About Volition Running
Background and qualifications
Certified running coach with ongoing education in exercise physiology, biomechanics, and sports nutrition.
Two+ decades of experience coaching individuals and small groups across distances from 5K to ultramarathon.
Deep knowledge of strength training, gait analysis, and recovery strategies that reduce injury risk and improve performance.
Coach Dan Bucherer
I’ve been running for more than two decades and know full well the power a dedicated exercise practice can hold in life.
I began running seriously in high school and served as captain of the cross country, indoor track and outdoor track and field times. Specializing in distance races, I competed at the state level in the 1,600m, finishin in 4:57. Not the fastest runner, I worked hard to develop a routine and dedication that served those around me. I took a brief detour to play ultimate frisbee throughout college but kept running and in 2012, ran the Philadelphia Marathon, finishing in 3:14:11. Since, I’ve run everything from 5Ks to 125+ mile team relay races.
Over the years, I’ve worked to balance a career, a growing family and health challenges - like migraines and rheumatoid arthritis - with running and training. Its been a challenge, but that challenge has drawn me to focus my coaching on adaptive training. I have a passion for helping others reach their best—whether that’s a first 5K, a Boston-qualifying marathon, or a lifetime of injury-free miles - regardless of chronic illnesses. My approach blends evidence-based training principles with realistic, adaptive, personalized plans so athletes of all levels get stronger, faster, and more resilient without burnout.
Let’s build a plan that fits your life and gets you where you want to go—stronger, faster, and healthier.
Coaching philosophy
Individualized, data-informed plans: I use objective metrics (training load, pace, heart rate, and athlete feedback) to tailor progressions that fit each runner’s life and goals.
Subjective “feel”: Those who manage chronic conditions know their bodies; I take that into account to maximize your “feel good” days.
Balance and sustainability: Speed, endurance, strength, and recovery are integrated so improvements are sustainable and enjoyable.
Education and empowerment: I teach runners why workouts work, how to monitor readiness, and how to troubleshoot setbacks so they can make confident training decisions.
What I offer
Personalized training plans that adapt to your schedule, fitness level, and race goals.
Technical guidance on pacing, workout structure, and strength exercises that translate to faster, safer running.
Chronic condition management, including highly individualized plans designed to help reduce burden.
Practical recovery and injury-prevention strategies, including load management and return-to-running protocols.
Ongoing support and clear communication to keep you accountable and progressing.
“Coach Dan was an essential part of my marathon success - it wouldn’t have been possible without his guidance.”
— J, NYC Marathon 2025