Born from Elite Performance
Our partnership began in the world of military Special Operations, where we have spent two years working together to improve the lethality and health of the nation’s forces. We quickly realized how effective our team approach was when treating the world’s most elite operators and decided to bring that same level of collaborative care to Tampa Bay runners.
Why We Are Different
We noticed there was no rehab or performance clinic in Tampa that focused specifically on the unique demands of runners. As a competitive runner and Physical Therapist (Nick), and an Athletic Trainer with extensive D1 collegiate experience (Dario), we understand that time away from running is devastating. We consciously operate outside the constraints of the traditional insurance-based medical model, allowing us to provide specialized, performance-based training that standard clinics simply cannot offer. We take a team approach with all of our clients, combining our strengths to ensure you receive the most personalized, 1:1 care possible.
Our Promise to You
We believe in a holistic approach that harnesses your body’s resilience to heal and strengthen with the right guidance to keep you running. Whether you need dry needling, manual therapy, or performance coaching, we can guide you from acute injury back to racing. We intend to be accessible, empowering, and transparent every step of the way.
— Nick & Dario
The Team
Dario Gonzalez
MS, ATC, LAT, CSCS
Athletic Trainer & Strength Coach | Co-Founder Tampa Running & Performance Clinic
Dario Gonzalez is a nationally experienced athletic trainer and performance rehabilitation specialist who helps runners and active individuals move better, train smarter, and stay healthy for the long term. With more than a decade of experience across Division I athletics and military human performance, Dario delivers premium-level care in a welcoming, personalized, one-on-one clinical setting.
During a decade-long career in NCAA Division I football, Dario climbed the ranks of multiple high-level university staffs, progressing from student-aide to Assistant Director of Sports Medicine and Head Football Athletic Trainer. In these roles, he managed everything from initial injury evaluations to department-wide logistics. He has extensive experience leading post-operative rehabilitation and return-to-play for athletes recovering from complex procedures, including ACL and meniscus surgeries, as well as shoulder and hip labral repairs. He has worked closely with surgeons, physical therapists, and strength staff to guide athletes from early rehabilitation through full return to competition. This experience allows him to confidently challenge committed individuals and high performers, while maintaining a clear focus on movement quality, durability, and long-term health.
In 2024, Dario transitioned to working with the U.S. Army and Special Operations Command Central (SOCCENT) at MacDill Air Force Base, where he co-leads a direct-access orthopedic rehabilitation clinic for special operations service members. Military populations place exceptional demands on their bodies, particularly through running, rucking, and repeated high-volume training. This environment has given Dario extensive experience treating running-related injuries, overuse conditions, and performance limitations that closely mirror those seen in recreational and competitive runners.
Whether working with organized team sport athletes, weekend warriors, or long-distance runners, Dario’s philosophy remains consistent: identify the root cause of dysfunction, restore efficient movement, and build resilience that holds up under real-world demands.
Nick Schumacher
PT, DPT, SCS, OCS, FAAOMPT, CSCS
Physical Therapist & Strength Coach | Co-Founder Tampa Running & Performance Clinic
Most physical therapists tell runners to “just stop running.” Dr. Nick Schumacher knows that isn’t an option. As a former Division 1 collegiate runner who continues to compete at a competitive level, Nick understands the obsession with the miles, the metrics, and the pursuit of the next PR.
Dr. Nick is one of only a handful of physical therapists in the country to be Dual Board Certified in Orthopedic (OCS) and Sports (SCS) Physical Therapy, as well as Fellowship Trained (FAAOMPT). His clinical pedigree includes training at the nation’s top institutions:
- Doctor of Physical Therapy: Boston University.
- Orthopedic Residency: Massachusetts General Hospital (Boston, MA).
- Manual Therapy / Sports Fellowship: Kaiser Permanente (Los Angeles, CA).
Nick’s expertise extends far beyond the track. Nick has served as the Lead Physical Therapist for Special Operations Command Central (SOCCENT) at MacDill Air Force Base since 2023. In this high-stakes environment, he is responsible for the readiness and recovery of the world’s most elite tactical athletes.
You shouldn’t have to choose between a clinician who understands your injury and a coach who understands your goals. In 2025 alone, Nick proved that his methodology works by clocking a 4:43 Mile, 16:20 5K, 1:17 Half Marathon, and a 2:45 Boston-Qualifying Marathon.
At Tampa Running and Performance Clinic, Dr. Nick bridges the gap between rehab and the finish line. Whether you are navigating a chronic injury or looking to shave minutes off your next race, you are working with a specialist who possesses the highest level of clinical training in the U.S. and the real-world speed to back it up.
Leah Drake
PT, DPT, CSCS
Physical Therapist & Strength Coach
Dr. Leah is a physical therapist with a passion for running. She enjoys helping fellow runners train, perform, and recover without losing momentum. Her philosophy centers on keeping runners moving while addressing the root causes of injury—not just the symptoms.
Dr. Leah has a strong focus on injury prevention and performance-driven rehabilitation, preparing runners both physically and mentally for the demands of training. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from New York University. She is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with years of experience in strength training, group fitness, and building run-specific training plans.
As a three-time World Marathon Major finisher, Leah understands the realities of tough training blocks and injury from personal experience. At Tampa Running and Performance Clinic, she helps runners return stronger and more resilient heading into race day. Whether you’re working to prevent injury, rehabbing pain, or transitioning back into training- she wants to help you toe the start line with confidence.