Watch this video if you want to run the best races of your life ⬇️
RUNNER SUCCESS STORIES
5k Improvement: 20:21 to 15:25
Mile Improvement: 5:22 to 4:26
5k Improvement: 22:28 to 19:27
“I wouldn’t be half the runner I am without your training and motivation. Thank you.” - Henry
5k Improvement: 19:46 to 15:20
“You have pushed me to achieve things I never thought would be possible. Thanks for helping me grow my love for running!” - Laila
800m Improvement: 3:08 to 2:34
“Your positive outlook encouraged me to continue running, even when at times I lost all motivation.” - Mark
5k Improvement: 19:28 to 16:59
“Thank you for really caring about me. You have helped more than you know.” - Ethan
800m Improvement: 2:18 to 1:57
“Thank you for helping me improve. I am truly a better runner because of you” - Mia
5k Improvement: 22:18 to 18:19
“Thank you for being understanding with my hectic schedule.” - Grant
5k Improvement: 19:17 to 16:34
“Thank you for always believing in me and for being a great coach. I really appreciate I can always come to you with any problems. One of the things I'll never forget is when you sat me down and told me what you thought I could achieve. That gave me even more confidence. Thank you for everything.” - Ali
5k Improvement: 18:50 to 17:10
Other Testimonials
“Badlands Running is the ticket to success for aspiring distance runners of all levels. The coaches are all highly knowledgeable, patient, and supportive in their approach. They base their training schemes on scientific principles and always put the athlete's well-being first in their program. I can think of no better group of coaches to train a runner more effectively, while developing athletic consistency over time. I highly recommend them.”
— Scott Christensen,
USATF Lead Instructor
"I’m so satisfied with the Badlands team! Their work on providing a good workout routine for my own needs was exceptional, and their dedication to listen to my goals made me feel comfortable and energetic to keep with the program."
— Enrique Moises,
Hobby Runner
“The coaches at Badlands Running know how to produce phenomenal results through their ability to seamlessly meld the science and art of running with a focus on improving both physiological and mental components. They have consistently proven themselves through years of strong athlete development. If you are passionate about the sport and ready to take your running to the next level, join Badlands Running.”
— Rebekah Ricksecker,
JMU Distance Coach
“Badlands Running redefines your approach to training by fostering a holistic lifestyle buy-in. Built on the principle that consistency is key, it empowers you to dream big, because staying dedicated to the small details will take you farther than anything else.”
— Ryan Cleary,
NCAA D1 National Qualifier
“Badlands Running has been an integral part of my fitness journey. I went from huffing and puffing through a 5k to confidently completing my first half marathon several months later. Through it all my coach guided me with patient encouragement and expertise. He was able to suggest alternative workouts in the case of injury, and he kept me accountable to my goals while also remaining empathetic and understanding if I missed a target. I finally feel like I can call myself a runner thanks to Badlands Running!”
— Victoria Ricalde,
From 5k to Half Marathon
“I joined the Badlands Running team as I came off an injury in my marathon build. They helped me get back into shape for a 30-minute personal best! Great communication, really good insights, and training philosophy. I’m into my next marathon cycle and currently running faster than ever before. Couldn’t be happier with Badlands Running!”
— Luke Swearingen,
Amateur Marathoner
Meet Our Coaches
-
Coach Luke
Luke Jelen is a nationally-competitive high school cross country and track coach (Sioux Falls Lincoln, SD). He has led his boys teams to 4 state titles and two-straight nationals appearances. His 2025 team finished the season ranked 6th in the nation. In 2022, he coached an individual cross country girl to a 22nd-place national finish.Luke has also helped many adults achieve training breakthroughs and personal bests from the 5k to the marathon. He has coached 2 Boston Marathon qualifiers and dozens of others to PRs at varying distances. He earned a B.S. in Sport Management from Liberty University, and is a USATF Level 1 Certified coach.
-
Coach Jarvis
Jarvis Jelen is a top-notch developer of distance runners. He has had success with teams and individuals at every level of the collegiate coaching landscape (NCAA DI, DII, DIII, and NAIA), including 13 individual national qualifiers in cross country and track. He has also coached adults to big PRs at varying distances.Jarvis is the Director of T&F and XC at Jamestown University (ND). As a student-athlete, Jarvis was named to the NCAA Big South Conference All-Decade Cross Country Team for the 2000s. He earned a B.S. in Kinesiology: Fitness Specialist from Liberty University, and is a USATF Level 1 Certified coach.
-
Coach Jeff
Dr. Jeff Messer is both a leader and a pioneer in the distance running world. Holding a Ph.D. in exercise physiology, he is a professor of Exercise & Sport Sciences at Augustana University (SD). He has spoken at numerous coaching clinics around the country, and in 2016, he was recognized as the National Coach of the Year.Jeff’s high school XC teams have achieved 11 state titles and 6 nationals appearances, with a few of them finishing top 10. He coached a sub-4:00 miler and an individual cross country National Champion in 2023-24. He has also coached 3 Olympic Trials qualifiers, professional runners, and adults of varying abilities.