Meet Our Coaches

Our coaches are dedicated leaders in the local running community! Learn more about some of our Coaches below!

Fleet Feet Princeton Training Program Cooordinator/Head Coach:

Brandon Slaboda:

Brandon joined the Fleet Feet Princeton team in May 2023 and brings a deep passion for running and performance gear to the store. Originally from New Jersey, he recently returned after earning his Master's degree at Colorado State University. Brandon competed in Cross Country and Track at Ursinus College and later served as Head Coach for the Immaculata University Cross Country and Track teams. He loves connecting with the local running community, diving into the details of the latest shoes and gear, and helping runners of all levels find their motivation and momentum. Join Brandon this Fall and train for your first half or full marathon!

Julia Shinkle:

Julia is a physical therapist and avid runner! She earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy from Temple University in 2021 and she currently practices at Princeton Sports and Family Medicine, where she primarily treats runners and endurance athletes. 

Julia is thrilled to return to coaching with Fleet Feet, after coaching the half marathon training program last fall. A former college lacrosse player, she initially started running in PT school as a way to slip away from the stress of school, 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 for experiencing joy, building confidence, exploring both setback and accomplishment, and discovering inner gratitude. She firmly believes that movement is a gift, and she is passionate about sharing this gift with others.

One of her favorite memories is crossing the finish line of her first marathon, Philadelphia, with her best friend in 2021. She also had so much fun pacing the Princeton Half Marathon with Amy this past year! Running is a celebration, and Julia cannot wait to welcome new members of the Princeton running community into the party!

Dara Bellace

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!  

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.  Dara is excited to coach and help to grow our Fleet Feet Princeton training programs with Julia and Brandon!