Meet Coach Ken
Middle distance specialist since the days of dirt tracks and hand timing.
Coach Ken Nwadike Jr. brings more than three decades of competitive running experience and a lifetime of knowledge to San Diego Track Coach. From a 4:15 high school miler to the Nike Farm Team, a 1:48 800m runner, Masters national champion, and Team USA athlete, Ken brings firsthand experience at nearly every stage of an athlete's journey.
Built Through Decades of Competition
Ken Nwadike Jr. has been competing since 1995 and has raced across the full spectrum of middle- and long-distance events, from the 400 meters to the ultramarathon.
As a standout high school runner, Ken clocked 4:15 in the mile, earning a track scholarship to California State University San Marcos, where he trained under American mile record holder Steve Scott.
That experience helped shape Ken's understanding of high-level distance training and laid the foundation for the coaching philosophy he uses with athletes today.
From Dirt Tracks to Elite Competition
From the Nike Farm Team to 1:48 for 800 Meters
Following college, Ken earned the opportunity to train with the Nike Farm Team, an Olympic development program for elite post-collegiate athletes led by legendary middle distance coach Frank Gagliano.
Surrounded by world-class athletes and coaches, Ken shifted his focus toward the 800 meters and developed into a 1:48 800m runner.
Training in that environment gave him firsthand experience with the preparation, discipline, race strategy, and attention to detail required to compete at an elite level. Those lessons remain at the heart of his coaching today.
“Middle distance running demands the ideal blend of speed and endurance. My goal is to develop both while helping athletes become stronger, smarter, and more confident competitors.”
Still Competing. Still Learning.
Ken does not coach the sport from a distance. He continues to compete as a Masters Track & Field athlete, racing events from the 400 meters through the 1600 meters.
Throughout his Masters career, Ken has won multiple national championships while representing Team USA and the Nike Bowerman Track Club.
Remaining an active competitor gives Ken a perspective few coaches can offer. He understands firsthand what it takes to train consistently, manage fatigue, prepare mentally, execute workouts correctly, and perform under pressure. And when appropriate, athletes may even find Coach Ken stepping onto the track and running intervals alongside them.
Coaching the Complete Athlete
For Coach Ken, great middle distance runners are not built by focusing on one ability. They are developed by combining speed, endurance, strength, race awareness, confidence, consistency, and mental toughness.
Develop the Complete Athlete
Challenge yourself to become the complete athlete. Build the speed, endurance, and mental strength needed to excel in competition. Great performances come from consistently training each area with purpose.
Train With Purpose
Every workout should have a clear objective. Athletes should understand not only what they are doing, but why they are doing it and how it contributes to their long-term development.
Trust Consistency
Breakthrough performances are rarely built overnight. Long-term improvement comes from disciplined, consistent work and stacking quality training day after day.
Become a Student of the Sport
Regardless of the level an athlete has reached in track and field, continued growth requires staying coachable, curious, disciplined, and willing to learn. The best athletes never stop refining the details.
Individual Attention From a Coach Who Is Invested in Your Progress
Athletes at San Diego Track Coach receive more than a workout plan. They receive direct guidance from a coach who takes the time to understand their strengths, weaknesses, goals, event demands, and stage of development.
That individualized attention allows each athlete to train with greater purpose, make smarter progress, and build confidence knowing their coach is genuinely invested in their development.
Every athlete is different.
Their coaching should be too.
Train Around Athletes Who Raise Your Level
One of the greatest advantages of training with San Diego Track Coach is being surrounded by expert coaching, proven training methods, and motivated teammates who push you to improve.
A positive and competitive training environment builds confidence and accountability while helping runners reach performances they may not achieve on their own. Training alongside other committed athletes raises expectations, creates energy, and teaches runners how to compete while still progressing along their own individual journey.
More Than a Coach
Ken's commitment to young athletes extends far beyond workouts and race results. As a nationally recognized motivational speaker and youth mentor, he understands the powerful role coaches can play in a young person's life.
Running provides an opportunity to teach lessons that extend beyond the track, including discipline, accountability, resilience, confidence, leadership, sportsmanship, and character. Through meaningful guidance and a genuine investment in each athlete's journey, Ken helps shape the mindset and life skills that carry far beyond workouts and race results.
His goal is not simply to develop faster runners. It is to help develop confident, disciplined young people who learn how to set ambitious goals, respond to challenges, believe in themselves, and pursue excellence in athletics, academics, and life.
“The goal is not only to develop better runners. It is to help develop stronger, more confident young people.”
Coaching Athletes at Every Stage of the Journey
Whether an athlete is learning the sport, chasing a varsity position, pursuing a personal record, competing for a championship, or hoping to attract the attention of college coaches, training is built around helping that athlete take the next step.
Discover How Good You Can Become.
If you are ready to train with greater purpose, challenge yourself, and discover your full potential as a middle distance athlete, San Diego Track Coach provides the experience, structure, accountability, and mentorship to help you get there.
Private Coaching • 1-on-1 Workouts • Group Track Practice • App-Based Training