Meet Our Coaches

Distance Program Coaches

Alex Cafiero - Training Program Coordinator, Distance Program Coach

Alex has been an avid runner for over a decade, having run cross country and track through high school, as well as at the college level at The College of New Jersey. He continues to train daily and compete in races with distances ranging from one mile to half marathon. His favorite thing about the sport is the everyday grind, the opportunity to compete, and the possibility to become the very best version of himself. This translates well into coaching, and he often fins that guiding people to reach their own personal goals is equally, if not more, satisfying. He's a big proponent of letting athletes explore their own goals, and the challenges that come with them, while being there to guide them along the way. He also strongly believes in the reflection process - whether it involves receiving feedback or input on optimal strategies for improvement, but also giving my athletes the opportunity to check in with themselves, and evaluate how they can improve. Alex will make it his goal to help you achieve your own goals, no matter how lofty, and become the best version of yourself!

Brandon Slaboda - Retail Expierence Manager, Distance Program Coach

Brandon joined the Fleet Feet Princeton crew in May of 2023. He loves to talk shop and nerd out over the details of new shoes and gear. He just moved back to NJ after completing his masters at Colorado State to join our FFP team again. He ran for his college XC and TF teams at Ursinus and has a deep passion for the sport and helping others find the joy in logging miles. After college he worked as a Head Coach for the Immaculata University cross country and track teams. He is eager to give back to the running community who taught him the many lessons the sport has to offer!

Dara Bellace - Distance Program Coach

Running has been a part of Dara’s life since she was in middle school!  Her dad was a marathon runner and her original running inspiration. She ran cross country and track in high school and ran competitively for Colgate University as an undergrad. While at Colgate, she came to appreciate just how special it feels to be a part of a running family. When Dara moved to Philadelphia to pursue her PhD in Clinical Psychology, she started racing half marathons while keeping running close as it has always helped her to balance the emotional intensity of her work with her natural high that brings her such joy!  As a psychologist and eating disorder specialist, Dara is passionate about helping others develop a healthy relationship with running and movement. This is evident in her work as a Girls on the Run coach, leading running groups around Princeton, and the expansion of her private practice to include walking and running therapy sessions. In 2018, Dara’s presence in the Princeton running community was elevated by lululemon Princeton as they welcomed her as their first run Ambassador. She led and helped to grow the lululemon Run Club for 7 years while curating community events and collaborations that continue within the run community here. This past spring, Dara was honored to be invited to join the Fleet Feet Princeton team as a run coach for our training programs. Dara brings many years of experience running at the collegiate level and beyond, while incorporating her knowledge around nutrition, fueling and the mental strategies that can help any runner push beyond their comfort zone. 

 

No Boundaries 5K Coaches

Erika Gonzalez - Operating Partner, 5K Coach

 

 

Following her collegiate lacrosse and field hockey career, Erika discovered running in graduate school as a new expression of movement. What started as a new hobby evolved into a powerful way to build resilience and expierence joy with others. Erika is passionate about fostering a welcoming, supportive, and celebratory environment where everyone feels seen and encouraged. Erika is also a 200 Hour Certified Yoga Teacher, and brings these elements to coaching. She emphasizes the importance of embracing recovery, stretching, alignment, and mindfulness to support sustainable progress and goal achievement. Princeton’s running scene is truly special, and Erika is excited to bring everyone along for the miles and magic!

 

 

 

Julia Shinkle - 5K Coach

 

Julia is an avid runner, and she is thrilled to return to coaching with Fleet Feet for a second year! A former college lacrosse player, she initially started running in graduate school as a way to slip away from academic stress, however she quickly discussed that running is not an escape route from life, but rather a way to more fully embrace it! Running is a conduit to experiencing joy, building confidence, exploring both setback and accomplishment, and discovering inner gratitude. Julia firmly believes that movement is a gift, and she is passionate about sharing this gift with others. She has run 4 marathons and is currently training for her fifth. One of her favorite memories is crossing the finish line of her first marathon, Philadelphia, with her best friend in 2021! Julia is also a physical therapist and practices locally in Lawrenceville, where she primarily treats runners and endurance athletes.Running is a celebration and Julia cannot wait to welcome new members of the Princeton running community into the party!