Meet Dr. Irina Stiasny

Running Coach, Doctor of Physical Therapy, Race Director, and Lifelong Runner

Dr. Irina Stiasny created RunRocket PT to help runners and athletes feel strong, confident, and supported throughout every stage of their journey. Based in the San Jose area, she combines physical therapy expertise with personalized running and strength coaching to help athletes continue progressing toward their goals with a plan designed specifically for their life.

As a Doctor of Physical Therapy, certified running coach, endurance nutrition coach, race director, and lifelong runner herself, Dr. Irina brings a unique perspective to coaching. She understands that performance is about far more than just mileage on a training calendar. Strong athletes need movement quality, recovery, fueling, accountability, mobility, and support that adapts to real life.

For many athletes, that human connection changes everything.

Why I Started RunRocket PT

Movement has always been part of Dr. Irina’s life. She started running as a child, but at the age of 10 she was diagnosed with a heart murmur and told she would never run again. That experience stayed with her.

Years later, while working in physical therapy clinics, she saw many runners feeling dismissed or underserved when dealing with injuries and setbacks. Too often, athletes were left feeling disconnected from the activities they loved most. Dr. Irina knew there had to be a better way to support runners through recovery, performance, and long-term health.

That passion ultimately led her to become both a Doctor of Physical Therapy and a running coach.

RunRocket PT was built to bridge the gap between traditional physical therapy and performance coaching while giving athletes a more personalized experience. Every runner, athlete, parent, and active adult deserves guidance that considers the full picture — work schedules, family life, vacations, stress levels, hobbies, goals, and the realities of everyday life.

Dr. Irina believes running should feel empowering, exciting, and sustainable long term.

 RunRocket's Coaching Philosophy

Dr. Irina’s coaching style is built around the individual athlete. No two runners move the same, recover the same, or live the same life, which is why every training plan is customized to fit the person behind the goal.

She believes great coaching starts with listening. Athletes deserve to feel heard, supported, challenged, and encouraged throughout the process.

Training should help athletes build confidence while creating consistency that feels realistic and sustainable.

Her programs combine:

  • Personalized run coaching

  • Strength training

  • Mobility work

  • Recovery guidance

  • Nutrition and fueling support

  • Accountability and communication

  • PT-informed injury prevention strategies

The goal is not simply to help athletes finish races. The goal is to help them feel stronger, healthier, and more confident throughout the entire journey.

Why Organizations Choose Dr. Irina

Dr. Irina combines medical expertise, coaching knowledge, and real-world running experience to create a well-rounded approach to athlete performance and recovery.

  • Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

  • RRCA Certified Running Coach Level 1

  • Currently pursuing RRCA Level 2 Certification

  • UESCA Endurance Nutrition Coach

  • Race Director

  • Strength & Mobility Programming

  • Youth Athlete Coaching

  • Injury Prevention & Return-to-Running Support

Who Dr. Irina Works With

RunRocket PT works with athletes across many stages of their fitness and running journey.

Beginner runners

5K, 10K, half marathon, and marathon runners

Runners returning after injury

Busy adults balancing training with work and family

Youth and high school athletes

Soccer players

Athletes focused on strength and mobility

Runners working toward performance goals and PRs

You!

Common running goals include:

  • Running pain free

  • Improving endurance and race performance

  • Building strength and resilience

  • Returning confidently after setbacks

  • Completing longer race distances

  • Feeling stronger and more efficient while running

Dr. Irina’s Personal Running Journey

Running has shaped the way Dr. Irina approaches both life and coaching.


One of her proudest personal accomplishments was breaking the four-hour marathon barrier at the Napa Marathon in 2022 after years of consistent work and training. That experience reinforced something she now teaches her athletes every day: progress takes patience, consistency, and trust in the process.

As a runner herself, she understands the emotional side of training too. Great races feel incredible. Tough races happen as well. That perspective helps her connect with athletes on a much deeper level because she understands both the physical and mental challenges that come with pursuing meaningful goals.

Real Athlete Success Stories

Ingrid's Return to Pain-Free Running

After struggling with plantar fasciitis for more than 11 months, Ingrid came to Dr. Irina looking for a different approach. Through personalized coaching, movement support, and strength work, Ingrid was able to successfully train for the Berlin Marathon and complete the race pain free.

Today, she continues chasing even bigger goals with confidence.

Beth's Strength & Mobility Transformation

Beth originally started strength coaching to prepare for an active hiking trip through New Zealand. Over time, she improved her mobility, reduced back and knee discomfort, built consistency with her strength program, and developed more confidence in her body overall.

During her trip, she was able to hike for hours with friends while staying active and comfortable throughout the experience. Even her family noticed changes in her energy, walking speed, and overall health.

Real Athlete Success Stories

Ingrid’s Return to Pain-Free Running

After struggling with plantar fasciitis for more than 11 months, Ingrid came to Dr. Irina looking for a different approach. Through personalized coaching, movement support, and strength work, Ingrid was able to successfully train for the Berlin Marathon and complete the race pain free.

Today, she continues chasing even bigger goals with confidence.

Beth’s Strength & Mobility Transformation

Beth originally started strength coaching to prepare for an active hiking trip through New Zealand. Over time, she improved her mobility, reduced back and knee discomfort, built consistency with her strength program, and developed more confidence in her body overall.

During her trip, she was able to hike for hours with friends while staying active and comfortable throughout the experience. Even her family noticed changes in her energy, walking speed, and overall health.

1-ON-1 COACHING

TRAINING WITH DR. IRINA STIASNY

Youth Athlete Training

Receive expert coaching from a certified coach who knows how to deliver results. Dr. Irina offers specialized strength and mileage programs that suit your lifestyle and running goals.

Youth Athlete Training

Get expert coaching to help your rising star child reach their full athletic potential while mitigating the potential for injury. Young athletes who strength train are the highest performers and most resilient.

Physical Therapy

If you're recovering from an injury or have mobility issues, our physical therapy sessions will help you regain strength and flexibility, ensuring that you get back to fitness safely.

What if you could...

Transform Your Running, Prevent Injuries and Achieve Your Goals?

Expert coaching from Dr. Irina Stiasny, DPT - Your Running Coach, Physical Therapist, and Performance Specialist

REAL WORK. REAL RESULTS.

Athlete Training

We offer a variety of training packages to fit your needs and budget. At Run Rocket Physical Therapy and Wellness, you can choose from flexible, affordable options

Run Coaching

Perfect for those who want personalized training on a budget. You get access to tailored workouts, nutritional advice, and monthly progress assessments.

Youth Athlete Programs

Includes all the benefits of the Standard Plan plus weekly consultations, advanced goal-setting techniques, and priority scheduling with your personal trainer.

PHYSICAL THERAPY AND WELLNESS

Offers a balanced mix of affordability and features, including bi-weekly check-ins, a fully personalized workout plan, and nutrition guidance.

More Than a Coach

The moments that matter most to Dr. Irina are not only PRs and finish lines. Those are exciting milestones, but the deeper reward comes from watching athletes believe in themselves again.

Whether someone is preparing for their first race, rebuilding confidence after time away from running, helping their child develop as an athlete, or chasing a long-term performance goal, Dr. Irina wants every athlete to feel supported throughout the process.

She believes movement is part of life, and she brings that same mindset into both coaching and motherhood. Family, consistency, community, and confidence are central to everything she builds through RunRocket PT.

Nervous About Starting?

That’s Completely Normal.

Starting something new can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to coaching or physical therapy. Dr. Irina understands that. Her goal is to create a supportive environment where athletes feel heard, encouraged, and empowered throughout the process.

You are always part of the journey. The coaching relationship is collaborative, personalized, and designed to help you move toward your goals with confidence.

Sometimes the hardest part is simply getting started.

TESTIMONIALS

What RunRocket's Clients Are Saying

I have spent the last 11 months struggling with foot pain from Plantar Fasciitis. It was so bad; I had no choice but to walk a lot during the London Marathon. I recently decided I need to make a change in my training focus. I’ve been good friends with Irina for 3-or 4 years now. I knew she had a lot of experience as a PT. I set a big goal for my full running another world major marathon in Sept 2025. I needed help to get there without that terrible pain in my foot. We have been working together for a few weeks now and I am already seeing some great results. Looking forward to getting back to running and finding my groove again, without the pain!

— Ingrid C.

RunRocket PT has helped me recover from a hamstring injury caused by overuse. Irina was available for in-person visits when my insurance didn’t allow in-person visits to the PT Dept. Be available is one thing, but she is also a very nice and personable running coach who understands the needs of a runner. Through exercises and regular care, I was back to running regular miles per week, and I was able to identify warning signs to avoid future issues thanks to Irina. I am very grateful for RunRocket PT and I highly recommend her service. Thank you for helping me get back to running.

— Michael H.

I have worked with Coach Irina for over 2+ years and as a fellow fitness enthusiast and running coach, she’s helped many of my athletes. Her hands on knowledge, positive energy + practical approach with a goal of keeping athletes active during their recovery has been a game changer. I highly recommend Run Rocket PT!

Coach “B” Bertrand, Too Legit Fitness & RaceMob”

— Bertrand Newson

Our daughter has been working with Irina for the last 9 months recovering and rehabilitating from a major surgical procedure. Our daughter was told she would have a 12 month recovery to get back to her “normal” activity levels. It was a scary time for us to process the surgery and her rehab. Irina has been there from the start helping us all. She has been there to help us as parents learn how to help. She has been there for our daughter to understand and process what her body would feel as she gained her strength back. Lastly, she is a constant sounding board as we have questions about her road to recovery.

— Sheila Stout

Ready to Work With Dr. Irina?

Whether you are training for your next race, returning after injury, helping your student athlete build confidence, or simply looking for expert guidance that fits your life, RunRocket PT is here to support you.

Run Rocket PT

Empower your running potential with RunRocket PT.

Copyright © 2026 Run Rocket Physical Therapy and Wellness.

All rights reserved.

Connect On