Trail Transformation Personal Running Coaches
and Team Members
The Trail Transformation personal running coaches have run and won many of the ultramarathons around the Upper Midwest. With backgrounds in Exercise and Sports Science and Physical Therapy, they can address the physiology, running mechanics, injury prevention, periodization, nutrition, and psychology of running. More mileage and higher intensity workouts are not always better, especially in the longevity of a running career. We are focused on developing a lifelong runner. It is our responsibility to forgo the short-term success and protect the long-term health and development of the runner.
We help all runners stay injury-free while training to their maximum potential so they can reach their running goals.
Jake Hegge
Coach
Way back in 7th grade, I was chasing a cute girl around the playground and she convinced me to join the cross country team. I have been running ever since and that girl is now my wife.
I have enjoyed the countless opportunities running has to offer. Chasing top-end speed in a collegiate 5k, grinding away in a road marathon, or pushing the extremes of mental and physical endurance in a 100-mile trail race. Running has made me who I am today. My goal as a coach is to meet you where you are, help you get to where you want to be, and make sure you are having fun along the way! While performing well at the next big race is important, creating a healthy, strong, sustainable, and lifelong runner is my ultimate goal.
Accomplishments
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Hitchcock Experience 50 1st (2019)
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Superior Fall 50 1st & CR (2019)
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St.Croix 40 1st & CR (2019)
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Superior Fall 50 3rd (2018)
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Moose Mountain Marathon 1st (2015)
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Superior Fall 100 1st (2015)
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Marquette Trail 50k 1st (2015)
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Minnesota Voyageur 50 1st (2012 & 2015)
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Grandma's Marathon 2:40 (2015)
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Wild Duluth 100k 1st & CR (2014)
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Kettle Moraine 50k 1st (2014)
Education
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Doctor of Physical Therapy-University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
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B.S. in Exercise Science-University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
Mike Borst
Coach
Accomplishments
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Mines of Spain 100K 1st & CR (2018)
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Wild Duluth 50K 1st (2017)
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Fall Superior Marathon 1st (2017)
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Fall Superior 50 1st & CR (2016)
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Voyageur 50 1st (2013, 2014, 2016)
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Spring Superior 50k: 1st (2016)
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Lean Horse 50 Mile: 1st & CR 6:03 (2015)
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Kettle Moraine 100K: 1st & CR (2015)
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Zumbro 100 Miler: 1st & CR (2015)
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Cape Fear Badwater 50 1st & CR (2015)
Education
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Doctor of Physical Therapy-University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
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B.S. in Athletic Training-University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
As a senior in high school, I decided to challenge myself and embark on my first marathon. I ran track and cross country but was just going through the motions. It wasn't until I took that leap in distance that I truly fell in love with the sport. Since then, I have developed a deep passion and joy for the running, and as a coach, I strive to share that with my clients.
I hope all my clients find a challenge, commit, and never look back. My goal is to help people find consistency and passion for running (and life) and to bring longevity and success in this great sport.
Pat Griffith
Coach
Accomplishments
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2-time Ironman Finisher
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Hixon 50k 1st (2018)
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Duathlon National Championships 2nd
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3 time Collegiate Triathlon National Championship Finisher
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Birkibiener Ski Finisher
Education
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Doctor of Physical Therapy -University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
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B.S. in Exercise Science-University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
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NSCA Personal Trainer
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USAT Level 1 Coach
I got into running in high school, as a way to push my body and challenge myself in ways that I wasn't sure were possible. Continuing to push those limits is what brought me to where I am today. Running has unlocked so many doors for me, and that's why I want to share with everyone.
As a coach, I love seeing athletes push the boundaries of what they think is possible. I am very passionate about helping athletes unlock their true potential not only in endurance racing but in all aspects of life. My coaching philosophy is rooted in finding a balance in life with a mission of keeping the body healthy and the mind happy. This is my goal for every athlete.
Michael Rodriguez
Coach
Running has enhanced my life in countless ways, and I can’t imagine life without it. I love the simplicity and pureness of the sport - how it’s a mix of both art and science. In addition to challenging myself physically and mentally, I’m grateful for the many friends I’ve made through running as well. Due to frustrations with injury in high school and college, I decided to become a Physical Therapist so I can help runners stay healthy.
As a coach, it is my goal to help develop a customized training plan that meets your needs and helps you achieve your goals - whether that’s running a personal best or conquering a new distance. I integrate principles from physical therapy to help minimize injury and maximize your success.
Accomplishments
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NCAA Division I Track and Field at Drake University
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Top 100 US Finisher New York City Marathon (2014)
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Personal Bests:
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3,000M 8:55
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5,000M 15:15
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10,000M 32:25
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Half Marathon 1:13:47
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Marathon 2:34:44
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Education
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Residency in Physical Therapy - Gundersen Health System
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Doctor of Physical Therapy - University of Minnesota
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B.A Chemistry & Mathematics Drake University
Amanda Gresl
Coach
My running story began in high school track where I fell in love with running for the freedom of exploring new routes in a small town, the accomplishment of hitting challenging workout splits, and the time spent getting to know my teammates on long runs.
After high school, I went on to compete in cross country and track at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, run several ½ marathons, and explore trail racing in Colorado- including Pike’s Peak Ascent and Imogene Pass Run.
Despite finishing some amazing races, I have admittedly made a lot of training mistakes. I ignored my body's warning signs and developed a myriad of injuries that could have otherwise been prevented with some strategy and patience.
As a coach and physical therapist, I aim to be that sounding board for my athletes to keep them healthy and moving forward. I believe that some days we need a nudge to unlock potential that we never knew we had, and other times we need help to see that we'll achieve more in the future by “taking the scenic route” today.
I strive to be a force for balance, connection, health, play, patience, and perseverance
Maddie Hannan
Marketing Manager
I started running seriously the summer going into my freshman year of high school because I wanted to get fit for soccer tryouts. Tryouts week came and went, and I never showed because after a summer of running, I was hooked. Currently, I’m an undergrad at UWL studying psychology and neuroscience on the pre-physical therapy track, and running for the cross country and track/field teams. Running is how I push myself to be my best version. I find joy and strength in trusting the training process, testing my limits, and spending time with the rock-solid community I've found. It’s crazy what you can accomplish in sport and in life with a little bit of motivation, a lot of dreaming and the right people by your side. In my role at trail transformation, I hope to serve as a liaison between coach and athlete. I want to share and learn more about this sport that has given me so much through the coaches and athletes here.
Parker Huhn
Business Administrator
My running journey started in junior high, going out for the cross country and track teams. I continued competitively running throughout high school and collegiately. COVID helped kindle a deeper love for running and for the process, rather than the results. I transferred to UW-La Crosse in early 2021 and have been part of the Cross Country and Track teams since.
I’m currently studying Exercise Sports Science (Pre-DPT) at UWL. I have aspirations of becoming a physical therapist and running coach. I also hope to continue pursuing my own endeavors in the sport of running. My goal with Trail Transformation is to support the amazing coaches and athletes that are part of the team. I also hope to learn and grow into a coach myself. Running has given me so much and I can only hope to give as much back to the community!
Trail Transformation in the Media
