Derrick Isaac - Running CoachVDOT Certified

Derrick Isaac

Smyrna, DE
Accepting New Clients

Consistency beats Perfection

About Derrick Isaac
Athlete, Veteran, Group Leader, Coach
Description
Derrick Isaac (Coach Deev) is a dedicated running coach whose journey with the sport began more than 20 years ago on the high school track and cross country course. What started as a passion for competition has evolved into a lifelong commitment to running, coaching, and helping others discover what they’re capable of on the road and trail. Derrick competed at multiple levels, including a brief stint on the Division I track team at Temple University, and continues to run to this day. A military veteran with a strong foundation in discipline and leadership, he brings both structure and resilience to his coaching approach. He is a V.O2 Certified Coach and an RRCA Level 1 Certified Coach, combining evidence-based training principles with practical experience built from years of personal racing. His race history spans countless road races across all distances, including three marathons, giving him a firsthand understanding of what it takes to train for and complete endurance goals of all sizes. Derrick specializes in coaching beginners, first-time 5K runners, and marathoners. He has guided multiple athletes through their first 5K finish lines, supported runners completing their first marathons, and helped athletes achieve meaningful marathon personal records. His coaching focus is not just on performance, but on building sustainable habits that last far beyond a single race. His philosophy is simple and consistent: **consistency beats perfection**. He believes progress is built through steady effort, realistic planning, and training that fits into real life—not the other way around. Athletes working with Derrick value his accountability, clear communication, empathy, encouragement, discipline, and humor. He understands the challenge of balancing training with work, family, and life demands, and builds plans that meet athletes where they are while still moving them forward. Whether the goal is finishing a first 5K or chasing a marathon PR, Derrick’s coaching centers on one mission: helping runners build confidence, stay consistent, and discover what they’re capable of when they commit to the process.
Athlete Requirements
Athletes must be in physical condition to walk/run and be willing to work hard to achieve goals. Be willing to follow a routine and communicate when challenges arise or schedule changes.
Qualified To Coach
Keywords
Available for Coaching
Online/Remote coaching, Group coaching, Consultations
Coaching Certifications
V.O2, RRCA Level 1

Consultations

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Training Plans

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