Shariq Samad
Coach
"You will never be happy if you continue to search for what happiness consists of." - Albert Camus
Shariq is an RRCA certified coach who began running as an adult to counter his seasonal allergies. Through regular running, he was able to build strong cardiovascular function, helping him avoid the need for regular medication. He initially started by running a couple of miles every other day until his friend Aamar inspired him to take on longer distances. With Aamar’s guidance, Shariq completed his first half marathon in mid-2017 and his first full marathon later that year. Since then, Shariq has run 11 full marathons, with three of them qualifying him for the Boston Marathon. He attributes his success in achieving Boston qualification to perseverance and the good fortune of avoiding significant injuries during his training cycles.
Endurance running has also opened up new opportunities in outdoor activities that wouldn’t have been possible without the mental and physical endurance developed through long-distance running.
Shariq is now an avid hiker who has conquered Mount Whitney, Mount Washington, the Presidential Traverse in New Hampshire, and Supai Village in the Grand Canyon. Recently, his group of endurance runners began winter hikes, with a successful summit of Mount Marcy in the winter of 2023.
Shariq enjoys reading and listening to podcasts while running at a conversational pace. These podcasts cover a wide range of topics, primarily focusing on social sciences. His hour-long gentle runs give him the freedom to get lost in the outdoors and meditate on the podcast topics.
Shariq has the support of a community of talented and helpful runners who regularly exchange running tips and offer each other encouragement. He credits this positive environment as the main reason he has been able to continue running for so long. Inspired by these selfless individuals, Shariq decided to give back to his community by becoming a certified coach with RHWB, starting from Season 10.
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Testimonials
Provided great feedback for all my runs and inputs on fueling and nutrition really helped me a great deal
He is very knowledgeable and very considerate and friendly and share’s what he knows which helps the fellow runners.
This is my second season with my Coach. He is very supportive and give encouraging comments on runs everyday. Anytime if I have questions about run he’ll explain it .
Coach Shariq is a wonderful coach. He takes his time understanding the personal situations and tailors his feedback and suggestions accordingly. At no point in time I feel I have to over explain myself to him and know that he will understand. This while also pushing me to do my absolute best in getting ready for my first full marathon. I am looking forward to working with him for many seasons.