About us.
Our coaches are highly experienced and well-versed in the world of running. Trust in our expertise to achieve the best outcome for your kids.
About Richard Pady and Rob Berg.
Richard Pady and Rob Berg have long been a part of the local running community. Both have spent most of their lives as competitive runners across a wide range of distances, from 800m to ultra marathons. With over four decades of combined coaching experience, Rich and Rob are passionate about helping young athletes discover the joy of running, develop lifelong fitness habits, and build confidence through sport.
2
Number of Rising Runners Sessions
Coaches Rich and Rob proud to have started this new project to inspire young kids ages 10-13 to enjoy running
50+
Goal of New Rising Runners each year
The goal of Rising Runners is to introduce youth to the joy of running in a fun, supportive, and inclusive environment.
46
Years of Experience
Coach Rich and Rob have worked with kids for a combined total of 45 years.
Area of Practice
01
Running Form & Technique
Focus: Posture, arm swing, cadence, foot strike, and stride mechanics.
Activities: Drills (A-skips, high knees, butt kicks, bounding), short sprints with form cues, and video feedback when possible.
Goal: Develop efficient, injury-resistant mechanics from a young age.
02
Speed & Agility
Focus: Quickness, coordination, and reaction time.
Activities: Short sprints (10–40m), relay races, agility ladders, cone drills, and games like “mirror tag.”
Goal: Enhance fast-twitch response and movement control in fun, engaging ways.
03
Endurance Development
Focus: Aerobic capacity and pacing.
Activities: Steady runs (5–20 min depending on fitness), fartleks, hill loops, and run/walk intervals for beginners.
Goal: Build a strong aerobic base and teach pacing strategies without overloading.
04
Strength & Mobility
Focus: Core, balance, coordination, and joint mobility.
Activities: Bodyweight circuits (squats, lunges, planks), animal movements (bear crawl, crab walk), and dynamic warm-ups.
Goal: Support injury prevention and whole-body athleticism.
05
Teamwork & Motivations
Focus: Social connection, confidence, and positive habits.
Activities: Partner drills, team relays, goal setting, cheer circles, journaling.
Goal: Foster a growth mindset and strong team culture—“Stronger Together.”
06
Fun & Games
Focus: Joy, creativity, and playful competition.
Activities: Scavenger hunts, running-based games (capture the flag, obstacle courses), themed costume runs.
Goal: Keep kids coming back by associating running with fun and adventure.
Our Amazing Team
Our coaches are highly experienced and well-versed in the world of running. Trust in our expertise to achieve the best outcome for your kids.
Richard Pady
Co -Head Coach
Richard is a certified NCCP Level 2 Triathlon Coach, NCCP Level 1 Swim Coach, Stryd Coach, ACE Personal Trainer, and Strength and Weight Management Consultant, who trains clients and athletes all around the world. As an athlete, Richard started very young as a competitive downhill skier, runner, and triathlete. At the age of 14, he completed his first international distance triathlon and half marathon, and by the age of 19, he was ranked second in Canada in the sport of triathlon. He went on to compete in many Triathlon World Championships and Ironman events around the globe as a professional.
Richard has been in the sport of triathlon for 34 years and has 25 years of coaching and personal training experience. He served as the Head Coach of the Orangeville Otters Swim Club for 2 years and as the Assistant Head Coach for 7 years. From 2000 to 2004, Richard also ran “Learn to Run” clinics in Orangeville, where he helped teach hundreds of local citizens how to run and live a more active lifestyle.
He studied Psychology and Kinesiology at the University of Western Ontario with the goal of combining these areas of focus to train both the mind and body effectively.
Richard has helped hundreds of athletes achieve incredible results through his functional and practical approach to training.
Rob Berg
Co-Head Coach
Rob Berg is the Head Coach of the Cross Country and Track & Field teams at Orangeville District Secondary School (ODSS), where he also teaches Science/Physics. A dedicated educator and coach at ODSS for over 20 years, Rob has built a reputation for developing strong, resilient student-athletes and fostering a team-first culture.
Under his leadership, the ODSS teams have seen incredible growth and success. In the 2023–2024 season, Rob led his athletes to one of the most successful years in school history, with standout performances across all levels and multiple athletes advancing to regional and provincial championships.
Coach Berg is known not only for his technical knowledge of running and training but also for his passion, integrity, and commitment to every athlete’s personal and athletic development.