Run Coaching
Whether you're just getting started, coming back from injury, or chasing a personal best —we're here to help. From beginners to collegiate athletes, Boston Marathon qualifiers to national champions—we’ve coached runners at every level. With decades of experience, science-backed methods, and personalized feedback, we’ll help you go further, faster—and enjoy the process along the way.
What brings runners to us
We’ve worked with hundreds of athletes, and while their goals may differ, the reasons they seek coaching often sound the same.
Runners typically come to us when:
AI-generated plans have fallen short—either they’re too generic or push athletes to progress too quickly
Injuries or burnout are getting in the way of progress
They’ve hit a plateau and want to break through
They want personalized structure and feedback but don’t have access to local coaching
They’re chasing elite or sub-elite performance and want support to get there
What you get with our coaching
-
Personalized training plan
Your plan is designed around your running history, goals, time constraints, and feedback. Delivered weekly via Final Surge, it evolves with you—so you can train smarter, stay consistent, and stay motivated.
-
Ongoing communication
We check in regularly through email, text, or audio/video messages to gather feedback, answer questions, adjust your training as needed, and keep you progressing toward your goals with confidence.
-
Tailored race prep
Personalized tapering, fueling, and pacing strategies designed around your race goals, course, and conditions—so you show up confident, ready, and primed to perform on race day.
-
Adaptable coaching
Life throws curveballs including injuries, travel, work, or family commitments. We adjust your plan in real time so you stay consistent, avoid burnout, and keep momentum without guilt or stress.
-
Strength & mobility support
Optional routines designed specifically for runners to build durability, improve running form, and reduce injury risk.
-
![Brant Stachel sitting on a wooden stool, smiling, against a plain wall.]()
Brant Stachel
Brant is a former professional Ironman and National Team Coach with over 15 years of experience helping endurance athletes reach the next level—whether that’s finishing their first race, qualifying for Boston, or competing at the world’s top events. He’s coached more than 150 Boston Marathon qualifiers and brings a proven track record of success across ability levels.
With graduate degrees in Coaching, Psychology, and Leadership, Brant blends science, structure, and support into coaching that works with your life, not against it.
-
![Elaina Raponi sitting on a cream-colored couch, smiling, and holding a closed laptop.]()
Elaina Raponi
Elaina is a competitive distance runner with personal bests of 5:13 (mile), 17:05 (5K), 35:49 (10K), 1:19:31 (half marathon), and 2:46:23 (marathon). She was the 6th Canadian woman at the 2024 Chicago Marathon and is currently training for the Berlin Marathon.
As a coach, Elaina blends high-level racing experience with a grounded, sustainable approach to training. She’s worked with runners of all levels and distances, with a coaching style that’s supportive, empowering and detail-oriented.
Hear from our athletes!
-
![Female runner wearing sunglasses, taking a picture of herself while she runs.]()
"Brant is very communicative, patient, motivating and takes your goals seriously no matter your level of fitness."
Courtney Hyde
-
![Female runner wearing a hydration vest, taking a picture of herself with a lake in the background.]()
“From day one, Elaina has brought a perfect balance of motivation, accountability, and support to my training.”
Laura McCollum
-
![Older male athlete smiling mid-stride.]()
"Brant's thoughtful, well-designed approach has been key to my progress. His intuition and expertise make him easy to trust."
Corey Turnbull
-
![Female athlete holding a medal smiling, with Hayward Field in the background.]()
"Elaina’s support, collaborative attitude, and fun energy make training not only effective but enjoyable."
Cassandra Sampson
-
![Female runner smiling while wrapped in a foil blanket at the end of her race.]()
"I definitely feel myself becoming a much stronger and more confident runner while working with Elaina."
Maryann Cousens
-
![Female cyclist taking a picture of herself while she rides a bicycle.]()
“Brant has helped me achieve my goals through injury and other setbacks, and also grow as an athlete and person."
Alex Campbell
-
![Young female athlete smiling at the finish line of the Chicago Marathon.]()
“She’s not just a coach, she’s also your biggest cheerleader, encouraging you no matter how tough the training gets.”
Sarah Andrews
-
![Young female athlete crossing the finish line of the California International Marathon.]()
“Brant’s support, expert guidance, and belief in my potential have helped me reach new heights as a 2:37 marathoner.”
Teagan Robertson
-
![Female runner standing with her hands on her hips.]()
"Brant is like a friend that holds you accountable, keeps you honest, and always has your best interests at heart."
Samantha Ellins
-
![Male runner, mid-stride.]()
"Preparing for my first marathon, I came in with excitement and nerves. Brant has given me the confidence and guidance I needed.
Josh Keho
-
![Female runner at night, wearing reflective gear.]()
“Elaina has exceeded my expectations about what I could accomplish and what I could get out of having a coach.”
Emily Mahoney
-
![]()
We are bi-coastal in location, but I truly feel like Elaina is a friend that I have known for a long time.
Kayla Cameron
-
![]()
After 30+ years of running every distance up to and over 100-milers, I finally got a coach, and Elaina is the best.
Chad Randolph
-
![]()
Brant practices what he preaches, and holds you accountable. He knows how to push you without pushing too hard.
Tyler Earle
-
![]()
"The workouts Elaina plans for me perfectly suited to my fitness level and make me feel like a more confident runner!"
Kirsten Fjell
Frequently asked questions
-
No, our coaching services are billed on a monthly basis with the ability to pause or cancel your coaching at any time.
-
Training plans are delivered weekly through Final Surge, an online platform and app where you'll find your training plan, track progress, and communicate with your coach.
Each week's training is based on your feedback from the previous week, which allows your plan to stay responsive and adapt to how your training is going. This approach helps ensure you're progressing steadily while staying healthy, motivated, and supported every step of the way.
-
We check in regularly through email, text, or audio/video messages to gather feedback, answer questions, and make training adjustments as needed. This ongoing communication helps us stay connected, keep your training on track, and make sure you’re progressing toward your goals with confidence.
