Premier Run Coach in Colorado

Meet Dr. Joshua Merrick: Colorado’s Elite Running Coach

Unparalleled Athletic Achievement

Dr. Merrick’s personal running credentials establish him as one of Colorado’s most accomplished running coaches. As a 6-time All-American cross-country and track athlete for Adams State University, he achieved a 5th place finish at the NCAA National Cross-Country Championships and 2nd and 3rd place finishes in the 3000m Steeplechase. His 13-year professional career in duathlon and triathlon included representing Team USA at 5 ITU Duathlon World Championships and 1 Xterra World Championship.

World-Class Coaching Experience

Over two decades of coaching experience has positioned Dr. Merrick as the premier run coach in Colorado, with current and former athletes representing an impressive range of achievements:

Olympic and International Competition:

• Athletes competing in the Olympics and World Athletics Championships
• Representatives at European Athletic Championships and Commonwealth Games
• Competitors at European Cross-Country Championships
• Athletes qualified for US, French, and Irish Olympic Trials
• US Marathon Olympic Trials qualifiers

Collegiate Excellence:

• Adams State University Track and Cross-Country teams
• Athletes representing 12 different countries
• 50 NCAA National Titles accumulated by coached athletes
• 186 All-American Honors earned under his guidance

Medical Expertise in Sports Performance

What truly sets Dr. Merrick apart as Colorado’s premier run coach is his 15 years of experience as a licensed Physical Therapist specializing in Orthopedics and Sports Medicine. This dual expertise allows him to approach running coaching from both performance and injury prevention perspectives, ensuring his athletes achieve their goals safely and sustainably.

Comprehensive Running Coaching Services in Colorado

Elite Performance Coaching

As Colorado’s premier run coach, Dr. Merrick provides specialized coaching for athletes at every level, from high school competitors to Olympic hopefuls. His evidence-based approach combines cutting-edge training methodologies with personalized attention to help each athlete reach their full potential.

Injury Prevention and Recovery Integration

Dr. Merrick’s background as a Physical Therapist allows him to identify and address movement patterns that could lead to injury before they become problematic. This integrated approach to running coaching sets him apart from other coaches in Colorado and ensures long-term athletic success.

Biomechanical Analysis and Optimization

Using advanced video analysis and his extensive knowledge of human movement, Dr. Merrick provides detailed biomechanical assessments that help runners optimize their efficiency and reduce energy waste. This scientific approach to running form improvement is a hallmark of his coaching philosophy.

Why Dr. Merrick is Colorado’s Premier Run Coach

Proven Track Record of Success

The numbers speak for themselves: 50 NCAA National Titles, 186 All-American Honors, and athletes competing at the highest levels of international competition. This level of success is unmatched among running coaches in Colorado.

Unique Dual Expertise

The combination of elite athletic achievement and medical expertise in sports medicine creates a coaching approach that no other running coach in Colorado can match. Dr. Merrick understands running from both the performance and physiological perspectives.

Personal Understanding of Athletic Challenges

Having navigated his own injury-filled high school and college running career, Dr. Merrick brings genuine empathy and practical solutions to athletes facing similar challenges. His personal experience with setbacks and comebacks informs his coaching approach.

Scientific Approach to Training

Dr. Merrick’s coaching methodology is grounded in sports science, biomechanics, and evidence-based training principles. This scientific foundation ensures that every training decision is made with purpose and backed by research.

Specialized Training Programs

Competitive Runners and Elite Athletes

For serious competitors, Dr. Merrick provides the same level of coaching that has produced Olympic athletes and NCAA champions. His elite training programs incorporate advanced periodization, altitude training considerations specific to Colorado, and race-specific preparation.

Distance Running Specialization

Whether training for 5Ks, marathons, or ultra-distances, Dr. Merrick’s extensive experience with endurance events provides runners with expert guidance on pacing, nutrition, and race strategy.

Injury Prevention and Return-to-Running Programs

Combining his Physical Therapy expertise with coaching experience, Dr. Merrick offers specialized programs for runners recovering from injury or those seeking to prevent future problems.

Youth and High School Development

With extensive experience coaching high school athletes, Dr. Merrick provides age-appropriate training that builds a strong foundation for long-term athletic development.

The 2nd Mile Performance Difference

Individualized Training Approach

Every athlete receives a completely customized training plan based on their goals, current fitness level, injury history, and competitive timeline. Dr. Merrick’s approach recognizes that no two runners are identical.

Ongoing Performance Monitoring

Regular assessments and data-driven adjustments ensure that training remains optimized as athletes progress. This systematic approach to performance tracking is essential for continued improvement.

Comprehensive Support System

Beyond just running workouts, Dr. Merrick provides guidance on strength training, recovery protocols, nutrition strategies, and mental preparation for competition.

Altitude Training Expertise

Located in Fort Garland, Colorado, Dr. Merrick has extensive experience helping athletes adapt to and benefit from altitude training, a significant advantage for Colorado-based runners.

Success Stories from Colorado’s Premier Run Coach

Dr. Merrick’s coaching has consistently produced exceptional results across all levels of competition. From helping recreational runners achieve their first marathon to guiding elite athletes to international podiums, his track record demonstrates the effectiveness of his coaching philosophy.

The 50 NCAA National Titles and 186 All-American Honors accumulated by his athletes represent just the quantifiable achievements. The countless personal records, breakthrough performances, and successful injury comebacks tell the complete story of his impact as Colorado’s premier run coach.

Training Philosophy: Excellence Through Science

Evidence-Based Methodology

Every aspect of Dr. Merrick’s coaching is grounded in current sports science research. From training load management to recovery protocols, his methods reflect the latest understanding of optimal athletic performance.

Holistic Athlete Development

Understanding that running performance is influenced by numerous factors, Dr. Merrick addresses technique, strength, mobility, nutrition, and mental preparation as interconnected elements of success.

Long-Term Athletic Development

Rather than focusing solely on short-term gains, Dr. Merrick’s coaching philosophy emphasizes building sustainable improvements that support lifelong athletic participation.

Getting Started with Colorado’s Premier Run Coach

Initial Assessment Process

New athletes begin with a comprehensive evaluation that includes:

• Detailed running and injury history review
• Current fitness and performance assessment
• Biomechanical analysis and gait evaluation
• Goal setting and timeline development
• Customized training plan creation

Ongoing Support and Communication

Dr. Merrick maintains regular contact with all athletes, providing feedback, answering questions, and making real-time adjustments to training based on how athletes are responding to their programs.

Flexible Coaching Options

Whether you prefer in-person sessions in Fort Garland or remote coaching support, Dr. Merrick offers flexible options to accommodate different needs and locations throughout Colorado.

Contact Colorado’s Premier Run Coach

Ready to experience the difference that world-class coaching can make in your running? Dr. Joshua Merrick’s unique combination of elite athletic achievement, extensive coaching experience, and medical expertise provides Colorado runners with an unmatched opportunity to reach their full potential.

Take the first step toward achieving your running goals with Colorado’s premier run coach.