This review is long overdue, but I’m glad I’m finally writing it now so I can fully capture everything Coach Brendan has helped me with.
I first found Brendan through a running Facebook page after running a tough marathon that left me feeling discouraged. I set myself a big goal: qualifying for the Boston Marathon, and I knew I needed guidance to get there. Brendan’s name came up again and again on the page, so I reached out. From our very first conversation, he made me feel comfortable and never once made me feel like my goal was out of reach, even though it meant shaving 20 minutes off my marathon PR.
Once I started working with him, I realized how invaluable his coaching really is. He tailored my workouts to exactly where I was, adjusting as my fitness improved. I often joke that Brendan knows my fitness level better than I do! His training approach is both challenging and smart, and it has given me not only the structure I needed but also a whole new perspective on running.
In the 15 months I’ve been working with Brendan, I’ve set personal records in every distance, including taking 33 minutes off my marathon time and qualifying for Boston not once, but twice. Before working with him, I was just running. Now, I’m truly training, growing, and achieving things I never thought possible.
If you’re considering working with Coach Brendan, don’t hesitate. His knowledge, encouragement, and personalized coaching are game-changing.
Sabrina Gallucci ( 3:18 marathoner)
I stumbled across Brendon’s coaching through a Boston Marathon page I was following when I knew I was officially in for 2025. There were several people on that page that recommended him when someone asked about coaches. I have had a couple other coaches in the past and to say it’s like night and day is an understatement. I didn’t realize that when I signed up with Brendon that I would not only get some phenomenal training and workouts, but that I would be added to a family of runners who are committed to his training plans and to the culture he provides through ORT. I had a pretty hefty goal of breaking 3 hours at Boston and Brendon gave me a plan that pushed me to be ready for the challenge. He was very encouraging and very much engaged in the process. He is also very realistic in his approach. I highly recommend him as a coach. No matter the distance you want to race, he can provide the training and feedback.
Heidi Roberts ( 2:59 marathoner)
Coach Brendon is so much more that a person that gives you a generic program and let's you go, Brendon O'Leary listens, modifies and genuinely cares about his athletes. He even took me and my son on as athletes. I push my special needs son in races and Coach Brendon is giving this old man the best shot to push 150 pounds (son and chair) up and down the hills of Boston. I am a podiatrist and a previous High School Cross Country coach. I know a lot of coaches but I chose Brendon because I trust him and know he'll care enough to get us ready for that starting line in Hopkinton. If you need a coach, you NEED Coach Brendon!
- Bill Johncock ( One half of the Dynamic Duo)
Brendon has all the great qualities of a coach. He is attentive, understanding, patient and most of all passionate about his sport. Beyond his ability to develop solid training schedules, he takes the time to develop relationships and understand the motivations and lives of his athletes.
- Casey Kilareski ( 2:43 marathoner and OTQ qualifier)
I think his 2:29 speaks for itself but that’s not what sold me. Unlike other coaches he understands we have lives! Family, work, illness etc, etc. Brendon has been particularly understanding of my needs. If you too have lofty goals with a hectic schedule you should consider him.
- James Chaves ( 2:59 Marathon PB/ 1:22 half marathon PB at 52 years old)
I first decided to get a running coach because my marathon time had plateaued. I had run a 3:14 marathon three times and was stuck not being able to improve. I reached out to Brendon O’Leary about his coaching services with a goal of running a sub 3:10 marathon. With Brendon’s coaching and guidance, I improved my marathon time by 21 minutes to 2:53 as a 42 year old female masters runner. I’ve also run big PRs in every other distance including the 5k, 10k, and half marathon. I won first female overall in several 5Ks, placed 7th in the USATF Masters 10k National Championship, and won or placed in my age group in several competitive USATF NE Grand Prix races. Brendon has helped bring my running to the next level by pushing me outside what I ever believed I could do. He has challenged me in new ways and his belief in me has helped me to believe more in myself. In addition, Brendon takes into account the individual needs of each runner- how much mileage they can handle, how many days a week they can run, and scheduling issues. As a mom of two elementary aged kids, I’ve often had to make last minute schedule changes or adjustments due to kids activities or sports. Brendon is always willing to make changes or offer suggestions to help me fit in the workouts in the most effective way. Brendon really cares for his athletes - not just in terms of their performance, but as people too. He has built a strong community in the O'Leary Racing Team, where his athletes share their ups and downs, plan meet ups at races, and support each other. I highly recommend working with Brendon as I know he can help bring your running to the next level too.
-Erin Genova ( 2:52 marathoner)
I had no idea how many other benefits I would get from asking Brendon to make a plan for me back in 2018. I didn’t even realize I was joining a team with so many special and inspiring people. I would have never run New York (Craig), multiple Boston's (James), Sacramento (Angela) and meeting Nicole who participates in the PME fundraising ride with my Mom’s name on her back 📷. I look forward to the shakeouts as much as the races now. Trust me, you get so much more than a plan that also helped me achieve more than I could ever imagine. Thanks Brendon for making all of this happen!
Rick Downey
I have now been working 1:1 with ORT (Coach Kelsi) for a year. I waited to write this review so I could fully assess the coaching benefit and relationship.
Before we talk about the results, I must say that Kelsi has exceeded expectations. She is hands on, intuitive, and really spends time getting to know her athletes so she can help them accomplish their goals. Kelsi is the first coach who instilled confidence in me. She sees and acknowledges the passion and drive I have for the sport. Moreover, Kelsi also has a background as a dietician and has also been able to understand anemia and low iron concerns and make suitable recommendations. While Kelsi is my assigned coach, Brendon also goes out of his way to support me and also occasionally checks in. It’s great to have them both as a resource!
Icing on the cake is that in one year, I have PR’d in every distance, including a 12 minute marathon PR. I’m excited about the year ahead working with ORT and Kelsi
-Kristen Beiza
I’ve been working with coach Brendon for 3 years now, he is super great at getting to know you and planning accordingly. I’ve had several PRs in different races including the marathon, but more importantly, I’ve stayed injury free. Brendon is very responsive and willing to adapt to whatever is going on with my life, I highly recommend the ORT team.
-Yulady Saluti
I would 100% recommend Kelsi as a coach. She is versatile and has trained me at every distance from 5k to my first BQ in the marathon on the first try.
She's a great listener, very encouraging, very understanding, and spends time with you perfecting your program towards your goals and lifestyle.
-Hayley McCurdy ( BQ in her first marathon)
I have been working with Brendon for the last few years. Since starting with Brendon, I have dropped 30 minutes off my marathon time! Brendon is a very attentive coach, creates workouts that fit my needs and adapts things as needed. Not only did I gain more confidence in marathon racing but I now have a large network of runners I can lean on that are part of this team. Working with Coach ORT has had not only physical benefits but has shaped and become a very important part of my running journey.
-Robyn Luthi (2:50 Marathoner/ 1:23 half marathon master's runner)