Coaching Philosophy
  2. Identify the five steps in the RunDNA coaching systematic approach
  3. Articulate the difference between aerobic and anaerobic energy systems
  4. Articulate how the envelope of function relates to training and injuries
  5. Interpret testing results to identify Minimum Effective Dosage
  6. Discuss the difference between Type I and Type II muscle fibers
  7. Identify two variables that limit performance in distance running
  8. Explain how training load is calculated using duration and RPE
  9. Identify the times that using pace over perceived effort would be beneficial
  10. Discuss the difference between the base versus build phases of an annual training plan
  11. Discuss the RULES acronym and how it plays into successful coaching
  12. Discuss how the results of a 2-mile efficiency test will help with run training planning
  13. Identify four variables that can be manipulated when designing a workout
  14. Articulate the difference between the main types of workouts (i.e. long run versus tempo)
Get Certified
Running Continuing Education

Running Gait Analyst Certification Level

$299

Be confident in analyzing gait and providing programs to improve motor control, mobility, and technique specific to each runner, or athlete who runs, based on their movement patterns.

  • Runner Readiness Assessment
  • 5 Categories of Running Gait Impairments
  • Detailed corrective programs
  • 5 CEU Hours
Get Certified
Level 1 Certified Running Gait Analyst

Running Gait Analyst Certification Level 2

$399

Become an expert in treating and training runners. Learn to address complex cases, work with specific injury types, add jumping assessments, and provide detailed strength programs.

  • 12 Categories of Running Gait Impairments
  • Loading Levels
  • Detailed strength, jumping, and injury specific plans
  • 7 CEU Hours
Get Certified
MEET YOUR EXPERT INSTRUCTOR
Doug Adams

Doug Adams

PT, DPT, SCS, OCS, CSCS

Dr. Doug Adams is a Physical Therapist who has published and spoken at an international level on all things related to running. Doug has taught thousands of professionals his systematic approach to providing personalized plans for runners through the Certified Running Gait Analyst and Endurance Running Coaching courses. He also designed and created a portable 3D Motion Analysis system called Helix 3D for analyzing and categorizing running form that is used widely throughout the Department of Defense and commercial sectors.

  • Team PT for Tinman Elite Professional Running Team
  • Adjunct faculty for the 711th Human Performance Wing of the US Air Force
  • Co-Founder Omega Project PT in Wilmington, Delaware that specializes in treating endurance athletes and runners
More Less
Be the "Go-To" Running Specialist
Be the "Go-To" Running Specialist
Frequently Asked Questions

Become a Certified Running Coach Today

 

Enrolling in a running coach certification program is more than just a learning experience; it’s a transformative journey that equips you with the skills and knowledge to excel in endurance running coaching. Join us now and become the coach every runner aspires to have.

Get Certified

FAQs

How long do I have access to the training program?

After signing up, you’ll gain lifetime access to the course. You can use our website and the mobile app to view the entirety of the online course, allowing you to view and learn at your own pace.

Who are these courses for?

If you want to understand the principles of running training, this course is perfect for you –– this course offers a systematic strategy for creating personalized plans that are known to deliver excellent results.

For those in the Medical and Fitness fields, including physical therapists, familiarize yourself with terms and ideas to help your clients achieve their peak performance.

Many running coaches are self-taught, so it’s essential to be informed to avoid hitting a plateau or, even worse, sustaining an injury. You don’t need any prior background or specific technology to benefit from this course.

Are they approved for CEUs?

  • Continuing Education hours: 7.5 (see below)
  • Total time: typically 7.5 hours

For States and organizations that allow licensees to submit courses for approval, please download our course details handout with all the information you need to submit with your certificate for approval.

Below are States and Organizations that have approved this course.

  • RunDNA is recognized by the PACE program of the Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards.
  • BOC: The course is approved for 7.5 Class A CEUs through the BOC.
  • ACSM: The American College of Sports Medicine’s Professional Education Committee certifies that “Run DNA” meets the criteria for official ACSM Approved Provider status from (2020 – December 2023). Approved Providers and their content reflect the concepts of their respective organizations and do not necessarily represent the positions or policies of ACSM. Providership #876886
  • NSCA: The National Strength and Conditioning Association approved 0.7 CEU(s) or 7 contact hours in category C for certified individuals who successfully complete this course. Approved Activity Code: L1647-HSL1ER. Please note: NSCA completion certificates for this course must be requested by email at Education@RunDNA.com.

 

PHYSICAL THERAPY STATE ASSOCIATIONS:

IL: C.E. Approved Sponsor License #: 216.000356

TX: 77029; 8 CEUs

 

The following states do not require accreditation; however, please confirm with your state board for any changes:

  • AL, CT, IA, ME, MA, MT, NE, NH, UT, WA

The following states accept accreditation from other states; however, please confirm with your state board for any changes:

  • AK, DE, HI, KS, KT, MI, NM, NC, ND, OR, SD, VA

Are there requirements to maintain certification?

Although we strongly recommend that you pursue further learning (and we’ll offer chances to do just that), there’s no obligation to uphold the certification.