Alan grew up in Brooklyn and got into running after he quit smoking. In 1996 he ran his first race. The following year, he ran his first New York City Marathon. Since 2008, he has been the captain of a local competitive running team leading the team workouts and helping to coach and mentor members. He believes in leading by example and listening to runners’ needs to help them reach their goals. He has carried this philosophy since joining the NYRR Group Training coaching team in 2022. Whether for fitness or competition, running has become an activity for stress relief and to experience that feeling of mutual camaraderie with others.

Q&A with Alan

What program do you coach?
Group Training

How would you describe your coaching style?
Encouraging, observational, and communicative. But I do like some discipline to have runners get the most out of a workout session. n.

What is your proudest coaching moment?
When our Group Training participants show improvement and perform above their expectations. They can see the results of their work on a daily basis and at races.

What is your favorite workout to coach and why?
I like tempo runs because it gives me time to assess a person’s progress and endurance.

How many years have you been coaching?
10+ years.

Where is your favorite place to run in New York City?
Forest Park in Queens. That is where I do most of my daily and weekend training.

What is your favorite NYRR race?
TCS New York City Marathon

What is your personal running motto?
Do the best you can and don't give up!