Local coach, physical therapist, and accomplished runner Jake Stout interviewed Scott Fauble at Run Pub on April 17, 2025. Prior to the event we asked Jake a few questions about his own background and acquired wisdom.
Tell us a little bit about yourself, Jake. On paper, I know you earned your BS in physical therapy at Boise State in 2008 and doctorate (DPT) at the University of Washington in 2014. I also understand you were an All America collegiate runner. When did the desire to pursue a career in athletics click into place for you?
I always had an interest in sports science and human physiology, but wasn’t exactly sure what that looked like as a career—so I inadvertently stayed in college for a decade. My job now is a great mix of coaching, rehab, and working a dream job of helping runners.
Today, you work full time as a board certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS), Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and coach. Are you still a full-time runner? If so, what does the overlap between your personal and professional experiences look like? Have you struggled with running injuries yourself?
I’m a pretty full-time masters runner, trying to stay fit and do interesting races like Club Cross Country and the London Marathon on April 27th. The constant pursuit to stay fit keeps my finger on the pulse for how hard a workout or a block of training is, which I think helps make me a better coach. My splits are a lot slower than they used to be, but my workouts are still hard and the effort feels similar—so I’d like to believe I can empathize a bit better.
I’ve been lucky to never have any serious injuries that kept me out longer than a couple weeks, but I’ve had muscle strains here and there—always a learning opportunity.
What does your pre- and post-run routine look like? Do you have any go-to best practices that you can’t live without?
For easy runs, I hobble out the door and don’t do much pre and post.
The faster the workout, the longer the warm up. As a former steeplechaser, I love a good hurdle mobility session before a fast workout.
I understand you worked as a personal trainer in Seattle and taught health education in India. What is some running wisdom you’ve picked up along the way? Who have been some of your biggest running role models?
I think regardless of age or where you live, you gotta do something active everyday. The stress of inactivity is way harder on the body than (almost) any workout.
Role Models? Scott Fauble! Dave and Paula Harkin! And every high school coach I interact with, who is out there for the 1% superstars and the 99% of lifetime athletes.
I also understand you’ve coached high school cross country and track runners in Portland. If there was one word of advice you could impart to young runners (or not-so-young runners, starting out for the first time), what might that be?
Don’t get too emotional up or down about one race or one workout. Lock in for the long haul, and recognize that there are going to be strikes and gutters, but as long as you’re consistent, good things will happen down the road.
