Trail Running Coach for Every Level
Trail running builds strength, confidence, and resilience—but it also comes with challenges that road training can’t prepare you for. From steep climbs to technical descents to unpredictable terrain, you need a plan that helps you grow safely and consistently.
With a dedicated trail running coach, you’ll train with clarity, structure, and support. You’ll learn how to navigate the trails with confidence, build strength that lasts, and reach your trail running goals with a plan designed for your life.
Why Work With a Trail Running Coach?
Trail running isn’t just road running with dirt. It’s an entirely different sport—one that demands adaptability, patience, and a strong aerobic foundation.
Pacing changes. Terrain shifts. Hills become strength sessions. Weather and conditions add new variables. Your body works differently on uneven ground. And your mental game matters more than ever.
- A trail running coach helps you make sense of it all.
- You get guidance you can trust.
- A training plan tailored to the terrain you face.
- Coaching that keeps you progressing without wearing you down.
Whether you’re training for a local 10K trail race, a mountain marathon, or your first ultra, having structure and support makes the journey safer, smarter, and far more enjoyable.
Our Trail Running Coaching Philosophy
Trail running is rooted in curiosity, exploration, and joy. Our coaching reflects that spirit.
We coach the whole human—not just the miles you run. Your life, stress, schedule, and responsibilities matter, and your plan is built around them. Running trails should feel empowering, not overwhelming.
Most of your training is done at low intensity. This builds endurance, resilience, and efficiency on long climbs and rolling terrain. When your aerobic base is solid, we layer in purposeful workouts—strides, tempo efforts, hill repeats, descents, and race-specific pace work.
We focus on:
- Smart volume progression
- Strength and mobility for trail durability
- Downhill confidence
- Uphill efficiency
- Fueling for longer days
- Mental resilience
- Enjoying time in nature
Trails build incredible athletes. But more importantly, they build grounded, confident humans. That’s the heart of our approach.
Who Our Trail Run Coaching Is For
Trail running is for everyone. Our coaching is too.
Beginner Trail Runners
If you’re new to the trails, we’ll help you ease into the terrain safely and confidently. You’ll learn effort-based pacing, form for uneven surfaces, and how to build fitness without injury.
Trail Half Marathon & Marathon Runners
We design training plans specific to your course, elevation gain, and terrain. You’ll learn how to fuel, pace, and prepare for the challenges of trail distance events.
Ultra Runners
For 50Ks, 50 milers, 100Ks, and 100 milers, we provide a clear structure that supports long endurance, mental strategy, and fueling—along with the steady progression required for big days in the mountains.
Road Runners Transitioning to Trails
We help you adapt your stride, strength, pacing, and mindset so the trails feel exciting rather than intimidating.
Mountain Athletes
If your race has serious vert, altitude, or technical sections, you’ll get a plan designed for climbing, descending, long days, and big elevation gain.
If you have a goal on the trails, we have a coach who can guide you toward it.
What You Get With Our Trail Running Coaching
Ultrarunning attracts a wide range of athletes. We coach them all.
First-Time Ultra Runners
If you’re training for your first 50K or 50-mile race, you’ll get a plan that teaches pacing, fueling, strength, and resilience. You’ll learn how to train safely and arrive at the start line ready—not intimidated.
Experienced Ultrarunners Chasing Growth
If you want to PR, step up in distance, or take on a challenging mountain race, we’ll help you build the fitness and confidence to race stronger and smarter.
Big Mountain Athletes
For athletes preparing for rugged, high-altitude, vert-heavy races, we create programs that include climbing practice, downhill strength, poles technique, and strategic long runs.
Runners Balancing Work, Life & Family
Training for an ultra while balancing a full life is hard. We design plans that fit your available time and honor the stress you’re carrying.
Athletes Returning From Injury or Burnout
Your coach will rebuild your strength with patience, care, and a training structure designed for long-term progress.
Meet Your Trail Running Coaches
Our coaching team includes some of the most experienced trail and mountain athletes in the country. You’ll be matched with the coach who best fits your goals, terrain, and background.
TJ David
Founder of Microcosm Coaching and former U.S. SkyUltra Champion. Decades of experience coaching elite and recreational trail runners, mountain athletes, and ultra runners. Expert in climbs, descents, fueling, and big mountain strategy.
Zoë Rom
UESCA-certified trail and ultra coach, author, and FKT-holder. Specializes in women’s health, strength, and long-distance trail performance. Known for her supportive coaching style and deep experience across technical terrain.
Drew Conner
Trail marathoner and ultra runner with over 20 years in the sport. Believes in “mind over matter” and helps athletes build confidence, efficiency, and long-term durability on the trails.
Kristin Layne
Trail runner and ski-mo national champion. Expert at helping athletes juggle training with busy lives. Strong background in climbing, descending, and mountain racing.
Zack Russell
Experienced 100 miler, ultra runner, Ironman, and multisport mountain athlete. Great for runners aiming for big adventure days, long ultras, or multi-sport mountain goals.
You’re never alone. You have an experienced mountain athlete guiding you forward.
Coaching Tiers for Trail Runners
Foothills
Perfect for self-coached runners who want community and support. Access to Slack, roundtables, and optional 1:1 consults.
Adventure
A personalized trail running plan, daily logging, weekly feedback, and steady guidance. Ideal for independent but supported athletes.
Journey
A deeper partnership with monthly calls, text access, and unlimited adjustments. Great for runners preparing for trail marathons or ultras.
Summit
High-touch coaching for big mountain goals, multi-race seasons, or 50–100+ mile events. Frequent feedback, race analysis, and full-season planning.
Every tier includes community access, athlete discounts, and ongoing support.
How Trail Run Coaching Works
1. You Share Your Goals
Tell us what you’re training for—your first trail race, a big mountain goal, or a new distance.
2. We Match You With a Trail Running Coach
You’re paired with the coach whose experience fits your goals and terrain.
3. Your Training Plan Is Built Around Your Life
Your coach creates your first block of training based on your unique needs.
4. Daily Logging + Consistent Coach Feedback
Your training evolves with you. Your coach reviews your progress regularly and adjusts the plan as needed.
5. Race Strategy + Trail-Specific Guidance
You’ll understand pacing, route planning, fueling, and how to manage technical terrain.
6. Post-Race Reflection + Next Steps
Your coach helps you recover, learn, and prepare for what’s next.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be experienced to start trail running coaching?
No. Many of our athletes start as beginners.
Can you build a training plan for a trail half marathon or marathon?
Yes. Every plan is customized for the distance, terrain, and elevation.
Do you coach ultra runners?
Absolutely. From 50K to 100-mile races and beyond.
Can trail running help with road marathon training?
Yes. Trails develop strength, efficiency, and durability that carry over to road racing.
Do you coach virtually?
Yes. We help trail runners from anywhere in the world.
Will you help with downhill and climbing technique?
Yes. We teach you how to descend safely and climb efficiently.
Start Training With a Trail Running Coach Today
Trail running should feel exciting, empowering, and achievable. With the right coach, you’ll develop the confidence, endurance, and technical skills you need to thrive on any terrain—no matter your starting point.
If you’re ready to train smarter, stay healthy, and reach your next trail running goal, we’re here to help.