Jamie is a certified strength coach who puts years of experience to work for his clients. He graduated from the University of Virginia in May 2006 with a Master of Education in physical education specializing in exercise physiology. Prior to graduating, he became a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). He served as the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach at Western Albemarle High School in Charlottesville for the academic year 2004-2005. He was also a graduate assistant with the University's strength and conditioning program, working with varsity teams including men's and women's swimming, football, women's soccer and wrestling. Jamie has also worked as a personal trainer helping clients achieve their fitness goals.

Having worked with distance runners, Jamie understands the importance of incorporating strength training into your race preparation regimen. These runners have reported a significant increase in their performance on race day, in come cases setting personal records. Countless studies have shown the use of strength training in combination with a soundly designed running program to increase race performance in a 10K, half marathon, and marathon compared to runners using a running only program.

You must have more than strong legs to complete a race. A strong core and strong upper body is a must. As your legs tire, you will need to utilize your back, abs, arms and shoulders to propel you to the finish line. By strengthening your entire body you will also dramatically reduce your risk of injury. Many overuse injuries are averted due to strengthening the muscles around the main running muscles such as shin splints, runners, knee and tendonitis. If you are currently suffering from injuries, Run Strong can design a program that will get you back on track faster and healthier. Ignore strength training and subsequently your race performance will suffer. Do not let this happen to you! If you want to get stronger while running faster, RUN STRONG Performance Training's RUNSTRONG program is the one you need.

Sarah and Jamie met when Sarah started training for her first marathon. She knew that enlisting professional help would be the answer to getting her across the finish line. Jamie trained Sarah for the entire five months prior to the marathon and has continued to work with her since. By working with Jamie, Sarah has discovered the invaluable link of strength and running. By putting these together, Sarah has gained muscle mass, lost body fat and has cut down on injuries almost 100%. Sarah believes that besides endurance and heart, strength has given her more power, more speed and more stamina.
"After running for five years, Jamie has opened up new doors to my running. What once was just a hobby, now I take seriously and try to improve with every run and every workout. The gift of running and now running strong has changed my life in ways I never thought possible. My goal is to see this happen for other people – to see the light come on in their eyes and spirit." -Sarah Vencil