About Us
Blake Miller
Running Club Coach
Blake has been involved with Athletics his entire life, and in San Diego since 1994. Blake participated in football, wrestling and lacrosse as a kid and throughout high school.
Being more of a Ohioan Corn-fed "Beefcake", Blake went on to become a Div. III All American Track & Field Athlete in college.
Since moving out to San Diego, Blake has continued to be involved with competitive athletics, originally track and field and since triathlons and running events.
Since getting hooked on endurance training and events, Blake has focused on running as his primary sport for the last since 2000, and coaching since 2002. He prides himself on helping others and leading team members in achieving their long distance running goals . . . all while having fun!
Robert Mitchell
Assistant Coach
Robert joined the VAVi Running Club in early 2007. Robert graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a degree in Business Management and was a member of the NCAA Division 1AA Football program and actively involved in the weight training system.
Since hanging up his cleats, Robert has run multiple marathons/ultra marathons and numerous other local running and biking events. Robert is the "runner" of the coaching team and recently had a personal best at the San Jose Rock 'n' Roll 1/2 Marathon with a finish time of 1:28 and a 3:18 at the 2007 San Diego Rock 'n' Roll. He also just completed his first 50 mile endurance run (Yes, running 50 miles) at Catalina Island, Avalon Benefit 50 Mile Run, finishing 47/167 (3/8 in division) with a 9:43:52.
Robert brings not only his extreme running experience and knowledge, but also his company, Run Junk - the online runners and endurance athlete's warehouse.
Dr. Jason Karp
Assistant Coach - Advanced Program
Dr. Jason Karp joined the VAVi coaching team in 2009 to assist in refining and coaching the Advanced Training Programs offered. Dr. Karp was first introduced to the VAVi Running Club by offering his popular “Ten Tips to Completing Your First Marathon” clinic – a group favorite! In addition to personal coaching, training and fitness consulting, Dr. Karp is currently one of the Coaches of the San Diego State Cross Country Team.
In 1997, at the age of 24, Dr. Karp became one of the youngest head college coaches in the country, leading the Georgian Court University (N.J.) women’s cross country team to the regional championship and was named NAIA Northeast Region Coach of the Year. Dr. Karp received his Ph.D. in exercise physiology with a physiology minor from Indiana University in 2007, his master’s degree in kinesiology from the University of Calgary in 1997, and his bachelor’s degree in exercise and sport science with an English minor from Pennsylvania State University in 1995.
Dr. Jason Karp is owner of www.RunCoachJason.com a coaching, personal training, and fitness consulting company, offering science-based coaching to runners of all levels, fitness training to the public, and consulting to coaches and fitness clubs.
VAVi Sport & Social Club
VAVi Sport & Social brings together professionals in San Diego through a variety of sports leagues, social events, vacations and volunteer opportunities.
This club brings together young sports enthusiasts through San Diego sports leagues, social events, trips and volunteer opportunities. We offer you the chance to play the team sports you love, meet people who share similar interests and help build social and professional relationships within the San Diego area.
