Philip Clark

 

Philip Clark was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and raised by his mother, Velma Clark. Clark attended St. James High School where he excelled in mathematics, competed on the Hi-Q Team, graduated top ten in his class, and ranked top ten in Pennsylvania in track.

 

Clark was admitted to Yale University where he became active in the community. 

 

Clark proposed and managed Yale's first digital recording studio, Karats Recording Studio. As a star member of Yale's track team, Clark set collegiate records, that remain recognized as of 2013. Clark graduated from Yale in 1994 with a degree in Economics.

 

Olympic Training, Health Consultant, and Professional Coaching

 

Upon graduation, Clark was invited by Dan Pfaff, a "super coach", to train for the 1996 Olympics. Clark trained as a sprinter, jumper, and a middle-distance runner. During this time, Clark was exposed to high-caliber coaches, trainers, doctors, scientists, and related professionals. Clark's training partner, Donovan Bailey, was the Men's 1996 Olympic Champion.

 

Clark became certified a certified coach by the USATF. He coached track and field at Widener University, then moved into the private sector to provide personal coaching to aspiring Olympians, as well as personal training. Clark consulted for the US Department of Health and Human Services on national standards of dietary and physical health. He published a series of work-out manuals but soon focused his attention on training.

 

The Training Station and Run Shoe Store

 

In 2008, Bart Blattstein, prominent Philadelphia developer and CEO of Tower Investments Inc., was aware of Clark's background and approached Clark to operate a gym in his new mixed development, The Piazza at Schmidt's, in Northern Liberties, Philadelphia. Clark accepted the opportunity and began a plan to open a boutique gym, open to the public, with Olympic-caliber equipment. 

 

In his research, Clark saw an opportunity for a retail shoe store with professional-caliber gait-analysis, a service that he received as an Olympian, but was otherwise neglected. Run Shoe Store opened to the public in February 2009.Clark's gait-analysis technique has been touted by local publications for its ability to assess the gait and provide a brand name running shoe as a solution. 

 

Social Advocacy and Community Presence

 

Clark has become a prominent figure in the Philadelphia community with an emphasis on social equality, education, and health. While studying at Yale, Clark became increasingly interested in social equality. After an argument with a roommate, Clark told the Yale Daily News that he enjoys "[being challenged] to define my own beliefs against a whole bunch of criticisms and questions. That's a good thing."In 2000, Clark, a member of the AFSC, became particularly interested in the JROTC. In 2001 he authored an economic review of the JROTC. The review analyzed the hidden costs to school districts considering hosting JROTC versus the cost-effectiveness of the program to non-military education. His analysis lead to policy changes with-in the organization. Phil continues his work with youth in an effort against violence with the motto: "The concept of 'service' should not be defined only as someone who carries a weapon."

 

As of January 2014, Clark plans to introduce a scholarship fund for underprivileged Philadelphia youth. He is also introducing a mentorship program based around running in an effort to keep youth healthy