Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I really get unlimited access to you as my coach?
- Yes! I do not believe in creating parameters for how much an athlete and I can be in contact. Some athletes will require more interaction than others and I want to be as flexible as possible to ensure you are both happy and successful.
- I'm a novice runner, is your program right for me?
- Certainly. I work with runners of all stripes and am happy to get you to your first 5k, help you lose weight, or run a faster marathon. Novice runners are some of my most inspiring clients! The hardest part of self-improvement is taking the first step and it is incredibly gratifying to see determined individuals start down the path of developing their potential as human beings.
- I'm not a runner at all, what can you offer me?
- In addition to being a certified running coach, I am a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach and provide services for those simply looking to increase fitness, health, and well-being which can include goals like losing weight or increasing muscle tone and/or strength. I am enthusiastic about helping individuals live healthier lives and whether you want to exercise simply to improve your life or to reach specific goals, I can help guide you in the right direction.
- Will you coach me for an ultra-marathon?
- Absolutely! As an ultra-runner myself I am enthusiastic about getting people to push their limits. Whether your race is on a trail, road, or a track I am here for you and will help craft a plan that addresses your unique goals and limitations.
- How does the sign-up process work?
- I offer a free, 30-minute consultation with first time clients and should you choose to take advantage of that. If you want a consultation, you can email me at kilianrunner100@gmail.com and we will figure out a time that works for both of us to talk about coaching options.
- Do you use templates for creating training programs?
- No! I do not believe that templates work for most runners. I create fully individualized training plans for every client based on his/her goals, training parameters, and life situation. This way, the training plan addresses not only where you are as a runner, but also the amount of time you have to train and the unique nature of your goals.
- What if I get sick/injured during the training process?
- Due to the nature of the coaching business, the three month payments are non-refundable. For this reason, I offer my coaching services at a reasonable rate that will not break the bank. If you are sick, hopefully you are only on the sidelines temporarily. If an injury occurs, I will almost always advise seeking the advice of a Physical Therapist or other medical professional. In certain cases I may offer a free month of coaching, but I address these issues on an individual basis.
- What is the difference between the plans you offer?
- I am a National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Certified Personal Trainer and Nutrition coach as well as a UESCA Certified Running Coach. For this reason, I offer three different options for coaching focused on running, personal training, and a comprehensive package that also includes intense focus on nutrition. For the personal training and running coaching plans, I will design exercise programs based on your unique goals and will offer nutritional advice also based on your goals. If, however, you desire a more comprehensive plan that includes full nutrition planning including meal plans, macro- and micro-nutrient tracking, and calorie tracking, the best option is the Comprehensive Running, Personal Training, and Nutrition Plan. Due to the much higher work intensity of this plan, it is the most expensive on offer and will be best for you if you want decision making about nutrition and exercise almost completely taken out of your hands.
- What makes Run Tough Coaching different from other similar offerings?
- For one, Run Tough is not just a philosophy for running, but a mindset that you can apply to your life as a whole. I take a broad view of an athlete's lifestyle to try to create the most successful and readily implementable training plan. All athletes are different and I will never treat one individual exactly the same as another. Apart from my own training and running goals, coaching is my singular focus and I put forth a significant effort to keeping my athletes motivated, healthy, and happy. Unlike other services that might use templates and try to apply generalized plans to athletes, what makes me different as a coach is the totally individual approach. Following this philosophy, I limit my number of clients so that I have time to give each athlete the full attention they deserve.
- What does being a United Endurance Sports Coaching Academy (UESCA) certified coach mean?
- UESCA is a premier certifying organization that takes a science based approach to teaching coaches. From the UESCA website, "In an area such as endurance sports training where there is as much fiction as there are facts, we look to eliminate fiction by concentrating our efforts on the science behind training methodologies." The certification process covers all aspects of coaching from training plan creation to injury prevention. UESCA is affiliated with the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and the Athletics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) among other research organizations. UESCA certifications are based on up-to-date knowledge of training practices and UESCA coaches are required to re-certify every two years to ensure a coach's knowledge stays present.
​