Dara is an RRCA-certified running coach with a lifelong passion and love for sports. After retiring from contact sports (soccer and rugby) in 2011, Dara discovered marathon running and was instantly hooked! What began as a solo hobby, soon transformed into a passion for the running community. Dara started participating as a trainee with Group Training in 2017 and fell in love with the camaraderie and teamwork. Group Training helped her achieve some goals she previously thought were unattainable (like qualifying for Boston!) and she is really excited to help others achieve their running goals.

Q&A with Dara 

What program do you coach?
NYRR Group Training

Other than English, what languages do you speak? 
Hebrew

How would you describe your coaching style? 
I tend to be more conservative when it comes to adding mileage and intensity. I would much rather a runner make it to the start line of a race slightly undertrained, than a mile overtrained (mentally or physically). I also strongly believe in working with runners on psychological aspects of training and racing.



What is your proudest coaching moment? 
I love when something we've worked on in training clicks for a runner in a race.



What is your favorite workout to coach and why?
I love hilly tempo runs. So many of NYRR's races are in Central Park and those hills are no joke! I love helping runners work on specific hill techniques while running at a threshold, because those skills always come in handy on race day.


Please list any awards, achievements, or certifications below. This can be sports and/or coaching certifications. 
RRCA Level1


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

What is your favorite NYRR race?
The United Airlines NYC Half


What is your personal running motto?
First, always listen to your body. Second, tell the voices in your head saying "it's too hard" to shut up.