For Every Distance

For Every Goal 

Better Running Starts Here!

Customized Training Plans

Expert Coaches

Science-Based Approach

  • Unsure about how to even start training?
  • Question if you're running the right paces?
  • Frustrated by lack of progress despite working hard?
  • Unsure if your plan will help you meet your goals?

Have Running Questions?

  • Need extra help and accountability to stay on track?
  • Does having bad workouts or races frustrate you?
  • Wonder if nagging pains and injuries will come back?
  • Feel guilty for skipping runs or workouts?

We Know How To Help!

  • Busy Moms and Dads
  • High School Athletes
  • Totally New Runners
  • Runner Nerds
  • First Time Marathoners
  • Post-Partum Mothers
  • Just-for-Fun Runners
  • Run Club Members
  • Olympic Hopefuls
  • Personal Best Seekers
  • Social Butterflies
  • Stroller Pushers
  • Seasoned Veterans
  • Injury-prone Runners
  • Mileage Hogs
  • Record Breakers

All that’s required is a positive attitude and commitment toward your goals!

Start Your Journey To Better Running

Our Approach Is Powered by the
VDOT Coaching Platform

What is VDOT?

VDOT is a score that represents your current running fitness and determines what intensities you need to train at to improve performance.

Does VDOT work for anyone?

VDOT is a proven scientific method that helps runners of all levels improve because it’s based on human physiology.

How does VDOT help me run better?

The VDOT coaching methodology is most effective because the training paces are designed to help each individual achieve the maximum benefit from every workout and at the lowest possible risk.

Does VDOT connect with my GPS device?

VDOT currently syncs with Apple, Coros, Garmin, Polar, Strava and Suunto.

Your Expert Coaching Team

Dr. Matt DeBole, PT, DPT, OCS

2008 US Olympic Trials Qualifier

Physical Therapist, Run Coach

I’m a self-proclaimed total runner nerd with a passion for helping people achieve their goals. My physical therapy expertise in combination with a love for coaching runners at Run Better Academy creates a unique chance for you. 

Here’s the skinny – I’m an optimistic and encouraging runner, coach, and doctor of physical therapy. I am a 5-Time All-American from Georgetown University, 2008 Olympic Trial Qualifier, Boston Marathon Qualifier and really like playing the role of the guide to make you the hero in your own running journey. 

Currently, I’m living in Albany, New York but I love working with and coaching runners of all ages (high school – masters) and ability levels (beginner – elite) from all over the country (east and west coast) and even the world (France, Dominican Republic, Canada, Philippines, India, South Korea, and more!). 

If you’e still reading… Through my collegiate and professional runner career, I clocked lifetime bests of 4:00 (mile), 13:36 (5k), 49:59 (10 mile), 2:49 (marathon). My coaching style incorporates my athletic and academic experiences and I enjoy helping people achieve their personal goals. Kinda nerdy but…. I’m also a pioneer in using technology (drones and wearables) for running biomechanical assessment aimed at improving performance and reducing injury risk. If that’s you as well, then let me know! 

Colin Cronin, Captain US Army

Boston Marathon Qualifier

Data Nerd, Run Coach

“No pressure, no diamonds!” is my double-stroller long run mantra!

As a JAG in the Army, I’ve learned that when good people follow basic rules and give an honest effort, truly amazing things can happen. At Run Better Academy, we show our runners that the same formula for results is possible in training.

I’m fortunate enough to have experienced running from a ton of perspectives which allows me to understand my athletes’ perspective, challenges, and potential. I shared in the success of a track and field dynasty at Mt. Tabor HS, learned from a legendary coach while running NCAA D1 at NC State University, honed my coaching philosophy helping high schoolers and private clients after graduation, and experienced the most prestigious races in the world like the Army Ten Miler, Boston Marathon and Chicago Marathon. 

While coaching runners all over the world, I really enjoy sharing in their journey, helping them realize untapped potential and strength, and sharing a cold beer to celebrate their successes! 

I’m currently living in Savannah, GA with my wife and two children. We love getting outside and embracing the local running scene as a family.

How It Works

STEP #1

Purchase Your Product

STEP #2

Train With Confidence

STEP #3

Love Your Results

Find Your Custom Training Plan
"The consistent communication and encouragement really helped me A LOT!"
Elizabeth S. (marathoner)
Elizabeth S. (marathoner)Woodlands, TX
"I’m new to running & loved Run Better Academy’s training plans. The coaches made the training fun & easy to follow.

I crossed both finish lines feeling great & injury free!"

Sarah C. (new runner)
Sarah C. (new runner)Fort Leonard Wood, MO
"Thanks for helping me get a big win by helping me prepare for my half marathon!"
Lawrence W. (half marathoner)
Lawrence W. (half marathoner)Mountain View, CA
"Great support and quick feedback from my coach. Very glad I got involved with Run Better Academy."
Alexander C. (new runner)
Alexander C. (new runner)Galveston, TX
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Our Products

New Special Product Release!

Gain Unlimited Access to our Entire Training Library

100+ Training Plans

Includes full variety of Off-Season, Base Building, and Training Cycles for All Experience Levels

Full Flexibility

Select, modify, or change any 4-week training block quickly to match your training needs

GPS Enabled

Sync with your GPS device to give you guidance and insights for every workout

Gain Access to Every Training Plan We Have At Run Better Academy for Just $47!

  • Return-to-Run Training Plans
  • Base Building Training Plans
  • Mile Race Training Plans
  • Post-Race Recovery Plans
  • 5k Training Plans
  • 10k Training Plans
  • Half Marathon Training Plans
  • Marathon Training Plans
  • And more…

Includes Dynamic Warmup, Recovery Cooldown, Strength Training, and Nutrition Advice

***Unlimited Access***

Run Better Academy's

Entire Training Library

$47/mo

5-day Free Trial


You'll be able to tackle challenging (and often changing) running goals and will benefit from

UNLIMITED ACCESS to Run Better Academy's ENTIRE TRAINING LIBRARY.

If you want expert and proven guidance for a fraction of the price, then this is the subscription for you!

Gain Unlimited Access Here
Best Value

Consultations

Schedule a call with Dr. Matt

S.M.A.R.T. Goal Setting Advice

$67

30-minute call

Clarify how to utilize The Performance Formula to help reach specific running goals.

Schedule A Call

Safe Return-To-Running Advice

$67

30-minute call

Clarify how to safely return to running after prolonged time off or after suffering injuries.

Schedule A Call

Off-Season Training Advice

$67

30-minute call

Clarify how to properly approach off-season conditioning and prepare for the next training cycle

Schedule A Call

Comprehensive Consultation

$97

60-minute call

Get comprehensive advice that touches on multiple topics and discussion areas.

Schedule A Call

Training Plans

Get a Customized Plan from Dr. Matt

1 Mile Race

Training Plan

$97

8 weeks total

 

 

 

 

Build on baseline fitness and run a better mile!

4 week Training Blocks

Includes Strength Exercises & Nutrition Guidance

 

Get This Plan

5k Race

Training Plan

$127

12 weeks total

 

Build on baseline fitness and run a better 5k!

4 week Training Blocks

Choose between Lower or Higher Intensity

Includes Strength Exercises & Nutrition Guidance

Get This Plan

10k Race

Training Plan

$127

12 weeks total

 

Build on baseline fitness and run a better 10k!

4 week Training Blocks

Choose between Lower or Higher Intensity

Includes Strength Exercises & Nutrition Guidance

Get This Plan

Half Marathon Race

Training Plan

$157

16 weeks total

 

Build on baseline fitness and run a better half!

Choose between Lower or Higher Intensity

Choose between Flat or Hilly Course

Includes Strength Exercises & Nutrition Guidance

Get This Plan

Marathon Race

Training Plan

$187

20 weeks total

 

Build on baseline fitness and run a better marathon!

Choose between Lower or Higher Intensity

Choose between Flat or Hilly Course

Includes Strength Exercises & Nutrition Guidance

Get This Plan

Return-To-Run

Training Plan

$127

12 weeks total

 

 

Combination of walk and run workouts to guide you from 0 to 30 minutes of continuous running!

4 week Training Blocks

Includes Strength Exercises

  

Get This Plan

Base Building

Training Plan

$157

16 weeks total

 

Build up from 30 to 60 minutes of continuous running and gain a great base before a race cycle!

4 week Training Blocks

Includes Strength Exercises

Get This Plan

Private Coaching

Work one-on-one with Dr. Matt

Limited Communication

Private Coaching

(app only)


$127/mo

10-Day Free Trial

Communication accomplished through the VDOTO2 training app.

Includes Training Plan, Strength Exercises, and Nutrition Advice

Work with Dr. Matt

Standard Communication

Private Coaching

(app, emails, texts + 1 call/mo)

$177/mo

10-Day Free Trial

Communication accomplished through the VDOTO2 training app, emails, texts, and calls.

Includes Training Plan, Strength Exercises, and Nutrition Advice

Work with Dr. Matt

Premium Communication

Private Coaching

(app, emails, texts + 4 calls/mo)

$227/mo

10-Day Free Trial

Communication accomplished through the VDOTO2 training app, emails, texts, and calls.

Includes Training Plan, Strength Exercises, and Nutrition Advice

Work with Dr. Matt

Our Success Stories

"Working with Coach Colin from Run Better Academy was amazing! Running is not my first sport but I had a goal to run a marathon with these two goals in mind: show up without injury and finish. Colin helped me do BOTH of those. By providing a training plan that fit into my busy life as a working mom.
So thankful for his coaching and guidance!"
Courtney B. (1st-time marathoner)
South Bend, IN
"I got my coaching plan from my wife after getting injured training for my half marathon. I trained with Coach Colin and not only did I overcome my injury and run pain free, I also crushed my marathon time! Thank you so much because my Run Better Academy program was the BEST GIFT EVER!"
Steven S. (1st-time marathoner)
Pittsburgh, PA
"I can definitely tell there is progress. I can run both loops of my trail with my two kids (major win), I can run straight for 20 minutes on the treadmill (perfect lunchtime workout) and I actually don't dread going for a run anymore (total win!!). I'm pretty happy with the progress you've helped me achieve!
Thanks Run Better Academy!"
Liz R. (new runner)
Winston-Salem, NC
"Coach Matt was awesome! His plan helped me PR in Chicago with 20 mins faster than NYC Marathon a year prior! Thank you so much Matt for your awesome communication and encouragement!"
Courtney R. (marathoner)
Holly Springs, NC
"Run Better Academy took the time to speak with me when I was training for the 2018 Chicago Marathon using an old plan that I was not particularly excited about. After hearing about my frustrating injury history and how things were going, Coach Matt made a couple of suggestions (before I even committed to Run Better Academy) to help get me to Chicago healthy. After that phone call I was energized from the new approach to my training and followed it to a new PR at my 6th marathon! Fast forward to present day, I am being coached by Matt and enjoying the plan. The cross-training, the attached videos that explain method behind the madness of certain paces, the app and the feedback that I get and feeling stronger every day. As a run nerd myself, I know I've selected the right coach and program!"
Mark L. (marathoner)
Alexandria, VA
"Matt was a wonderful coach and I thoroughly enjoyed my experience training for my 1st marathon with him! He was always very positive and I looked forward to the workouts that he wrote for me. The fact that he's a physical therapist was icing on the cake since I tore my hamstring early in my training. We modified my workouts as needed and he also had great run-specific exercise videos in the program as well. I felt really prepared for my 1st marathon and had no problem finishing (although digestive issues prevented me from hitting my time goal). I highly recommend Matt and his Run Better Academy Team to help you train for your next event! I will definitely plan to work with them again 🙂 "
Victoria L. (1st-time marathoner)
San Ramon, CA
Unlock Your Running Potential
Questions? Please contact us at: coaches@runbetteracademy.com