Get to Know Coach Carla Rodriguez-Dimitrescu
- Peak Run Performance
- 19 hours ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 19 hours ago
“Elevate Your Game with Proper Nutrition”
Coach Carla Rodriguez-Dimitrescu has a robust educational background in nutrition services as it relates to athletic performance. She holds a PhD in Nutrition and Metabolism (clinical dietetics) and has a Dietetics and Physiology undergraduate university degree. She also carries a Sports Nutrition Specialty and is a Licensed Nutritionist (LN) in Mexico (equivalent to Registered Dietician). Carla’s experience expands beyond practicing dietetics, as she also is a Personal Trainer Specialist (PTS), and Certified Triathlon and Running Coach. Therefore, she encompasses a full range of knowledge and experience with her coaching sessions.
Carla has been in the field of dietetics since 2007 and by 2013 she brought that background into sports dietetics in relation to running and triathlon training. She has been working with Peak Run Performance as a Sports Dietician since 2019.
Carla has a love for learning and a love for sport. She got into coaching because she has always been coached by great coaches throughout her athletic career and felt it was natural to give back, as she loves helping people. Her greatest joy comes from seeing the smile and happiness when her athletes reach their goals.
Carla’s athletic career includes several accomplishments across various disciplines. These results include:
World Triathlon Championship Qualifier - Duathlon & Aquathlon (2025)
National Record in the 12 hour for Mexico (2024)
National Record in the 6 hour for Mexico (2023)
IAU 24 hour World Championships Qualifier (2019)
Her coaching philosophy is athlete-centric. "It is all about you, it is never about me” is her mindset when working with an athlete. She values providing information and support, but notes the importance of the athlete to want to make the changes and to have their specific goals in order for her to help in the best way possible. Her job is to give the athlete guidance, but the athlete has to want it the most in order to follow through and implement the changes.
She believes that listening and continuous communication are the foundation of a good coach-athlete relationship, stating that "If you can't communicate properly no relationship will survive." Carla helps make communication the forefront of their relationship by constantly checking in with her clients, asking how they feel, and adjusting the plan as needed to ensure it works for them.
Coach Carla works with a full range of athletes chasing various goals from simple lifestyle changes to fitness goals to problem solving challenges impacting performance. She enjoys working with dedicated athletes who ask questions and aren’t afraid to implement changes.
Coach Carla learned resilience after leaving competitive swimming due to disappointment and overtraining. After suffering two stress fractures as a runner, she returned to the pool, realizing that "everything in this life happens for a reason” and that the timing is always perfect. Challenges are messages and if you solve the puzzle with the information given, you will overcome the challenge and be even stronger than before. She now trusts her "angels" as they have guided her to where she is at today, thriving as an athlete herself, while also getting to make a difference in other athletes’ own adventures and challenges.
Want to utilize Coach Carla’s expertise and services?
Check out our website at https://www.peakrunperformance.com/ , read more about Coach Carla at https://www.peakrunperformance.com/coach-carla or email us at info@peakrunperformance.com for more information or how to get started!
Q&A with Coach Carla
What is a myth about run training that you wish more people understood?
“Heavy lifting will NOT slow you down and less weight isn't always better or healthier.”
What is your number one piece of advice to new runners?
“Patience and more patience.”
What is a common mistake runners often make and how can they fix it?
“Not fuel properly during training and racing and confusing training intensities of workouts. Communication with your coach and asking clarifying questions is critical.”
What is a proud coaching moment for you?
“I had an athlete who was in pretty bad shape at The Canadian Death Race (CDR). He did everything I told him not to and when he got to the aid station puking and almost fainting, my husband and I (he was my assistant) performed a miracle, fixed his stomach, fixed his body and he was able to finish. This made me so happy for my athlete and brought tears to my eyes to see him finish.”
What is the biggest lesson running has taught you, that you share with your athletes?
“Less is more sometimes.”
How do you help athletes stay motivated during a tough training block?
“I am always "nagging" them with reminders and always providing feedback and positive comments. I make myself readily available to help when needed.”
What is a favorite go-to workout you assign (or train with yourself)?
“Fartleks.”
What is your most proud running moment or accomplishment?
“I have had more than one, but my favorite will probably be the year I became the National Champion in the 100km (pavement, in Mexico). I won my spot at the 24-Hour World Championships with that performance. In the world of swimming I was called the "Silver Girl," as I was always finishing in second place and could never get the top spot, so when I won the 100km it felt so nice to see my hard work pay off! I guess my angels had plans for me to achieve the title of National Champion, it just wasn't intended to be in the pool!”
What inspires you during tough runs or races?
“I simply like to push, tough workouts make me happy.”
What other training means to you utilize (i.e. cross training, strength, etc.)?
“I am a multisport athlete where swimming and cycling are always part of my training. I generally only run 4 days a week. I have always completed regular strength training 3-4 hours per week, as it has kept me injury free.”
Where is your favorite place to run?
“Mazatlan, Mexico near the beach.”
All Surfaces. All Distances. All Abilities.