Leevi Keronen

Julius Mäkinen

I am a 25-year-old runner and business student based in Tampere, Finland. Throughout my athletic career, I have represented the Finnish national team in competitions such as the Nordic match against Sweden and the European Cross Country Championships. I have also won multiple medals at the Finnish National Championships across different distances.

In addition to competing on the track over long distances, I also race in cross country. I ran my first marathon in Valencia in 2024, finishing in 2:17:37.

What motivates me in coaching is the opportunity to help others develop, work towards their goals, and most importantly, find enjoyment and meaning in running.

I have been responsible for my own training for several years and have developed a strong interest in planning and executing effective running programs. Through my own experience, working with different coaches and athletes, and continuously learning over the years, I have built valuable expertise in endurance training.

I have a solid understanding of the different components of training and how to apply them effectively for runners of all levels.

My background in running has taught me that progress does not happen by chance—it is the result of structured, consistent training and the right balance of load and recovery.

I have also personally experienced what many runners go through: uncertainty about how to train, putting in effort without clear direction, and moments when the joy of running starts to fade. Because of this, I am able to approach coaching with the right perspective and understanding.

I am a 24-year-old runner and coach based in Tampere, Finland. Running has been a central part of my life for over a decade, and my passion for the sport is reflected in everything I do—both as an athlete and as a coach.

Alongside my athletic career, I have worked as a coach for the past five years, guiding runners of different levels with a structured and individualized approach. I have completed my upper secondary education and a degree in sports coaching, and I am currently studying Business in the United States.

I compete in distances ranging from 800 meters to 10 kilometers, with my main event being the 1500 meters, where my personal best is 3:45.02. My most notable achievements at the senior level include a bronze medal at the Finnish Indoor National Championships and a 9th-place finish at the NAIA Cross Country National Championships in the United States.

At the junior level, I have represented Finland in several international competitions, including the European Championships, the Youth Olympic Games, and the Nordic Cross Country Championships.

Training extensively in Kenya and spending the past year in the United States have significantly deepened my understanding of high-level training and different coaching methodologies. Conversations with international elite runners, combined with years of studying the sport—and learning through both successes and setbacks—have helped me shape my own coaching philosophy.

For me, running is not just about results. It is about continuous development, challenging yourself, and the incredible feeling that comes with it. That is exactly what I aim to pass on to the athletes I coach.