Empower U
Empower rUn
A community built by runners for runners
The Empower rUn community was created to challenge you, find accountability support, friendship, and clinical-based experts to help you get your next PR.
We host group runs, lead recovery courses focused towards running injuries, offer strength and conditioning programs, our new Running Assessment and more!
Join the Running Community!
Every Wednesday & Saturday
We have teamed up with 605 Running Co. to host a group run and build a welcoming community for runners of all ages and paces! The 605 team hosts 2 different workouts every week – Wednesday’s at 6:05 pm and Saturday’s at 7:00 am. Once a month, group run comes to Empower U for a fun run and injury prevention talk! This takes place on the 3rd Wednesday of every month. For more running events, click here!
Meet Mary Kerkvliet
My running journey began 14 years ago. I was fortunate enough to run cross country at the University of Iowa. I also have a history of strength and conditioning tailored towards running with my collegiate experience and also furthered my education to become a certified strength and conditioning coach (CSCS). This experience and knowledge has allowed for the development of a very focused runners strength and conditioning program to enhance injury prevention but also to improve performance and running goals. In 2022, I competed in my last major race where I ran the half marathon in Eugene, OR
Meet Kaitlyn McNamara
My name is Kaitlyn McNamara and I am one of the performance physical therapists that specializes in treating runners and endurance athletes here at Empower U. After playing soccer throughout college, I started running as a way to feed my competitive side and it quickly became my new outlet. I ran my first marathon within a year and never looked back. I am a multiple time Boston Marathon Qualifier and ran Boston in 2022, and most recently finished the Royal Victoria Marathon with many other shorter distance races along the way. I have focused my post-doctoral continuing education on managing running related injuries and helping runners get back to consistent, healthy training. As a running coach and physical therapist, my goal is to make strength training specific and approachable to runners to help prevent injury and improve performance for the long run.
Running Assessments
Get the most out of your running performance with an Empower rUn Assessment. Our highly skilled and experienced running experts will share all their knowledge, injury prevention tips, and running techniques to help you become the best runner that you can be.
01
1 on 1 Expert Care
60 minute appointments to understand your running/injury history and future goals. Upcoming races can feel daunting but head into your next race with expert led care!
02
Performance led Gait Analysis
We cannot assess without seeing your skill in action! Your running specialist will assess and help perfect your stride.
03
Clinical Recommendations
Nutrition, shoe type, mobility movements, and more play into your running success. We will make clinical recommendations based on our findings as well as connect you with the best experts available.
Any age, any ability, running assessments for all!
If you’re just starting your running journey or you have years of running under your belt, this assessment connects goals with form with mobility enhancements and more.
The Details
Prior to your appointment, you’ll complete the intake documents so our team can feel prepared to meet you! During the 1 hour session, you can expect an initial consult of your running and injury history followed by a thorough Gait Analysis. With the remaining time, you will be given at-home therapeutic exercises, recommendations on shoe types, and exclusive access to the best running experts available so you can crush your running goals. The cost is $210 + taxes and fees. This service is not billable to insurance.
