Join hosts Tony Vidal and KR Jones as they dive into a powerful conversation with Coach Jerry Francois, founder and heartbeat of the Goldfinger Track Club (GFTC)
Coach J isn’t just building records; he’s building movements—turning therapy into miles, and miles into activism.
In this episode, Coach J opens up about:
- Launching GFTC in 2016 to uplift runners of all paces and backgrounds under the mantra "Diverse, but never divided."
- His mission behind Black Miles Matter, a running movement sparked by the murder of Ahmaud Arbery, and why every mile taken by Black and Brown runners holds profound significance
- Organizing the 5th Annual Juneteenth Black Miles Matter Run, hosted at Crown High in NYC: a celebration of history, community, and solidarity where everyone—walker, jogger, or runner—is welcome.
- Using running as collective therapy: how GFTC’s safe, supportive space helped many navigate grief, anxiety, and social injustice
- Coach J’s journey—from channeling grief at age 17 into finding purpose, to completing marathons like Boston and aiming for a 2:50 debut at
- His roles beyond coaching: balancing fatherhood, leading youth fitness programs, and serving as Creative Director for PYNRS, the only Black-owned US running apparel brand
Tune in to hear how one man turned his stride into a movement, community, culture, and courage, one mile at a time.
For more with OFF THE STRENGTH, please leave us a review, like, listen and subscribe!
Show - @offthestrength_
Tony - @atrainercalledtony
Kyle - @krjones_ and his organic thug line at undnyc
Peace and much love to y'all out there until next time, we'll see you soon!
