San Diego Running Institute: Contact

About Us - The Staff

Meet and read about the staff below.

Dr. Victor J. Runco

Dr. Runco served in the U.S. Navy and is a Gulf War veteran. Being in charge of Physical Readiness Programs prompted his return to college to earn a degree in Biomechanics/Athletic Training. While working as an Athletic Trainer for Cal State he continued his education graduating Magna Cum Laude with a Doctorate in Chiropractic. He has taught Anatomy, Neuroanatomy, Biomechanics, and Physiology at various local colleges, and is an Instructor for the Kinesio Tape Associate (specializing in the "magic tape" Lance Armstrong helped to make popular.) Dr. Runco is also licensed to perform physiotherapy, make custom orthotics, and is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist.

In the last 3 years, Dr. Runco has completed 5 full marathons and 9 half marathons, and continues to improve his performance with each new medal. Besides being the store (SDRI) owner, he is an avid supporter and raises funds every year for Team-In-Training (Leukemia & Lymphoma Society), 3-Day Breast Cancer, and the YMCA. Through his direction and generosity, Dr. Runco has helped several run clubs (Vavi, TNT, USA Fit, SD Track, SD Tri's, West Coast Road Runners, In Motion Fit) and every branch of the military in various capacities.

Dr. Victor Runco, DC
Injury Consultant
drrunco@sdri.net

Currently, Dr. Runco maintains a private practice adjacent to the San Diego Running Institute and continues to help runners and triathletes complete their goals. For Additional Info on Treatment of Running Injuries, visit our Sports Injuries area.

David Wilcox

Dave is an avid athlete and finisher of 3 Ironman competitions, and Manager at SDRI. He completed his first Olympic distance Triathlon in 2002, followed by two trips to Wisconsin for both his first Half-Ironman and a full Ironman within only a 9-month period. He became hooked on Tri-events and finished the Couer d' Alene 1/2 Ironman and Ironman (2003.) He was a participant on the First Place Corporate Team in the inaugural Wild Miles 126 Mile Relay in 2004, and continuing to test his physical limits and personal boundaries, two weeks later he completed the Rock & Roll Marathon. At the end of June 2006 Dave completed his 3rd Ironman, taking place once again in Coeur d' Alene.

His dedication and commitment has earned him a position as Assistant Coach for Team-In-Training on the Pac Grove Triathlon Team, raising monies for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Additionally he has also earned a sponsorship and coveted spot on Team Polar where he has set his sights to complete ALL 6 Ironman events in North America within ONE year!!

As a committed athlete and coach, Dave realizes that sports are not a "win at all cost" endeavor. Sports are a way to test your ability and to challenge yourself to step outside your comfort zone and boundaries. Sport is a way to build your character and to better yourself as an individual!

Email Dave Here: dave@sdri.net

Carrie Smith

Carrie has experience in endurance sports as both an athlete and a coach. Carrie grew up swimming in St. Louis, Missouri. From there she earned a Bachelors degree in Heath and Exercise Science from Colorado State University. While in Colorado, Carrie coached swimming at the High School and Masters levels. In 2003 she moved to San Diego to intern at the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista. While at the training center Carrie worked in the exercise physiology lab and was involved with athlete testing, also working closely with the US Flatwater Kayak National Team.

Carrie is currently pursuing a Masters degree in Exercise Physiology from San Diego State University and continues to compete in trail running and long distance swimming events. She has completed the Pikes Peak and Catalina Island Marathons, and various half-marathons in both Colorado and California. In 2005 Carrie participated in the La Jolla Cove 10-mile Relay as a Solo swimmer. Once completing her Master thesis involving Ironman triathletes, Carrie plans to continue coaching athletes both on land as well as in the water.

Currently Carrie is the Head Coach for the San Diego Striders Run Club, dedicated to helping people reach their personal goals. For Run Club/Coaching Info: info@sdri.net

To Contact: carrie@sdri.net

Tsuyoshi Yoshino

Yoshi was born and raised in Kagawa, Japan. He started running at the age of 25 and in only two years ran the Boston Marathon in 2:43. He has completed the Japan Ironman. Yoshi has a B.S. from Bridgewater State College in Athletic Training, and from there went on the study Biomechanics at San Diego State University. He is currently working on a barefoot running research study in the pursuit of his Masters degree. He is investigating running styles using a barefoot running technique. He continues to run (often barefoot!) around San Diego and is working as a Coach with both runners and triathletes who have a goal of improving their performance/time. For Coaching info: info@sdri.net

To Contact Yoshi: yoshi@sdri.net

Jennifer Walther

Jen joined SDRI in March of 2006 after serving 4 years in the U.S. Navy. While her primary occupation was a Naval Weapon's Specialist, Jen became involved in the Navy's Physical Readiness Program. As a Command Fitness Coordinator she was responsible for fitness programs for fellow sailors at her command; the goal being to improve performance in the Navy's Physical Readiness Test. This led to Jen's desire to pursue a degree in Exercise Physiology & Nutrition.

During her time in the Navy, Jen trained to apply for a physically demanding specialty. Throughout her training she experienced chronic athletic injuries that continued to impede her progress. Traditional Navy medicine dictated that she abandon an athletic lifestyle. Unsatisfied with that prospect, Jen looked for other answers and eventually became a patient of Dr. Runco's. Now thanks to him she has recovered from injuries she was told "would always plague her."

Currently, Jen is a Team Captain for the 2006 Susan G. Komen 3-Day 60 Mile Breast Cancer Walk, and is training ot enter San Diego's triathlon community. Find information on the 3-Day Walk event here.

To Contact: jen@sdri.net