JoeRuben

Joe is a competitive distance runner and coach with a lifelong connection to the sport through his marathon-running family. He currently competes for the track and cross-country team at Stevens Institute of Technology.

How would you describe your coaching style?

My coaching style focuses as much on the mental side of running as the physical side. I believe every runner, including myself, is capable of far more than they realize. My goal as a coach is to help athletes unlock that potential and build confidence to chase it.

What is your proudest coaching moment?

I’m proud every time I see a teammate set a new personal best. Running is such a personal sport, and there’s nothing more rewarding than watching someone achieve something they’ve never done before, regardless of how that time compares to others.

What is your favorite workout to coach and why?

Every workout has its place in a well-structured training plan, but my personal favorite to coach is the tempo run. I find the quick-but-controlled pace especially satisfying, and it’s the type of effort where I most often see athletes, myself included, settle into “the zone.”

Where is your favorite place to run in New York City?

Central Park and Riverside Park