For some running starts at a young age. Whether gearing up for cross country, track or getting ready for another sport, kids benefit from having a commitment and a routine. A routine that help them be accountable, stay active while maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This summer Once Upon A Run launched its first youth running camp. OURun camp’s purpose is not only have these young runners be in this routine but to make sure its driven by two components, two have FUN and then RUN!! We are happy to have the maximum 15 kids in camp.
Jodi D - Testimonial
A couple of years ago I hired Vic to train my boys during Covid. I wanted them to keep active while staying safe. At that time, I told Vic I had some goals and maybe we could talk about them once he was finished with the boys. Not really thinking that I would actually have him as my coach. My first goal was to be able to run a 5k without walking. At that time, I could barely run a mile. The first time we ran together I was embarrassed and couldn’t imagine what he was thinking. Well, that embarrassment was short lived. Vic was so understanding and supportive of where I was in my journey. He always encouraged me and cheered me on. We have become great friends over our many runs together. With his help, not only was I able to run a 5k without stopping, but I also just finished my first half marathon. I couldn’t have done it without him, and I wouldn’t have wanted to. Thanks for the times I talked you into breakfast instead of running and I’m sorry for all the times I said I hated you. Love you! #bestcoachever.
Stefanie F. - Testimonial
I have been running for about 10 years and training on my own, never working with a coach. When I made the decision to run my first marathon, I knew I could not tackle it alone. After meeting with Vic, I knew he was the right coach for me; he was genuine, extremely knowledgeable, and interested in my goals as a runner and as a person. After thoroughly discussing my goals, Vic created a personalized plan that balanced running and strength training, while also prioritizing rest and recovery. Throughout the entire process, Vic was honest, supportive, and responsive. He was just as invested in my training as I was. We spoke daily and adjusted the plan as needed based on my feedback and performance.
After 20 weeks, Vic’s plan and support got me to the start line injury free and feeling confident and strong. I am certain that without Vic, I would not have been able to confidently accomplish my goals. He’s more than a coach; he’s a friend, a mentor, and an inspiration.
Why I Run
A Quintessence of Running
This is a foot race. But in many ways, it’s a little more than just a foot race. 100 kilometers in Wyoming’s Red Desert. A desolate, somewhat barren landscape. But yet it holds a peaceful beauty in itself.
This is not a race to win. This is not a race against the other participants. What this is, is a race against the course, the 19hr cut off and most important, a race against yourself.
Often the question why comes up. Why intentionally put yourself in a harsh, rugged and lonely environment where your body and your mind are being pushed to the brink. For me, the answer is personal. For me it’s the only true way of continuing to discover myself, finding out through the pain and misery what I’m capable of. At the same time the hours of being alone allows my thoughts and emotions to let go of all things negative and look forward to things of the opposite.
I have this gift to endure. I use it to my advantage. If I don’t push myself beyond my limits, I will never get stronger. So, while my mind and body still allow me, I will keep pushing because I want to get stronger.
Kylie L.
I first met Vic in September 2018 when I signed up to take his TRX class at the Brandywine YMCA. After about a year of getting to know Vic through the TRX classes, he invited me to try out a Spin class he taught at the YMCA. I was immediately hooked on spin classes from that point on. Once COVID hit and the YMCA closed, I started going to Vic’s Tuesday morning track workouts at a local High School track. While there I learned about his training company Once Upon A Run. In the spring of 2021, I signed up for TRX sessions with Vic.
He would come to my house once a week and we always had the best conversations. I was even lucky enough to see him twice a week: TRX session and Spin classes. Through Vic’s classes, I have met so many people and made so many new friendships that I never would have made if it wasn’t for Vic’s encouragement to try out spin and to come out to his track workouts. I love hearing Vic’s stories about the different races he has completed (can’t wait to hear about Wyoming! Good luck!). We also have a mutual love for the best coffee in the world - Dunkin Donuts. During my time with Vic as my trainer, I’ve become the strongest I’ve ever been and I now enjoy exercising. When I started working with Vic, I never would have thought that I would look forward to his weekly texts asking if I am coming to Spin or a check in text when we haven’t seen each other in a while. Not only is Vic my TRX coach, but I also consider him a close friend and I am so grateful for our friendship.
Anja S.
My very first encounter with Vic was in November 2020 at the YMCA, he was running a shift in the gym, and asked me if I would be interested in joining one of his spinning classes. This was the beginning of an absolutely amazing journey which up to this day, still continues. I have joined the spinning class, and I found out that Vic is also a running coach and TRX instructor, so I have decided to give TRX a try.
Fast forward: Several TRX cycles, countless spinning classes, Facebook challenges, and a couple of running sessions later… with Vic’s help I have lost almost 40 lbs. and have never felt better and healthier. I gained confidence and, as a result, found the love of my life. My next goal is to train for a half marathon.
Vic is so much more than a personal trainer, with him you will get a therapist, mentor, and most important, a friend, plus, he has a really good taste in music (just join his spinning class and you will find out for yourself).
Vic is one of the kindest and down-to-earth persons I have ever met in my life, and he is pushing you towards your limits, and beyond. He is very encouraging and motivating, and a great role model with his incredible and absolutely impressive running history including four (!) 100-mile ultramarathons.
Vic, I just want to say thank you so much for all you have done for me, and continuing to do, you are an absolute blessing!!
Why I am a Running Coach
I tell this story all the time. Maybe too many times. But I feel it’s a story that has a meaning and also has a reason. Before becoming a Running Coach, I worked in the banking industry for twenty years, from 1994 to 2014. I did not plan on going into banking. I fell into it, and I stuck with it for that long because it’s all I knew.
About halfway through my banking days, it started to burn me out. I realized corporate banking is not for me. Everything from the policies, procedures, shift hours just made me unhappy. Sitting behind a desk being confined in a cubicle with two monitors in front of me made me miserable. It took a toll on my family.
Yes, my income level was high, but my happiness level was at an all-time low.
Running was always my outlet. It was my stress reliever. Throughout the years during my banking career, I ran a lot. I improved my running through training or racing 5k’s, 10k’s, marathons and eventually falling in love with the mind-bending challenge of ultramarathons. Running takes me to another place, a happy place literally and spiritual no matter how many miles.
The day I found out that my position at the bank was being eliminated, initially I was terrified. What am I to do now? I knew nothing else. After some time of contemplating, I imagined a book. A book with blank pages, completely empty. And it was MY book. I can write these next chapters of my life anyway I want.
I decided to use my experience from running and become a Running Coach. I believe everyone has a running story, hence why I call my little run coaching business, Once Upon A Run. I want to be part of my client’s running story. And me wanting to be part of their story is not for money, because I’ll be honest, there’s barely any money in what I do but yet it’s what I choose to do. It’s a struggle but a struggle that I look forward to. Also, the support of the people around me, that understand my passion is what helps keep me going.
I look at what I do sometimes. I work out of my car, barely enough room for my equipment. My body takes a beating because in the winter I freeze and in the summer I melt. There are days I start training at 5am, have multiple clients and I don’t get done until 7pm. On top of this, I maintain my own running because the next race for me is always going to be around the corner.
But here’s the truth. When I see my clients succeed or at the very least put in their best effort, this is always the true reward for me. They inspire me. And when I’m told I’ve made an ounce of a difference in someone’s running journey, that is more than what I need. That is enough for me. That’s the worth.
So, this is why I tell this story all the time. And I’m going to continue telling this story for the love and passion of what I do. This is why I am a Running Coach.
One last thing…
Yes, now my income level is low, but my happiness level is an all-time high.
