My name is Nelson Ramirez, and I am the founder and senior coach at SciRun.

I started SciRun to share my love of running with as many of my fellow enthusiasts as possible.  In just one year, this dream has carried me farther than I ever expected as runners from not just the U.S., but from faraway South Africa, Luxemburg, Croatia and Australia have partnered with us to help them achieve their goals.

My personal running journey began some 30 years ago.  In high school and college I ran varsity cross country, as well as the 800, 1500 and 3000-meter steeplechase during indoor and outdoor seasons.  I have competed in some 400 races at distances from 200 meters to 50 miles, including 28 marathons and 8 ultra’s.

My first racing experience was as a 14 year old in high school, running 1.5 miles during cross-country season.  I remember thinking how difficult it would be stepping up to the varsity distance of 2.5 miles the following year.  It’s amazing how our perspective changes.  Now I refer to 50-mile races as, “just 50 miles”.

I have been coaching runners for fourteen years.  I got into coaching the way most people do, by accident.  After college, I kept up my competitive running, competing in 5K’s and 10K’s as well as the occasional marathon.  Because I had been in the sport so long, friends, running acquaintances and coworkers started to ask my advice about training. 

Over time this thing just mushroomed.  Despite the fact that I had always been a voracious reader of running books and magazines, I soon realized I needed some formal training.  I became certified as a running coach by both the Road Runners Club of America and USA Track and Field.  I also joined the American College of Sports Medicine.

Early in 2004, I decided to take the plunge and attempt to turn a lifelong passion into a profession.  That’s when I started SciRun.  Despite the fact that I am now a “professional” coach, I hope to never lose my pure love of running.  One good sign is despite some 400 races over 34 years, when I stand at the start of a race, I still get nervous.  I love that feeling.  I also love the pure joy of just running on a trail as the sun comes up.  I hope the joy lasts forever.

In addition to helping my fellow runners achieve their goals, I still have some unmet challenges before me.  I am looking forward to running in another Marine Corps Marathon this fall, as well as the Boston Marathon next April. 

Hope to see you out on the trail.