Spark Healthy Runner - Hamden, Connecticut

Joseph B.

What can I say other than THANK YOU to Duane and the Spark Healthy Runner program. I had dealt with constant knee pain whenever I attempted to become an endurance runner. The hump felt impossible to get over. I decided to look up a podcast that talked about running with an injury and thankfully found the Healthy Runner Podcast. In a short time I join the 1:1 coaching program. The expertise, analysis, and motivation of the program were incredible throughout! I became pain free a few weeks into my training cycle and never looked back. Duane’s goal is to get you injury free but do it in a way that works for YOU. I was very uneducated when it came to strength training, progressive loading and nutrition. Duane gave me the tools to not only learn about this but apply it to my training cycle! I was able to complete my first Marathon pain free in DC yesterday and couldn’t have done without the Spark Healthy Runner Team!

Elisa A.

As an avid runner and Disney fan, completing the runDisney Dopey Challenge was a dream come true. I can't be more thankful for the guidance and support Dr. Duane Scotti provided to help me accomplish this goal. In 2023, I found myself in a frustrating situation. I was training for the Chicago Marathon when I suddenly injured my quad due to over training. After months of hard work, I was sidelined and unable to complete my training. That’s when I stumbled upon Duane’s Healthy Runner Podcast. The episodes were filled with actionable advice on how to safely recover from running injuries, and they immediately helped me shift my mindset. Until then I was hesitant to sign up for another marathon and had no confidence on being able to make it through the training. I am beyond grateful for the support and guidance I received from Duane and the Healthy Runner Coaching Program during my training for the runDisney Dopey Challenge. Completing the Dopey Challenge—48.6 miles over four days is not easy, but thanks to the personalized coaching, injury prevention techniques, and mental strategies I learned, I was able to not only complete it but do so with confidence and strength. This was a memorable weekend and marked the beginning of a new milestone year - 50.

Daniel S. K.

Duane and Spark Healthy Are the Best!

I suffered from an ITBS injury five months before the Dopey Challenge and often felt like giving up, thinking I wouldn't be ready in time. However, once I started working with Duane, my condition improved significantly. I was able to return to running and steadily increase my mileage week after week.

In addition to the detailed training plans and strength routines, Duane’s emotional and psychological support was invaluable. He consistently encouraged me and truly believed in my success.

Even during the race week, his insightful tips played a crucial role in helping me complete the Dopey Challenge and achieve my goal of running my first marathon!

A. R.

I have been dealing with IT band syndrome since 2011, as a former elite runner this is a tough and annoying injury to deal with. Due to the on and off flare ups I was not able to run consistently, I got to the point where I was ready to give up running. One day while looking for someone who specializes in IT Band injury I found Dr Scotti's podcast, I listened and scheduled an appointment. Best decision ever!!! After years of on and off pain I am finally able to run consistently! My last big race was in 2018 and a month ago I was able to finish my first Aquathlon!
Dr. Duane Scotti is super professional, he listened to all my concerns and made a training plan that not only adressed my injury, he also worked the training around my busy work schedule! I would 100% recommend this program to anyone.

Katie P.

I worked with Coach Whitney this past year to grow more confident and stronger as a runner. She helped me navigate my training plan despite my house being hit by Hurricane Helene and helped me continue training for my Disney race! Highly recommend the Spark Healthy Runner team!

Thomas W.

I had struggled with multiple injuries for years (knee, hamstring, achilles...) and thought I was done with running forever. But after a 4 year layoff, I found one of Duane's videos on YouTube and that led me to signing up. I decided to invest in the process of getting better one last time and I'm really glad I did. After years of seeking help from doctors (primary care and sports medicine) and physical therapists (in-person and online), I never found someone who understood how to integrate running training and physical therapy like Duane. He took the time to understand my exact needs (based on my injuries and my day-to-day schedule) and made a plan that we tweaked along with way via constant communication. I'm running pain-free for the first time in forever and have Duane to thank! Do yourself a favor and check out Spark Healthy Runner.

Jennifer L.

Duane is coach, mentor, friend, doctor, and cheerleader all rolled up into one ball of energy. From the very beginning he was immediately responsive, and put me at ease. I tend to be a very anxious person, especially when it comes to running injuries, and he listened carefully as I described my pain, and was able to target it with workouts specifically crafted for me to get me back on my running game. Duane is the perfect combination of knowledgeable and encouraging, but also realistic and down to earth. He helped me articulate my goals after listening to my long-winded story, but when my PT school schedule got in the way of the training schedule a few times, he quickly adapted the plan to make it work-I still ran my race pain free, and it was glorious!!!! If you are debating whether to spend the money, or think you're too old for running, or just don't think you can do it, stop debating. You are worth the investment. If running is something you'd like to get back to or start from the beginning, there is NO BETTER WAY than through Dr. Duane. He's the best.

Bobbi

I have been the happiest runner in the world since discovering the Spark Healthy Runner Coaching Program! Before joining, I had dabbled in running 5Ks and attempted a half marathon about 8 years ago using those online training plans. Not knowing anything about training, I did not realize I was doing too much too soon, and suffered a huge overuse injury to a tendon in my knee that I just couldn’t shake. I finished my half, but not without excruciating pain. I gave up on my running dream. Fast forward to January 2024 - I am trying to get back into it, and very ambitiously signed up for the Detroit Free Press International Marathon scheduled October 20th 2024 (I never claimed to be the sane one lol). While on a run, I started listening to The Healthy Runner podcast. Dr. Scotti and all the coaches blew me away with their knowledge, advice, and upbeat personalities. Through the podcast is where I learned of the coaching program, and I KNEW I ABSOLUTELY had to join. I wanted to be a healthy runner and not a worry runner, which is where I was due to my knee flaring up constantly. I received my free one hour call with Duane, and based on my history and goals he linked me up with Coach Cat. Let me just say I wish everyone had a Coach Cat in their life! She listened and understood my needs and struggles. She developed a training plan designed specifically for me (I felt so elite - a plan just for me! Lol), that ebbed and flowed with my progress. THIS PART IS IMPORTANT: I had that overuse injury flare up about 2 months in and freaked out. Legit tears and everything. Coach Cat calmed me down and assured me it’s not the end of the world and we can work through this. I had my doubts because this was the exact pain that stopped me in my tracks eight years ago. Not only did we work THROUGH the pain and it went away, but I never stopped running in the meantime! Mind freaking blown. From there on, I ran a bonus half marathon in June AND completed my very first marathon in October, both with gas left in the tank! 2 huge accomplishments in one year without a hitch after my initial freak out! I RAN A MARATHON WITHOUT PAIN! I am forever changed and I owe all of it to this coaching program. THANK YOU TO THE MOON AND BACK! I am continuing work with Coach Cat in the Longevity program now, and I’m so thrilled to be here.