Thad McLaurin (aka: RunnerDude), his wife Mitzi, and their three kids have lived in Greensboro, NC since 1998. He's come a long way since being "that overweight kid" as a youngster. After Weight Watchers® and a 40-pound weight loss in high school, he discovered running during college and has been passionate about running and fitness ever since. (Over 25 years!) It all started with the '84 Great Raleigh Road Race 10K. He wasn't fast, but he had a blast and was hooked.

13 years later, Thad caught the marathon bug. His marathon quest began with the '97 NYC Marathon. Twelve years later, he's run 11 marathons all over the country from NYC to Baltimore to Nashville to Honolulu, and then some.

A UNC Chapel Hill grad, Thad began his career as a 5th grade teacher before moving into the world of Educational publishing where he worked as a writer, editor, and book development manager for 13 years. Thad combines his love of writing with his love of running and fitness by hosting RunnerDude's Blog, one of the top-ranked running blogs in the country. He's a contributing writing for Active.com and he's also written articles for AmateurEndurance.com and Fitter U Fitness as well as being featured in the "Ask the Experts" section of the July 2010 Issue of Runner's World.

Thad's also active in the community and has been a member of the executive board for GOFAR, a nonprofit organization that prepares youngsters to run their first 5K!

Thad's biggest reward is helping others get hooked on running, fitness, and healthy living. He is well credentialed with his Personal Trainer and Nutrition Consultant diploma certifications from NPTI (National Personal Trainer Institute), his ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine) personal trainer certification, his RRCA Running Coach certification, and his USA-Track & Field Level 1 Coaching certification. He's also current with his Red Cross adult CPR/AED and First Aid  training.

To learn more about Thad and his journey into the world of running and fitness, be sure to check out the article on RunnerDude in the February 2011 issue of Guideposts Magazine.

                                Testimonials

I started working with Thad back in November to train for my first marathon (The North Face Endurance Championship in San Francisco). To say that I wouldn’t have finished the race without Thad is a understatement. His combination of professional circuit workouts and running routines are exactly what I needed to come out on top.

Matthew Halip—Guilford College Senior
Greensboro, NC

There really isn't enough space provided for me to say how wonderful Thad is! He is everything that you strive to be-hard working, dedicated, motivational, a believer, Inspiring, trusting, and just dang awesome! I had run 6 previous marathons and really wanted to beat my PR of 3:51 for a marathon! I went to Thad with hopes and dreams of breaking this and he devised a plan that was attainable and manageable! The various types of runs that are incorporated weekly into the plan help with endurance, speed, and distance ! I worshiped that plan and gave it my all! Thad was always available for questions, to build spirits back up, and to run with you! I beat the goal he set for me by 7 min and beat my own goal of breaking 3:51 by 3 min -it was a win-win-follow his motto and it works -"Trust, believe, conquer"!!! I can honestly say he's not only is an amazing coach but a wonderful friend!

Christie Strupe—Greensboro, NC

I have been training with Thad McLaurin for about 6 months and have already seen great results. I have lost 10 lbs. and I am working on losing another 20 lbs to get to my goal weight. Thad is the 4th trainer I have had over the last 8 years and I have found him to be the most attentive. When you work with Thad you have his undivided attention and he plans your training based on your desires and his expertise. Every workout is different, which keeps training fresh and exciting. I like the fact that we work on lots of different functional workouts, mulit joint exercises and plyometrics. I am so happy to be working with Thad.

Dan Deuterman—Attorney at Law—Deuterman Law Group
Greensboro, NC

I've been working with Thad, The RunnerDude, for over a year now in two 30 minute strengthening sessions a week. What great workouts he designs and what great encouragement he provides. Thad provides full attention during our sessions and ensures I'm using the correct form. He has the ability to pinpoint muscles that I didn't even know existed and with just the right amount of effort. He varies the program and there's always a new strengthening exercise to work on. Despite the effort, I can't remember a session when I didn't laugh at some point - Thad makes it a fun experience. He also developed a couple of excellent strengthening plans that I can use at hotels, when I'm on the road, without having to use the rusted and broken down equipment invariably found there.

Gles lasgow—Technical Brand Manager—Syngenta Crop Protection -Syngenta
Greensboro, NC

As I was approaching 50 last year I decided to get fit and my husband persuaded me to join Thad's beginners running group. I was not convinced that running was for me but it was one of the best decisions I ever made. Thad was always very helpful and encouraging; we had a lot of fun in our group! Over a year later, I am glad to say that I am still running three times a week, and I owe it all to Thad! I did so well that our daughter joined this summer and has now progressed to the intermediate level. Thanks Thad for helping my family on the road to fitness.

Suzanne Mercer
Greensboro, NC

I knew there was room for improvement in my running capabilities, but I was simply amazed at the results I achieved through Thad's intermediate course. He incorporated a broad range of core exercises into each session and opened my eyes to an unbelievable variety of running exercises and drills. You rock Thad!!!

Kevin Ball
Greensboro, NC

Being part of the intermediate running group taught me new techniques that will increase both my speed and my endurance. I was running about 4-5 miles when I joined this group. I’ve learned how to do hill repeats – which has helped me learn to LOVE hills! (Honest!) I’ve also learned about tempo runs, fartleks, and how to do intervals. All this, while also learning about how to avoid injuries, best nutrition practices, and proper stretching techniques. Now that I have ‘graduated’ from the intermediate group, I am excited to begin training for my first ½ marathon. When Thad sent me the training plan for the half, I was ready to plug in just what I needed to do on the ‘cross-training’ days, which I never would have been very sure about had I not participated in the intermediate training program. I would really encourage anyone who would like to improve their running abilities to take join one of Thad’s intermediate groups – even if you have already run quite a few races – I think you would be surprised at what the training will do for your own running!

Peggy Hewitt
Greensboro, NC

Great News RunnerDude! I just received the following report from my doctor!
"Michael, congratulations on having improved your stress test so significantly from last year. I think part of this may be due to the improved strength you have from the weight workouts and working out with a trainer (RunnerDude!). I also think that the strength training has helped reduce your LDL to the best level it has been in several years. Great news!.....I think it is a good idea if you continue to do the weight workout with your trainer (RunnerDude!) because this will also help maintain your core strength and will likely propel you to faster (race) times."
Dr. Riva Rahl—Medical Director of the Cooper Clinic (Dallas, TX); Dr. Rahl is also a 2:54 marathoner and the author of Physical Activity & Health Guidelines (Human Kenetics, 2010)

Michael Dougherty—CEO-Kindermusik
Greensboro, NC

Coach Thad is an amazing trainer! When I started with him, I had only been running for about six months. As part of my training, Thad provided me with a solid running schedule that was based on my specific abilities and experience. He patiently answered all my "newbie" questions. And he supported me on and off the greenway with great tips and advice about injuries, nutrition, and cross-training. Best of all, he introduced me to the great community of other clients he has built up so that I gained even more support and guidance. I ended up making some wonderful new friends! This awesome combination of mentoring and community got me a sub-two-hour time in my first ever half-marathon and in less than a year of running. I couldn't be happier and plan to train with Thad for my next race, a full marathon!

Rob Byars—
Durham, NC

Thad's marathon training program is the best. He'll give you a customized training plan that is based on a comprehensive fitness assessment. He'll give you guidance on nutrition, hydration, & cross-training, & will take the time to answer any question you can come up with. You'll love the group runs -- a great bunch of people who support & motivate each other, & also have a great time together. And you'll really see an improvement in your running. Do yourself a favor and sign up to train with RunnerDude.

Gary Waldman—
Danville, VA

Dena Harris—Award-winning author and feature writer
Madison, NC

“I want to start out by saying I'm not an athlete. I don't like to sweat and I haven't exercised since I hit puberty. But at age 41, with my weight steadily rising and my self esteem plummeting, I knew I needed to make some changes. RunnerDude’s beginning running program was perfect for me. Thad started us off slowly, set do-able goals and the end of every run felt like a victory. By the end of the program we were running 30 minutes non-stop, something I thought I'd never do. And I'm still running on my own today. I've lost weight, lost five inches and fit into my clothes again. But more importantly I'm healthier and have gained tremendous confidence. I wouldn't have done it without Thad and our group. If I can do it, anyone can. Thanks RunnerDude!”

Sherri Rhyne—Preschool Teacher
Greensboro, NC 

I would see runner's in our neighborhood and be envious. What did they know that I didn't? Well the answer to that question was training! I had trained for my career, trained when I taught aerobics so this made sense. A friend told me about Thad's beginning running group and invited me to join. I jumped at the opportunity and invited two other friend's. When we started off, the thought of running ten minutes, fourteen minutes and more seemed unobtainable when at two minutes I could hardly breathe.

Thad's walk-run program allowed for my body to make the adjustments to increase my running every week. I love the feel of running. The muscles and joints have been sore but I have enjoyed all of it. I decided to "work my body" and not let my "body work me". I don't mind getting older and being a Grandmother is the greatest joy in my life, but I choose to keep my body as young as I can. Running makes me feel I am accomplishing this. I am grateful to Thad for starting me on this journey and I look forward to putting one foot in front of the other as I continue to run for my well being. I highly recommend Thad's program if you want to be a successful runner .It's hard but your health and the feeling you have after a run is so worth it!

Dona George—RN,MSN
Greensboro, NC

A good coach is some of the best money you'll spend on a sport. You'll get faster, you'll stay more motivated, and you'll get a lot less injured. But you have to have a coach who knows what he's doing, and you have to have a coach who listens and clicks with you. That's where Thad gets my endorsement, because he's a writer. And writers are, above all, professional listeners.

Jef Mallett—Creator and cartoonist of the nationally syndicated comic strip Frazz. Jef is also author and illustrator of the triathlon lifestyle book Trizophrenia: Inside the Minds of a Triathlete.
Lansing, MI


Thad's enthusiasm for running shines through in all of his work. You can count on him for motivation, knowledge, and inspiration—what more can you ask for in a coach?

Sage Rountree—Internationally recognized authority on yoga for athletes and an expert endurance sports coach. Sage writes for Runner's World, Yoga Journal Online, USA Triathlon Life, and Endurance Magazine as well as authoring the books  The Athlete's Guide to Yoga and The Athlete's Pocket Guide to Yoga.
Chapel Hill-Carrboro, NC