Love. Run. Repeat.

When I wake up in the morning knowing I'm about to go for a run, that day is going to be a special day. What makes it special is the simple fact that I get to do something I truly love. I love getting up early, putting on the appropriate apparel, grabbing my choice of running shoes, lacing them up and heading out before the sun rises. When the sun finally rises and you happen to strategically or accidentally be running in a spot where the sunlight hits your face and you feel its warmth, it’s when I feel the most alive. 

I love the quiet, the stillness and peaceful atmosphere of an early morning run, especially out on the trails. It's my temple, a place to do my runs. It feels like the whole world is still asleep and I am already moving. I love feeling my body slowly come to me, my breathing sits into a rhythm as my heart settles into a rate that is neither pushed or laxed. I'm just in this flow. I know this sounds strange but I feel almost nothing. It's just me and my run. 

A run can sometimes be euphoric, a dream state. It takes your mind elsewhere. As I'm running I think about the people, places and things I love. The story in my head swirls like the wind. It touches every aspect of my life. Sometimes you visit the past but it's always better to look ahead, see where you are going and be in the moment you are in. It's like watching the trail in front of you. Pay attention and picture your life and where it's going. I love my circle of true friends who keep me lifted during my times of feeling down. How lucky I am I have these kinds of people around me. Sometimes friends come and sometimes they go. The truest ones will never go no matter what you go through. l love the job I have working for a small run specialty business. It allows me to connect with runners in the community. I hear their stories. When you become part of their story it becomes even bigger. I love how my running helps me get through my dark moments. We all have these unpleasant times and they derive from many things. A loss of a loved one, an illness, an injury that halts or impacts your running. Relationships you are in that you realize carries more hurt than happiness. It makes you wonder whether it's worth it or not. A run can help you see it more clearly. Sometimes you just have to let it go. 

Running is universal. It’s the human body's most raw form of freedom. It overcomes your body. It will make you stronger. Along with the good runs there will be bad ones. It's just life. You have good days and bad days. But do your runs right. Run just enough for you and no one else. It will keep you healthy and it will help your mental and spiritual state become solid. You will believe that you can can handle any fucking thing life throws at you. For now I will keep looking for trails, roads and mountains worth bringing my stride to, landing my feet on. Runs that will continue to give me make profound experience. I know one day all this will cease. My body will age, my mind will falter and I will become part of this world.

Until then I will Love. Run. Repeat. 

Youth Running Camp

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!!