David Roche (runner)

David Roche is an American trail and ultrarunner, coach, and author known for his accomplishments in the sport of trail running and his science-based approach to training.

Roche is a highly decorated athlete, having achieved notable victories and course records in various trail and ultrarunning events. Specific race wins include, but are not limited to, championships at the USATF Trail Marathon and USATF 50k Trail Championships. He's also been a consistent high finisher in competitive races across various distances.

Beyond his own athletic achievements, Roche is recognized as a prominent running coach. He co-coaches the Some Work, All Play (SWAP) team with his wife, Megan Roche, who is also a successful trail runner and medical doctor. Their coaching philosophy emphasizes personalized training plans tailored to individual athletes, incorporating principles of exercise physiology, nutrition, and mental fortitude.

Roche is also the co-author of the book The Happy Runner, which provides a comprehensive guide to training and competing in trail running while prioritizing mental well-being and enjoyment of the sport. The book distills their coaching philosophy and provides practical advice for runners of all levels. He frequently writes about running topics on his blog and contributes to running publications. He is known for advocating a balanced approach to training, emphasizing recovery, injury prevention, and the importance of enjoyment in the pursuit of athletic goals.