⚒️WELCOME COACH AUSTEN ⚒️

Get To Know Hammer & Axe’s Newest Coach - Austen Dalquist!

Austen is a professional middle-distance runner for Tracksmith who strives to bring intention and gratitude to everything he does. He began his running journey in his hometown of Keller, Texas, eventually earning a spot at the University of Arkansas. There, he became a multi-time SEC scorer and earned NCAA All-American honors with a runner-up finish in the DMR. Believing his fastest times were still ahead, Austen moved to Boulder in 2019 to train professionally with Roots Running, before joining HAXAH (Hammer & Axe Elite) earlier this year. Guided by his faith, Austen shows up each day with the purpose of getting the most out of himself - all while supporting his teammates and building the community around him.

We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Austen to the HAX Coaching team. Keep reading to learn more of his story, and hit the button below if you’re interested in working with him.

Hi Austen! Welcome to The Hammer, and welcome to Hammer & Axe! We’re pumped to have you joining our staff of coaches. Before we dive in, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Hello! Stoked to be here and to be on the team! A bit about myself: I am a Christ Follower ang go to Pinewood church here in Boulder, I have a wife named Kara- we have been married for about 3 years and we met on hinge! I grew up primarily in Texas, ran at the University in Arkansas, and have been in Boulder since October 2019. I work an ecommerce job that I interned for in college, run an ebay business, and love watching sports and trying new restaurants and coffee shops with my wife!

When did your running journey begin? Did you love it from the start?

I started running when I was 12, in 7th grade due to a coach seeing my potential. (I also thought that trying hard in mandatory athletics workouts would make me friends at my new school). I did start enjoying it quickly, because I found I had a natural knack for it and was also seeing consistent improvement. 

After high school, you decided to continue your career at the University of Arkansas. What are some of your favorite memories from your time as a Razorback? Any lessons you learned that still help you as a pro today?

My favorite memories from Arkansas would definitely be winning conference championships on the cross country course and on the track. It was so much fun to be battling with my teammates, knowing that they were giving it their all too, and to celebrate atop the podium with them. The biggest lesson I learned was to become accustomed to the pressure of performing on the big stage and to take advantage of big race opportunities. Being a razorback is not something to take lightly- it has a tradition of excellence and secured me the nod to be in favorable situations!

Tell us about a favorite memory from your pro career so far!

Breaking 4 for the first time in February 2022 at my alma mater with my Dad at the track- the race meant as much to him as it meant to me! 

How has your 2025 season been going? What are your goals for the summer?

The 2025 season has been the best of the life- with PR’s ranging from 800 to the 5k: 800, mile, 3k and 5k! My goals are to qualify for the USA championships and compete well there, along with PR’ing in the 1500 and mile and beating good guys along the way! 

Lastly, why are you excited to become a coach with Hammer & Axe? What do you think your biggest strengths are as a coach?

I am excited to be a coach because I really believe in the Hammer & Axe team and the impact that they are having on runners everywhere- I want to be a part of that movement! I believe my biggest strengths as a coach are: My experience in running, my communication abilities, and the empathy that I am able to hold for others! 

Rapid Fire Q&A!

🏃‍♂️A race on your bucket list: Millrose in the USA and Monaco on the international circuit - shoot for the stars! 

🔄 A pre-race routine/ritual: 2-3 hours before: Bagel with PB and honey and coffee. 90 minutes before: Bi carb. 1 hour before: Start taking energy chews throughout my warmup! 

⛰️ Best running spot in Colorado: The Boulder Res! 

📕 A book you’ve read recently: Love Does by Bob Goff! 

🎵 A song you’ve had on repeat: AMEN! By: Forrest Frank

⚒️ Work With Coach Austen ⚒️

If you’re looking to master the art of consistency and belief while sharing a love for the sport, Austen is the coach for you. Reach out today to get started - he’s ready to work with you!

Spots fill up fast! Tap the button below and apply for coaching today.

Running The Chicago Marathon? 🏙️🏃‍♀️Start A 12-Week Plan TODAY!

Sunday, July 20 (today!), marks 12 weeks out from race day in Chicago. A 12-week build is the perfect time frame to build the fitness you’ll need to crush your marathon goals. Grab a training plan and get rolling!

Coach Connor has written several plans specifically with the Chicago course in mind (though these plans can be used for any marathon). Check out some options below:

2:45 Chicago Marathon

3:00 Chicago Marathon

3:30 Chicago Marathon

4:00 Chicago Marathon

4:30 Chicago Marathon

Reach out to us via email ([email protected]) or DM us on Instagram if you’d like help picking a plan that’s right for you.