Leevi Keronen

Julius Mäkinen

I am a 25-year-old runner and business student based in Tampere. Throughout my athletic career, I have represented the Finnish national team in events such as the Finland-Sweden Athletics International and the European Cross Country Championships. I have also earned multiple medals at the Finnish National Championships across various distances. In addition to long-distance track events, I am an active road runner; I completed my debut marathon in Valencia in 2024 with a time of 2:17:37.

What inspires me about coaching is the opportunity to help others progress, work toward their goals, and, above all, find joy and fulfillment in running. I have been self-coached for a significant period, fueled by a deep interest in the design and execution of endurance training. By managing my own progress, collaborating with various coaches and athletes, and years of dedicated study, I have built a wealth of expertise in the field. I possess a comprehensive understanding of different training methodologies and how to successfully apply them to runners of all levels.

My background has taught me that progress is never accidental—it is the result of structured, consistent training and the right balance of load. I have personally experienced the same challenges many runners face: the uncertainty of how to train, pushing too hard without a clear direction, and moments when the joy of running feels like it is slipping away. It is because of these experiences that I can approach coaching with the right perspective, empathy, and insight.

I am a 24-year-old runner and coach from Tampere, Finland. Running has been at the core of my life for over a decade, and my passion for the sport defines everything I do—both as an athlete and a coach. Alongside my own competitive career, I have spent the last five years coaching runners of all levels, providing structured programs tailored to each individual’s unique needs. I hold a degree in Physical Education and, after graduating from high school, I moved to the United States, where I am currently pursuing a degree in Business.

I compete in distances ranging from 800 meters to 10 kilometers. My main event is the 1500 meters, where I hold a personal best of 3:45.02. My most notable achievements in the senior category include a bronze medal at the Finnish Indoor Championships and a 9th-place finish at the NAIA Cross Country National Championships in the U.S. During my youth career, I proudly represented Finland in several international competitions, including the European Championships, the Youth Olympic Games, and the Nordic Cross Country Championships.

Spending several years training in Kenya and my recent year in the United States have profoundly deepened my understanding of holistic training and diverse coaching methodologies. My coaching philosophy has been shaped by engaging with world-class international runners, years of dedicated study, and learning through my own challenges and mistakes.

For me, running is about more than just results—it’s about continuous growth, challenging yourself, and the incredible feeling the sport provides. This is the same passion and mindset I strive to pass on to every runner I coach.