About Me
Hello, I'm Kai, your Run Coach dedicated to helping everyday people Like Yourself start running or run your best.
My journey to becoming a running coach began in a place of tranquility and inspiration—the island of St. John, USVI. It was at a yoga retreat hosted by my then-girlfriend, now wife, Sharon, affectionately known as PineappleYogi. Surrounded by the serene beauty of the ocean, mountains, and trees, I found the space and clarity to reflect deeply on my passions.
At that time, I was also immersing myself in TedTalks, learning about concepts like pure joy and flow state. These talks resonated with me profoundly, as I thought back to the moments that brought me the most happiness—those moments when I was so engrossed in an activity that nothing could pull me away. For me, this was showing everyday people in Harlem they can run too. Helping people realize their potential and see that they could run, regardless of their fitness levels, brought me immense joy and satisfaction.
Inspired and determined, I reached out to several NYC running coaches after the retreat, seeking advice and opportunities. Coach Cane of City Coach responded, offering me opportunities to coach for Fleet Feet's beginner programs, as well as the Brooklyn and NYC Marathon programs, and corporate wellness programs. I am forever grateful for his support and mentorship.
In 2017, in our cozy studio apartment in Brooklyn, Sharon and I had a conversation about how we could make the world a better place. We Googled, “how to change world” and stumbled upon a HuffPost article titled "7 Ways You Can Change the World." One of the seven ways that resonated with us was the idea of "Being a Good Neighbor." Here’s an excerpt from the article:
““Flintoff works to help protect the environment and prevent global warming. He realized he could make an immediate difference by reaching out to his neighbors. However, he did it not by overloading them with facts and research, but by giving them tomato plants. Every year, he offers his extra tomato seedlings to his neighbors. This simple and kind act started his neighbors growing some of their own food, thereby slightly reducing their environmental impact.””
For Sharon, her tomato plants is yoga and for me, my tomato plants is running. This is what we would share with our neighbors and the world. It inspired us to make a positive impact through simple, kind acts.
By 2019, I had founded my own coaching business, driven by the desire to help more people experience the joy of running. My philosophy is heavily influenced by Angela Duckworth's book "Grit," which emphasizes that success comes not just from talent but from sustained effort and resilience.
I believe everyone can achieve their goals with three simple steps:
Define why you want to do what you want to do.
Learn how to do it properly.
Do it consistently.
This approach forms the backbone of my coaching methodology:
Start with a Free Consultation Call to help define your goals and create a game plan together.
My Running Form Class Series teaches you proper running form,
My Training Programs and Coaching Calls prioritizes keeping you injury-free so you can be consistent and committed to your running journey.
Qualifications and Certifications
USATF and RRCA certified running coach
Have completed 60+ races, including 15 marathons and a few sanctioned and unsanctioned ultra-marathons
Boston Marathon qualifier and finisher.
Coached for Fleet Feet, Strava, and numerous charity, non-profit, and corporate organizations
Have been supported by brands like TheFeed, Bedgear, Hyperice, Under Armour, Altra, New Balance, InsideTracker, Ten Thousand, and more
Featured in Mid Strike Magazine, Runner's World, Shape, WikiHow, Women's Health, and more
Testimonials
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I had a problem with pacing and wanted to schedule a run a couple of weeks out. Coach Kai, said let's schedule it this week! He doesn't want to wait. He wants to help you as soon as he can, and that's what I appreciate most about him.
Brianna S., NYC Personal Trainer
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Coach Kai helped train two athletes with disabilities from Achilles International at the 2018 NYC Marathon. He was incredibly patient and generous with his time and both athletes made improvements in their form, diet an overall race-day approach.
MICHAEL A., Former Director, Achilles International, NYC Chapter
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As a business owner and mom of 2 small boys, I could have a million excuses to push my physical wellness to the side. Coach Kai makes you believe in yourself. He does not let you give up.
Adrienne K., Owner, www.ipanemapress.com
+100 5-Star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Testimonials!
PRESS
ABC News: “Friends set to run 50 miles through NYC to raise awareness for Asian American community” by Naveen Dhaliwal
WCBS 880: “Friends embark on 50-mile run through NYC to raise awareness for AAPI community” by Kristie Keleshian
Altra Running: “26.2 Miles. 14 Bridges. 1 Inspired Community.”
Teal Walk: “Running with Coach Kai: T.E.A.L.® Runners for the 2019 United Airlines NYC Half”
Ready to start your running journey?
Whether you're aiming to complete your first 5k or set a personal record, I'm here to help you every step of the way. Book a FREE Consultation Call or sign up for the upcoming Running Form Class Series and let's get running!
Let’s Connect on Social!
Favorite Running Routes
Brookdale and Liberty State Park in New Jersey and Central Park, Prospect Park, and the scenic paths along the Brooklyn and Manhattan waterfronts in New York.
Fun Fact
I have a passion for cooking healthy meals that fuel my runs!