Spark Healthy Runner - Hamden, Connecticut

Anastasia C.

I stumbled upon the Finding Spark Healthy Runner Podcast while training for my very first half marathon, and I’m so glad I did! Until a year ago, I had never considered myself a runner. As a busy mom of three at forty years old, I figured it was time to give running a shot. I had a great chat with Duane, and soon after, I was working with Coach Cat for four months, following the personalized plan she created just for me.

Coach Cat suggested that, with only 3-4 weeks left to train, I might want to either run/walk or drop down to the 10k distance for my upcoming half marathon, as she felt I wasn’t quite ready yet. After some thought, I decided to go for the 10k instead, and I really enjoyed it!

After the race, I stuck with Cat and her fantastic training plan, which included strength training, running three times a week, and biking once a week. I’m thrilled with the progress I’ve made! Since starting my training, I’ve set personal records (PR) for both my 5k and 10k runs. But my proudest moment has to be finishing my half marathon!

While I may still be a slow runner, I managed to PR in my 10k during the race and completed my half marathon in 2:59! I’m excited to keep pushing myself and hopefully shave off a few more minutes for my next half marathon in October. Thank you so much, Coach Cat! It’s been such a fun journey!

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.

Darren J.

Duane at Spark Healthy was fantastic! I battled a hamstring injury at the end of last year following the Chicago marathon. I knew at that point I needed to take some time off. After a month I wanted to get back into slowly running, but wasn't sure the best path forward. I found Duane online somehow and decided to reach out. After our first initial call you could tell he knew what he was talking about and had experience with other runners to overcome this injury. I decided to move forward and now after about 4 months my hamstring feels great and I've been back to running for while. The progressive strength program he put me through was definitely the key to making sure I built the strength back while slowly increasing the volume of running. I would highly recommend him to anyone dealing with hamstring tendinopathy or any other injury from running. Looking forward to doing a half marathon this spring!

Jenny L.

I suffer with PHT and had given up on getting back to running. Then I came across Spark Healthy Runner, who are able to treat my condition and get me back to running stronger. What really appealed was the virtual nature as I am UK based but was still able to benefit from the programme. Duane gave me a customised strength and running plan which we altered a number of times to work with my PHT, and within 4 months I was back running and have even recently completed my longest ever run. Whilst I still have progress to make with the PHT condition, being able to run again without aggravating symptoms is amazing and that is all thanks to Duane and the great work that Spark Healthy Runner do.

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.

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!

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.