When I first got plantar fasciitis, I received so much conflicting advice. I knew it was "just" running, but for me my injury meant the loss of an important wellness outlet and I was discouraged and frustrated. I found Duane Scotti and Spark Healthy Runner through a podcast, and have been working with Duane for the last 4 months. It has been a fabulous experience!

So much so that I know think of the injury as a gift. Without it, I would not have found Duane and Spark Healthy Running, and would not have gone through the program to become an overall stronger and healthier runner.

Duane was incredibly helpful and responsive, and would immediately contact me if I had any concerns or needed adjustments to our plan. It was such a relief to be able to turn to someone for answers on how to proceed. And such a joy to be able to keep running despite the injury.

This past weekend I did a 10 miler, and smiled the entire time! :-) I am so thankful for finding Dr. Scotti, and for all he has done to help me through this injury.

My experience with Spark Healthy Running was great! Through individual coaching, Coach Lu really helped provide structure to my half marathon training plan, and helped to provide encouragement and support, particularly when I experienced a few setbacks and minor injuries during my training.

The accountability that the coaching provided also assisted me throughout and kept me on track with my racing goals. The strength training supplemented my running by enabling me to gain and maintain both upper and lower body strength and agility, which I noticed made a significant impact with my running endurance later on in the racing cycle.

I would recommend this program to anyone who is looking to improve their running regimen and incorporate a good balance of runner-centric strength training along the way!

"For about 10 years I’ve been running/walking up to 4 miles as part of my weight loss and healthy lifestyle plan. One day, I started questioning how many more miles can I run?

I registered to run another Disney half marathon in 2023 (Nov). I started self-training again. I wasn’t able to run/walk more than 3 miles without stopping because of pain in my left hamstring and IT band. I felt stuck and I started to worry and doubting myself about finishing 13 miles.

That’s when I decided to call Dr. Duane Scotti. I explained my discomfort (pain), my concerns, and the goal of learning how to run nonstop for 13 miles. I decided to join the Spark Healthy Runner Coaching Program on the spot!. Dr. Duane was very pleasant and professional. He took the time to ask me questions, recognize my situation, and introduced one of his experienced coaches to work with me.

Coach Cat was not only professional, but she was funny, smart, always there for me when I needed her, answered all my questions, and very patient with me. She knows how to train on the Treadmill. She took me under her wings and guides me through the entire training program. Coach Cat brought back the fun in running; I was able to train on the treadmill and applied running outside on my long runs. It was challenging at times, but with Coach Cat, my training went amazing and 100% goal guaranteed.

My Disney Half Marathon was phenomenal!  Not only I ran the 13 miles, RAN! (Did not walk) for the first time ever! (I also shaved 20 minutes from my first half marathon) I am forever thankful to Coach Cat and the Spark Healthy Runner Coaching Program. I have a smile on my face when I run and I will definitely call Coach Duane again for future training! Forever a happy client and runner."

I don’t have enough words to express my gratitude towards Duane Scotti and the Spark Healthy Runner program. When I started working with Duane, I had been dealing with chronic shin splints/posterior tibialis tendinitis for almost a year.

I had worked with multiple other coaches and physical therapists with little success and was at the point of almost giving up on my love for running. Duane is so kind, thoughtful and knowledgeable as both a physical therapist and running coach. Our first virtual meeting lasted two hours because he was so meticulous in his assessment. His strength and running program is progressive and created so that you can continue to build strength and mileage as you heal. His strength program is unique, effective, and fun.

Additionally, his warm-up routine is awesome and includes drills that over time have made me a more efficient runner. His training platform is easy to use, and he is always readily available to chat when problems or questions arise.

Over four months of working with Duane, I have built back to five days a week of running and am almost back up to my pre-injury weekly mileage and long run distance. Whenever I have flare ups or setbacks, Duane reassures me and makes necessary adjustments so that I can continue to progress in my running journey. I have had so much success with him so far that I have signed on for four more months so that he can help me to continue getting stronger as I train for the Dopey challenge in Disney World.

If you are struggling with a running injury and are feeling hopeless, you have to reach out to Duane Scotti. Of course, you will have to put in a lot of hard work, but with Duane by your side, you will be able to achieve your goals and more. Thank you Spark Healthy Runner for bringing the spark back to my running!

I can't say enough good things about Duane and the Healthy Running Coaching Team! Suffering from IT Band Syndrome heading into a shortened marathon training block found me desperate for help. Listening to the Spark Healthy Runner Podcast led me to reach out for 1:1 assistance.

Not only did the program get me to the start line prepared for the New York City Marathon (my first!), it got me through the race and over the finish line PAIN FREE!

I'm 100% certain this would not have happened had I not worked with Duane and had the support of the team. The videos and podcast material is extremely helpful and I look forward to continuing to enjoy my love for running with the wealth of knowledge I continue to gain from the episodes and guidance provided to me.