We launched The Starting Line because too many runners miss the start line due to preventable setbacks, burnout, or injuries. Our goal is to help you arrive at race day feeling strong, healthy, and ready—not obsessing over outcomes, but celebrating your journey and all the work it took to get there.

With a focus on sustainable training, community support, and injury prevention, The Starting Line is designed to keep you on track, motivated, and safe every step of the way. Let’s make sure you reach that starting line feeling unstoppable!

Coaching for Stronger, Smarter Running

This 16-week, high-touch program kicks off in January 2025—perfectly timed for those training for spring races, including the Pittsburgh Marathon and Half Marathon, Cincinnati’s Flying Pig Marathon and Half Marathon, the Cleveland Marathon and Half Marathon, and more. Whether you’re targeting these events or another spring race, this program will help you arrive at the start line feeling unstoppable!

How it Works:

1. Choose Your Race Track
   During enrollment, you’ll select your target race, and we’ll align your training plan accordingly. Popular options include:
   • Pittsburgh Marathon & Half Marathon (May 4, 2025) → Start Date: January 13, 2025
   • Cleveland Marathon & Half Marathon (May 19, 2025) → Start Date: February 3, 2025
   • Other spring races → Start date based on your event (16 weeks out).
2. Distance-Specific Training Plan
   A structured plan tailored to your race distance, incorporating essential strength training to build resilience and prevent injury.
3. Stay Supported
   In addition to your plan, you’ll receive:
   • Expert coaching in a supportive online group environment.
   • Strength training components to complement your running.
   • Access to a resource library (injury prevention, gauging training intensity, race-day tips).
   • Monthly group calls with guest speakers.
   • Community connection via Slack for motivation and support.

Let’s make sure you cross the finish line confident and proud—your journey starts here.

FAQs

What is coaching?

Coaching is a partnership focused on you as a whole person—not just your training plan. While having structured workouts and a clear path toward your goals is essential, true coaching goes beyond that. We work to understand your unique lifestyle, responsibilities, and stressors, creating a training experience that integrates seamlessly with your life’s demands.

Think of coaching as a support system for balancing your goals with everything else you juggle. We help you adjust training around work, family, or any other commitments, making sure your training is sustainable and realistic, not overwhelming. This way, your running becomes an enriching part of your life, not something you have to squeeze in or feel guilty about missing. It’s about finding consistency that respects both your ambitions and your well-being.

In our coaching, you’ll receive encouragement, accountability, and strategies that reflect the nuances of your life—not just miles on a plan.

Is the training plan individualized for me?

While our training plan provides a structured, high-quality approach designed for you as a runner, we also focus heavily on tailoring your experience around the plan to fit your unique needs. The goal is to support you in a way that feels personal, adaptable, and aligned with your lifestyle.

The training plan serves as a foundation, giving you proven strategies for progression, intensity management, and injury prevention. But our coaching goes beyond that—through regular check-ins, our Slack community, and monthly group calls, you have multiple opportunities to connect with us and other runners. These touchpoints are where the real personalization happens. We’re here to help you adjust your plan based on your weekly demands, challenges, and any questions you have along the way.

The plan is high-quality and thoughtfully crafted, but you are at the center of this program. Our goal is to give you a training experience that feels supported, flexible, and truly compatible with your life.

How does the program work?

Your training plan will be uploaded to an online platform called TrainingPeaks, where you can easily access each workout and log your progress. After completing your workouts, you can upload them directly to the platform for seamless tracking.

In addition to your training plan, you’ll have access to a supportive community in Slack. Here, you can discuss workouts, ask questions, receive feedback, and connect with other runners sharing the journey with you. Plus, we offer monthly group calls, guest speakers, and a resource library that covers everything you need to thrive—like gauging workout intensity, preventing injuries, and optimizing your training.

This program combines structure, community, and expert resources to help you achieve your goals while feeling fully supported along the way.

What’s the process of becoming a coached athlete?

To get started, simply fill out the application to enroll in The Starting Line. Once you submit your application, we’ll review it carefully to make sure the program is the right fit for your goals and needs. If it’s a match, we’ll reach out shortly with the next steps, welcoming you into a supportive and driven community. We’re excited to help you hit the ground running toward your goals!

I want to apply, but I’m not sure if this is right for me.

No problem! Applying doesn’t mean you’re committing to coaching just yet. The application simply helps us get to know you better, so we can ensure the program is a good fit.

This program is for you if:

• You’re committed to training for a spring half or full marathon.
• You have a current or past history of consistent running.

This program may not be the best fit if:

• You’re brand new to running or haven’t built a running foundation yet.

If you’re interested but unsure, go ahead and apply—we’re here to help you figure out if this program is the right step toward your goals!

I’m just coming back from an injury. Is coaching right for me?

Running-related injuries are our specialty. Fill out the application, and we’ll carefully review it to determine the best next steps for your recovery and return to training. If coaching isn’t the right fit at this time, we are uniquely qualified to provide you with the guidance and support you need to safely get back to running. Our priority is helping you achieve your goals in a way that prioritizes your health and long-term success.

I have a busy schedule. How can I commit to a training program?

We totally understand! This is exactly when a coach can make the biggest difference. Our job is to help you navigate your busy schedule and balance training with life’s demands. A huge benefit of our coaching is open communication with your coach, allowing us to adjust workouts and adapt your plan based on your specific needs. You’ll have the support to make training fit into your life, not the other way around.

Ready to Start?

Fill out the application to enroll in The Starting Line. Once submitted, we’ll review it to ensure the program is a great fit for you, and we’ll be in touch shortly with next steps!