Become a durable Runner with limitless possibilities
COACHING IS OUR PASSION
At DPR, we blend comprehensive and fully individualized science-backed training programs with close athlete-coach partnerships to improve performance, mitigate injuries, and cultivate a lifelong pursuit of joy on the roads and trails. We welcome runners of all backgrounds and capabilities and strive for improved gender representation, particularly in the trail running community.
The Full Package: Virtual 1:1 Run + 1:1 Strength Coaching
Our most comprehensive, individualized virtual run and strength training package for all levels and terrains. This program is supported by injury prevention routines and high-contact coaching.
Virtual 1:1 Run Coaching
DPR coaches provide fully supported, 1:1 virtual programming with high-touch communication. All run programs are enhanced with our group strength training workouts and personalized injury prevention routines.
Virtual 1:1 Strength Coaching
Coach Asher spearheads our 1:1 virtual strength program, which includes unlimited modifications and is designed for runners who need strength training without run programming. Workouts are prescribed weekly in a mobile and desktop friendly app.
HI, I’M ASHER
Can’t wait to meet you!
I am the founder of DPR, a doctor of physical therapy, coach, avid runner, and mama. DPR was created at my kitchen table in 2017. after yet another insurance denial prevented a runner from getting the full care treatment they needed to return from an avoidable running injury. Injuries are a risk of exploring physical limits, but so many can be prevented with full-scope training that accounts for a runner’s personal history, motivations, limitations, and strengths.
Coach Leslie and I help runners of all capabilities chase incredible adventures while bypassing the dreaded cycle of recurring injuries. Together we rise with resilience to conquer goals and live a more fulfilled life through the joy of running. We’d love to be on your team too. Join us.
WELCOME, I’M LESLIE
As a child growing up in Florida, I often watched my father run but my love for the sport didn’t blossom until graduate school. I trained with a running club, and within a year, completed my first marathon. After finishing 26.2 miles a handful of times, I shifted my focus and fell in love with the fast, hard grind of the 5k distance: type 2 fun in its truest form!
While living in NYC, I acquired my Road Running of America Certification. I coached with The Mile High Running Club and trained runners around the country as part of DPR. Currently, I share my time with my DPR athletes and a position at the University of Central Florida.
Mastering the skill of running is not a linear process. For most of us, it is a lifelong adventure filled with giving ourselves grace while staying flexible and consistent. Coaching fills my desire to guide others in learning and exploring the art of running. From novice to elite, 5k to marathon - I’m here to support, challenge and encourage each athlete in training as much as finish lines, ensuring the process brings joy, purpose and fun to the lives of my runners.
Don’t just take our word for it…
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Bob
“What a marvelous coach; and, even a better person! I could rant all the obvious phrases of praise about Coach Asher, but the words would not capture the depth and quality of the coaching relationship she has developed with me! Coach Asher is the real deal, and I am fortunate to have her be a part of my fitness and running journey!”
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Orly
“Asher has been my coach for almost 2 years and she has helped me find more joy and balance in running than I could ever imagine. The training plans are personalized and creative and emphasize both embracing challenges and recovery. As a PT, Asher enriched the running training plans with strength routines, prehab and mobility.”
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Aleese
“She has so much knowledge and PT experience and prioritizes health over literally any other metric. Messaged her yesterday about weird knee stuff and this morning woke up to exercises and an explanation of what was happening. I chose her to help me run but honestly I am learning so much from her training that goes way beyond running. THANK YOU ASHER.”
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Grant
“I joined the DPR team when I was looking for guidance for my first 100k. Asher was highly recommended and now that I am part of the team I can see why. She knows her stuff when it comes to running, how the body responds to running and how to balance epic training with the demands of life outside of running. Asher works with you on every step of the running journey by providing feedback on every run and adapting the plan to fit your needs and your situation. This is the kind of experience you will never get from a downloaded training plan or if you tried to do it on your own. Oh yeah; Asher is an awesome person who is a source of never ending positive energy and that only adds to the fun of being part of this team!”
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Jess
“A dear friend and OG DPR team member graciously introduced me to Asher over a year ago. I was always hesitant to hire a coach. Only because I was fearful that a prescribed plan would take away some of the pure joy I have for running and training. Clearly my fears were irrational. Asher’s coaching is just the opposite! We thoroughly discussed my personal goals before we ever talked about an actual plan. Those goals had nothing to do with speed or weekly mileage or number of ultras I wanted to run, they centered around work-life balance, staying healthy, and making it to the start line of every race for which I signed up (training hard but staying healthy).”
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Tony
I've been working with Asher and can't say enough about how my life has changed, as a person and as a runner. I joined DPR after running a PR in the marathon in NYC and needing that extra push to work towards that BQ. This is important because my running goals at the time centered around "BQ or bust", which I can say puts a lot of pressure on yourself and is not healthy. While we gave the marathon a few more tries, what I found in the process was my renewed love for the trails. After two plus years as part of DPR, I have now focused solely on going longer in the ultra scene... Asher's coaching and guidance have given me the confidence to tackle my first 50m, 100k, and 100m - and next year we are focusing on trying to gain more insights and confidence around those distances. As a working father with a wife and three kids, life can get hectic at times. I do my best to follow her program - and mostly do - but she is very responsive when life events require an audible in the mileage or terrain.”
The Full Package: Virtual 1:1 Run + 1:1 Strength Coaching
Our most comprehensive, individualized virtual run and strength training for runners of all levels and terrains. This program is supported by injury prevention routines and high-contact coaching.
FAQ
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It depends on the person. We err on the side of effort, as learning your body and its signals is not only beneficial in training but racing. That said, for certain athletes - as well as specific phases of training - heart rate and/or pace-based training is programmed. Our runners almost always see pace suggestions pop up on their logs as we enter the specificity phase of goal race training.
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Absolutely! If you have been recently injured or still have pain, clearance to start a return to run program from a medical professional (i.e. physical therapist, orthopedic doctor, sports chiropractor, etc.) is required.
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We primarily use the Google platform, so run training is provided in a Google Sheet and we utilize Google Chat and Meet for messaging and video calls. However, our 1:1 strength-only athletes are invited to our new app-based service that is mobile and desktop friendly. The app has an integrated chat that we use for frequent check ins and communication.
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You read that right! If you select the full package, everything is customized to your specific needs AND strength routines are updated weekly. The personalized run coaching package also incorporates strength, but this is a single routine, designed by Coach Asher that renews monthly. Your coach will program the workout into your weekly training, but it only changes at the beginning of each month.
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Not at all, but it is highly encouraged. The research states that strength training can boost running performance and running economy by significant percentages (this is from a 2017 systematic review in Sports Medicine journal).
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You don’t! It's nice to have the option to add weight, as the literature suggests heavier lifting supports performance enhancements and mitigates injury. That said, we can glean benefits with heavy bands or even bodyweight moves, particularly if you are new to lifting. If you are in a place to invest in equipment, as little as a moderate weight kettlebell and two heavy weight dumbbells (or an adjustable set) will do the trick!
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Yes! If you feel comfortable, please reach out so that we can have a conversation. Finances should never be a hurdle to coaching and we can (and often) get creative!