For former competitive runners with unfinished business

We help you rebuild race-ready fitness in 6 months with a personalized comeback program so you can feel like an athlete again and finish what you started.

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Meet Our Coaches

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    Coach Luke


    Luke Jelen is a nationally-competitive high school cross country and track coach (Sioux Falls Lincoln, SD). He has led his boys teams to 4 state titles and two-straight nationals appearances. His 2025 team finished the season ranked 6th in the nation. In 2022, he coached an individual cross country girl to a 22nd-place national finish.

    Luke has also helped many adults achieve training breakthroughs and personal bests from the 5k to the marathon. He has coached 2 Boston Marathon qualifiers and dozens of others to PRs at varying distances. He earned a B.S. in Sport Management from Liberty University, and is a USATF Level 1 Certified coach.

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    Coach Jarvis


    Jarvis Jelen is a top-notch developer of distance runners. He has had success with teams and individuals at every level of the collegiate coaching landscape (NCAA DI, DII, DIII, and NAIA), including 13 individual national qualifiers in cross country and track. He has also coached adults to big PRs at varying distances.

    Jarvis is the Director of T&F and XC at Jamestown University (ND). As a student-athlete, Jarvis was named to the NCAA Big South Conference All-Decade Cross Country Team for the 2000s. He earned a B.S. in Kinesiology: Fitness Specialist from Liberty University, and is a USATF Level 1 Certified coach.

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    Coach Jeff


    Dr. Jeff Messer is both a leader and a pioneer in the distance running world. Holding a Ph.D. in exercise physiology, he is a professor of Exercise & Sport Sciences at Augustana University (SD). He has spoken at numerous coaching clinics around the country, and in 2016, he was recognized as the National Coach of the Year.

    Jeff’s high school XC teams have achieved 11 state titles and 6 nationals appearances, with a few of them finishing top 10. He coached a sub-4:00 miler and an individual cross country National Champion in 2023-24. He has also coached 3 Olympic Trials qualifiers, professional runners, and adults of varying abilities.

Testimonials

  • Luke Swearingen, Amateur Marathoner


    “I joined the Badlands Running team as I came off an injury in my marathon build. Coach Jarvis helped me get back into shape for a 30-minute personal best! Great communication, really good insights, and training philosophy. I’m into my next marathon cycle and currently running faster than ever before. Couldn’t be happier with Badlands Running!”

  • Victoria Ricalde, From 5k to Half Marathon


    “Badlands Running has been an integral part of my fitness journey. I went from huffing and puffing through a 5k to confidently completing my first half marathon several months later. Through it all, Coach Luke guided me with patient encouragement and expertise. He was able to suggest alternative workouts in the case of injury, and he kept me accountable to my goals while also remaining empathetic and understanding if I missed a target. I finally feel like I can call myself a runner thanks to Badlands Running!”

  • Scott Christensen, USATF & World Athletics


    “Badlands Running is the ticket to success for aspiring distance runners of all levels. Coach Jarvis, Coach Luke, and Coach Messer are all highly knowledgeable, patient, and supportive in their approach. They base their training schemes on scientific principles and always put the athlete's well-being first in their program. I can think of no better trio of coaches to train a runner more effectively, while developing athletic consistency over time. I highly recommend them.”

  • Enrique Moises, Hobby Runner


    "I’m so satisfied with the Badlands team! Coach Luke’s work on providing a good workout routine for my own needs was exceptional, and his dedication to listen to my goals made me feel comfortable and energetic to keep with the program."

  • Rebekah Ricksecker, JMU Distance Coach


    “All three coaches at Badlands Running know how to produce phenomenal results through their ability to seamlessly meld the science and art of running with a focus on improving both physiological and mental components. They have consistently proven themselves through years of strong athlete development. If you are passionate about the sport and ready to take your running to the next level, join Badlands Running.”

  • Ryan Cleary, NCAA D1 National Qualifier


    “Coach Jarvis redefined my approach to training by fostering a holistic lifestyle buy-in. Built on the principle that consistency is key, he empowered me to dream big, because staying dedicated to the small details took me farther than anything else.”