We all know how to run.  It’s one of the first “sports” we inherently learn without any instruction. It wasn’t long after my little Cassie learned to walk that she began to run, and she hasn’t stopped. She runs everywhere and with the biggest smile on her face. Now it’s more of a skippy, jump-around kind of run, but the smile remains. Even if it’s been decades since you joyously skipped around as a child, running is perhaps the technically easiest sport to (re)learn. So, why would anyone need a running coach? Obviously, that is a rhetorical question coming from a running coach. Plus, you probably wouldn’t be reading this if you weren’t looking to improve your running.  But, before I answer, let’s back up and look at the main characteristics of a good runner.

1. Inherent ability – your God-given genetic makeup. Some people are just built to run.  I’m married to one.
2. Desire – the motivation to work hard and improve at running.
3. A Strategy – enter the running coach!

We are each a blended cocktail of these attributes. Our abilities/fitness and desire ebb and flow as we move through seasons of life, and our strategies should as well. As a coach, I have zero control over inherent ability (#1), outside of my three children that is.  And, I can only play a minor role with desire (#2). Honestly, if someone doesn’t truly have the desire to run, there’s no coach in the world that can change that. But strategy (#3) is the coach’s bread and butter, and where we can make a major impact on a runner’s success. WHO NEEDS A RUNNING COACH? Coaches are not just for elite athletes. A coach is for any athlete with goals. Many new runners, and even seasoned runners (regardless of where they fall on the ability and desire spectrum) lack direction.  They go out and run the same distance, same effort (usually really hard), on every session and only see small improvements, or wind up injured. Some runners half-heartedly jump from plan to plan, following well-intentioned advice of fellow running friends and the latest online trends with varied success. Others are not driven by competition but yearn for that simple joy of running and need help with accountability or fitting running into a busy schedule. Some runners want to venture out and try something new like trail running or tackling an ultra and need some guidance. And then there’s the perpetually injured. And how about the runners who feel guilty taking a rest day… You see where I’m going with this.  Simply put, coaches help athletes like these to find the best direction to get them from where they are today, to where they want to be. If you are looking to start trail running, PR your marathon or want to figure out how to find longevity in the sport of running, I encourage you to reach out and see how we can help you meet your goals. We currently have two running coaches on staff, with unique experience and expertise.

ERIKA KUHNLE

If you’re into trail running, snowshoe racing or ultra distance events, Erika is your girl. She’s got amazing connections and will help you integrate into the local trail community. Erika is also passionate about supporting athletes who are seeking sobriety. She is available for one on one instruction and online coaching.  

KARI STUART

As a personal trainer and triathlon coach for nearly a decade, Kari Stuart is a good fit for athletes who may need additional instruction with strength training, struggle to balance a busy schedule, or runners looking to also compete in triathlon, cycling or swimming events. Kari is available for personal training sessions, one on one training sessions as well as online coaching.