ABOUT US - THE JOURNAL OF YOUTH RUNNING

THE FOUNDER/AUTHOR

Douglas Finley is the editor and primary author of the Journal of Youth Running. He is a lifetime runner and coach. During his career, Doug served as a director of parks and recreation, on the adjunct faculty at Michigan State University and as an administrator with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.  As an ardent student of the sport, he started attending coaching clinics when only in high school.

Throughout his career, Doug created a network of high-profile coaches and runners from across the country, many of whom contribute to this website. His writings have been published on the RUNNING TIMES, PODIUM RUNNER (now outsideonline.com) and on the RUNNER'S WORLD websites. 

Doug holds two degrees in Health, Physical Education and Recreation from Western Michigan University, with continuing-education course work at Indiana University and the University of North Carolina. In 2003, Doug was inducted into the Western Michigan University Alumni Honors Academy. 

Doug, along with Dr. Charles Kuntzleman, authored Fun and Fitness – the Mileage Club Way. The Mileage Club is the leading school-based fitness program in the United States and abroad with now over 20,000 schools hosting Mileage Club programs. Fun and Fitness offers teachers and coaches of youth programs with more than fifty running activities, each designed to offer opportunities for children to realize success. 

Doug and his wife Marilyn live in Evanston, Illinois. At age 78 he continues to run every day. He can be best reached at douglasfinley@att.net.