Head Coach: Joseph McConkey

Joseph McConkey is a certified USA Track and Field level 2 Coach (endurance) with over 10 years experience as a competitive athlete and running coach. He has coached a wide range of runners, including those wanting to run a 5k for the first time, runners looking to improve their marathon time, and athletes striving for elite performances.  Over the past eight years Joseph has dedicated his efforts to designing more efficient and comprehensive programs aimed at improving the health and fitness of individual runners. His methodologies, client stories, and contributions to the running community have been featured in Running Times, Runners World, Boston Globe, Boston Herald, Metro Sports, and numerous local media outlets throughout New England.  

Joseph's marathoners have completed marathons throughout the world, including:

Arizona Rock'n'Roll Marathon, Austin Marathon, Bay State Marathon, Boston Marathon, Baltimore Marathon, Breakers Marathon, Cape Cod Marathon, Chicago Marathon, Columbus Marathon, Detroit Marathon, Disney Marathon, Dublin Marathon, Eugene Marathon, Frankfurt Marathon, Hamburg Marathon, Hartford Marathon, Honolulu Marathon, Las Vegas Marathon, Long Beach Marathon, Maine Marathon, Marine Core Marathon, New Jersey Marathon, New York Marathon, Nike Women's Marathon, Philadelphia Marathon, Portland Marathon, San Francisco Marathon
San Diego Rock'n'Roll Marathon, and more.

Joseph competed as a front runner at the NCAA Division 1 Ball State University. There he was coached under Chris Buehler, a close friend and running partner of American distance superstar Bob Kennedy. In conjunction with coaching and training, Joseph has continually performed as a top finisher in road races throughout the mid-west and the east coast.  Joseph McConkey is also the Mens and Womens Cross County Head Coach at Newbury College and was named 'Coach of the Year' in the NECC conference in 2009 - his first year.

Educations/Certifications: MS - Injury Preventions and Sports Performance, USATF level II (endurance), NASM PES, ACE PT, NASE

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testimonials

• B.S. in Fitness and Cardiac Rehabilitation from Ithaca College
• M.S. in Exercise Science with a concentration in Sports Psychology from Ithaca College
• American College of Sports Medicine Certified Health Fitness Specialist
• USATF Level 1 Coach
• Experienced personal trainer with a focus on exercise intensity and improving body awareness levels.
• Clinical experience with special populations including pulmonary, cardiac and diabetic patients
• Competitive runner

Coaching Philosophy

Distance running requires both physical and mental training. First, it is important to establish short and long-term goals. Generally, goals that are motivated by intrinsic factors and realistic outcomes lead to the greatest probability of achievement. Second, acknowledging mental and physical barriers and ways to overcome them will aid in preparation for potential set-backs and allow for running longevity. Last, one must be aware of pace. What pace is appropriate for shorter versus longer distances? How hard is too hard? What pace are you at now versus where you will be and when, with the correct program. Establishing pace awareness will improve running performance and allow for cardiovascular adaptations to occur.


Identifying physical limitations, capabilities and mental barriers is imperative to a successful running experience. Understanding and acknowledging these components allow for running growth and overall enjoyment.


Testimonials


"Sarah helped me find muscles I never knew I had! Her energy and flexibility made my goals a reality in less time than I imagined. Sarah's passion for fitness (and running, especially) is infectious! She gives you that extra boost to keep working hard even when you're fighting for air. I'm always impressed by Sarah's new routines and creative exercises - she keeps my workout exciting and injury-free!"

"Before I started working with Sarah, I committed to five sessions with a trainer I had never met. I figured I could get a few tips and add some new moves to my fitness routine. But once Sarah Anderson became a part of my workout, I couldn't let her go. From push ups with a tricep kick-back to frog jumps on a padded mat, I felt challenged, always sweaty, and yet thrilled with my results. Sarah gives you more than just a workout - she's a reservoir of motivation, an amazing listener, and a problem solver. When I had trouble with my knee, she showed me how to maneuver around the tender muscle and still get a rigorous sweat session. Her knowledge of the science and how to best use your body offer an invaluable element to each workout. Sarah's iconic in her field because she has it all - the brains, the biceps and the best attitude ever!"

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Testimonials

"Best running experience I've had yet...I can't believe how much I enjoyed personalized coaching routines. Additionally, coming off of an ankle injury, I can't believe how much having a coach to talk / e-mail with helped me. I will definitely continue w/this service." - Amy Occhialino

"Joe was always available by phone or email to answer a question or patiently listen to my complaints about random soreness or anything else. With Joe's help, I was far better prepared for my last marathon and even turned in a negative split. I wouldn't consider training for a marathon without Joe's help." - Stuart Woodring

"My overall experience with the Boston Running Center has been fantastic. I especially appreciate the rigorous and high quality training schedule that Joe put together for me. Despite the difference in fitness levels, Joe treats each one of his students seriously and sets challenging expectations for them. Unlike most trainers / bootcamp type programs that I've worked with in the past, there was nothing watered down about my experience at all, which is unique. I feel very fortunate to have worked with you guys, as it is rare to find people nowadays who still value hard work, quality, and commitment to the sport. " - Yvonne Tai

"Once again, I can't tell you how much I appreciated all your help and intstruction.  Not only am I a stronger runner, but I'm a much smarter runner for having worked with you.  I'll continue to recommend you to my friends and family." - Reuben Levy

" Joe did a great job helping me to meet my running goals! I felt better racing than I ever have. Joe was also VERY quick to respond to any questions and/or concerns I had along the way. The one-on-one sessions were great and were just the right challenge! I also began to look forward to track workouts instead of loathing them as Joe inspires the confidence one needs to do these workouts!! " - Meg Nelson

"My experience with Joe McConkey and the Boston Running Center was terrific. My favorite things about being coached by Joe were 1) his menacing workouts that you don’t think you can do, but he knows you can do, and after you do them you feel amazing, 2) his will to tap your untapped potential to produce a PR nearly every race, and 3) his personalized training regimens that really were unique to me. I was lucky to be coached by him and my experience with the Boston Running Center was outstanding. " - Julie H

"Joe's coaching style is excellent. He pays attention to details, provides thorough analysis of problem areas and creates workouts that consistently challenge me and help me to improve!! Thanks!" - Edwina Nowicki

"I had a successful and enjoyable marathon training.  I got faster, stronger and developed a much better running form.  I look forward to training with the Boston Running Center again in the Spring." - Ellen Lyons

"By working with Joe Mcconkey at the Boston Runnig Center, I've become a faster, stronger, smarter, and injury free runner. Joe's workouts were customized for me and my goals and together we created a game plan which enabled me to achieve my personal best marathon, a 3:46:16. I will work with the BRC and Joe again to acheive my next goal and I would highly recommend him to other runners." - Chris Lafratta

"Joe was very intuitive as far as my needs as a runner and end-goal results. He diagnosed problems in my stride and form within minutes of our first meeting. In 16 weeks I went from running 2-3 miles twice a week to averaging 25-30 miles a week." - Tim Rogers

" I always had a great workout during the one-on-one sessions!  Pushed myself harder than if I was doing it on my own.  I appreciate how flexible Joe was to change workouts due to travel, sickness, etc." - Abby Mitchell

"I just wanted to say thank you for helping improve so much on my marathon time. Just by training with you I was able to shave 17 minutes off my previous marathon PR and Qualify for Boston. Thanks again, your guidance really made the difference. " - Mike M.

"The log is simple and straight forward though very comprehensive.  It is extremely user friendly and packs a lot of analysis tools. The strength training helped develop and maintain specific muscles to compliment the running. The customized workouts were specific and efficient, never felt like I was wasting my time.  The comments were informative and motivating. The one-on-one training sessions were great high intensity workout.  Appreciated the feedback during the sessions.

During my time training with Boston Running Center I noticed a great improvement in my agility and speed.  I felt well prepared for the NY 1/2 and full marathon, received not only training schedules and advice, but also courage and confidence to race well.  I look forward to continuing to see improvements." - Deborah Rifken

"The weekly prescribed workouts I received were excellent. I have been very pleased with my experience." - Olivia Janus

"Working with Joe, I’ve increased my speed, endurance, and refined my running form all while remaining injury free.  His personalized training schedules challenge me and have helped me achieve my initial goals of competing in a 5k and 10k and put me well on my way to achieve my ultimate goal of running a marathon." - Alex Dippold

"Thanks again for the training program; I cannot tell you how much I appreciate your training program and your working with me. I shaved some 7-minutes from my PR to get under 3-hours, which I never could have done without you!" - Ted O.

"Joe's coaching is terrific. I couldn't have asked for more. He helped me accomplish my goal in a way that was manageable for me. Thanks Joe - by helping me run the Boston Marathon you really changed my life. " - Arden R.

"I think Joe is an excellent coach and is extremely knowledgeable. He has taught me a lot. He is also very patient when answering All of my questions! :) " - Rachel Kalinsky

"It's been great working with you the past few months. Thanks so much again for all you have taught me!" - Amy G.

"This is a heck of a product. I really enjoy working with Joe, and strongly recommend him to others. Access to Joe's expertise provides good value for the money. " - Jason S.

"The training helped me recover much better from the marathon this time around (6 days vs. 14 days).  The NYC Marathon was rigorous and difficult, but I survived and managed not to hurt so much because I was better prepared physically.  This is greatly due to the training." - Ella B.

"This service has been great. Joe motivates me to keep going with this and without his help i would have a really hard time staying on track." - S. Dass

"This program was perfect for me. The workouts and notes were always pushing me and Joe always had my best interest. The past year with my friends, family and others that would compliment me on my running and speed, I would refer to you as my phenomenal coach. Even when other trainers tried to give me tips, I would tell them I am all set, I already have a coach/trainer!" - MaryLuz M.