Gordon is an RRCA-certified running coach and has coached runners at all levels since 1985, working with NYRR, Athena New York, Craftsbury Running Camp, Maine Running Camp, and others. Gordon qualified for the U.S. Olympic marathon trials in 1988, 1992, 1996, 2000, and 2004 and was a finalist in the 1992 U.S. Olympic 10,000m trials. She has represented the U.S. internationally at the 10K, half-marathon, and marathon distances, and has run a 1:11 half-marathon and a 2:33 marathon. Gordon has run multiple marathons, ultras, and countless races at other distances.

Q&A with Gordon

What program do you coach?
Group Training

What languages do you speak?
English

How would you describe your coaching style?
My coaching style is inclusive (all ages, backgrounds, and abilities), inquisitive (I want to learn everything I can about the runners I coach), collaborative (I love working with other coaches), and fun-forward (I want runners to keep coming back!). I strive to support runners' efforts to run consistently and stay healthy, within the parameters of their busy lives.

What is your proudest coaching moment?
I feel happy and proud anytime a runner achieves a goal. That goal could be finishing a marathon or showing up for a workout at the start or end of a busy day. I'm honored when a runner chooses to partner with me.

What is your favorite workout to coach and why?
What is your favorite workout to coach and why? Every workout has a purpose. I believe in offering runners a variety of workouts, including hard/fast efforts like 200-meter repeats, and longer tempo runs that build endurance. All workouts are fun and engaging, especially when done in a group setting that encourages striving together to improve while staying healthy. As a coach, I love helping runners achieve more than they think they can.

How many years have you been coaching?
35+ years

Please list any awards, achievements, or certifications below.
• RRCA certification
• 8-time NYRR Fred Lebow Runner of the Year
• 2000-2009 NYRR Runner of the Decade

What is your favorite place to run in New York City?
Washington Heights/Inwood. There's also a long list of parks in all 5 boroughs that I want to explore!

What is your favorite NYRR race?
Mastercard New York Mini 10K

What is your personal running motto?
Always happy, never satisfied.