Hey! I’m Nathan Carlson a Kansas City based physical therapist and running coach.
My professional career has revolved around running. I've spent the last decade delving through the running literature. I've taken every continuing education course imaginable. I've sat with hundreds of runners struggling with injuries. I've woken up every day with the single goal of trying to master and understand my craft. Trying my best to understand why runners get hurt, how we can get them back to training, and how we can get them performing their best.
Fancy tools, basic exercises, and cookie-cutter programs.
Let me tell you a secret.
- You CAN be a motivated high school runner and have a healthy, long-term relationship with running.
- You CAN be a busy parent with a demanding job AND get a BQ.
- You CAN jump off of the revolving treadmill of running injuries.
You just need to work with someone who gets it, understands your goals, and can help you find simple solutions to complex problems.
Ready? Let's get to work!
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What Can I Help You With?
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Featured Resource: A Guidebook To Running After A Stress Fracture
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What Athletes Have to Say
Jessica Allen -"After a few months of working with Nathan I began to notice that I wasn't in pain every day anymore. His programming was specific to me, my lifestyle, and the demands of my training at the time. I felt stronger in every race from the mile to the marathon. He cares about his clients as individuals and takes the time to understand you as a person and athlete. He meets you exactly where you are with a program that is functional and sustainable."
Olympic Trials Qualifier in the Marathon (2:41)
Missouri State University 3,000m Record Holder
Bryce Miller"Working with Nathan helped me identify areas for improvement in my strength training and injury prevention exercises. He understands the importance of not only building rapport, but a lasting relationship to cultivate understanding and belief in the training methods. After listening to my running background and determining what variables have an effect on my training, we developed a plan together. Before working with him, I tended to overlook many variables in my life that could have an effect on my performance. I felt cared about when Nate would ask me about my general well-being at the start of each session. This had a profound effect on my training. You'd be hard-pressed to find another professional that compares to what he is able to provide."
2-Time NCAA All American
Olympic Trials Qualifier (Steeple Chase)
Molly Born"I was referred to Nathan as a senior in high school for the continuation of physical therapy and further strength training after having surgery for a navicular stress fracture. Nathan was invaluable in my return to racing with his extensive work with runners, knowledge of running injuries, rehab and injury prevention. I was able to have a successful senior track season and continue setting PRs at Oklahoma State where I have since become an All-American in cross country. I have continued working with Nathan for strength training every opportunity I can in the summer and winter breaks when I am home from school. He is flexible with my schedule and easy to reach via text or call. Since working with Nathan I feel stronger, healthier and less injury prone."
8 Time High School State Champion - XC/Track
NCAA All American in Cross Country
Charlie Emerson - Head Athletic Trainer for UMKC Athletics"Nathan has been an asset to many of our athletes, especially those with the most complex injuries. His expertise as a physical therapist and running coach gain him instant credibility. His thoughtful and integrated approach allows him to uncover and address underlying issues. We have thrown some of our toughest cases at Nathan. His ability to create tailored solutions has improved many collegiate running careers."
Rachael Norfleet-"In my 15+ years in sport, nothing has elevated my performance more than strength training with Nathan. Handing over the reins to Nathan for strength training was the best decision I could've made. His programming is tactful and specific with each movement or lift having a purpose. In my first year with Nathan, I took 46 minutes off my best (Kona Qualifying) Ironman time. He is patient, intelligent, timely, and cares about his athletes."
Kona Qualifier
IM Santa Rosa Age Group Champion