Poole Running Lab

Hello! Welcome to the Poole Running Lab, I am Coach Poole, the Head Coach and Founder.

I am an running coach based in Portland, OR, working with runners who are chasing PRs while balancing training with work , family, and life. I work with all abilities of runners, ranging from recreational runners to sub-elite and competitive athletes. I also coach runners online, accessible to runners around the world! I am currently coaching runners in Oregon, Colorado, and Pennsylvania and looking to reach the rest of the United States and the world!

My approach is to challenge, inspire, and motivate you, challenging you in different ways that allows you to reach your goals. Whether it is running your first 5K, marathon, achieving Boston qualifying times or even Wanda World Age Championship marks, I truly get my joy in helping you become the best runner you can be!

My background as a Distance Running Coach lies on the roads, having coached many athletes to successful PR’s from the 5K to the marathon. I am a former collegiate Track and Field and Cross Country athlete at the NCAA D3 level. I was also a state level athlete in Oregon, having competed at the State Championships in Cross Country and Track and field. I have helped those newer to running begin their journey to running their first races. I believe that a happy, healthy, sound runner is a fast runner. As your coach, I’m committed to guiding you from where you are today to the goals you want to achieve tomorrow!

Why choose the Poole Running Lab?

• If plans you have found on the internet haven’t worked for you, and are needing a more personalized, 1:1 approach.
• If you’ve hit a plateau in your race times and are looking for something new to help break through the plateau
• If you’re struggling with injuries and need guidance to break free from this cycle.
• If you are seeking a coach who will be transparent with you, communicate often and obsess with you over your goals and progress

This is what you get from me as your coach:

• UESCA Certified Running Coach with 3 years of experience coaching
• Assistant Cross Country and Distance Coach at Sherwood (OR) High School, developing young runners into state and national level athletes, to be able to continue at the next level. In my time, we have had 3 state championships won by our athletes, and multiple athletes running at the NCAA D1, D2, and D3 levels.
• Experienced Athlete with 17 years of competitive running experience (And counting!)
• Individually designed training that is structured to meet you where you are, what your goals are, and where I think you have the capabilities to go to!
• Expert advice for runners aiming to step up in racing distances, or try something new!
• Development of a more focused and holistic approach to your running training. To be the best version of yourself, I believe that you should train all aspects of your running toolbelt.
• Pre Race Calls centered around course previews, pacing strategy, fuel plans, mental framing and more
• Constant Communication, attention, and timely responses back within our communication to each other

I pride myself on offering individualized coaching tailored to each person’s life. My approach differs greatly from the cookie cutter, mass-produced training plans; I provide an individualized coaching experience that’s as unique as each athlete I work with. Running and training should be fun and something you look forward to! I take the guesswork out of the plan, and make sure that it fits around what is important to you in life.

Coaching to me is more than spreadsheets and splits, it is also a partnership to get to know you as a person and to be your biggest supporter and advocate!

Please see my reviews to hear athlete experiences from those who work with me, and reach out with any questions or to learn more!

I am experienced not only in developing training plans and tailoring workouts to individual athletes, but also in race strategy, pace targets, and overall nutrition preparation. I consider myself a lifelong student of the sport, and continue to educate myself through personal experiences in both race experiences and staying up to date in studies related to the science of running, biomechanics, and nutrition.

There are 4 values that are a part of my relationship with each of my athletes:

Communication

Compassion

• Things in life happen that we can’t control! The one thing you will never get from me is a lack of sympathy and empathy.
• I will always work with you on whatever comes up and figuring out the best course of action, even if it means pausing coaching

Flexibility

• As much as I’m sure a lot of us would love to run full time,
  • the reality is we have to have full time jobs and family commitments we need to balance with our endeavors
• Let me take the guess work out of trying to fit your training in your schedule!

Never be afraid to fail

• I don’t think many people realize they are much more capable than they realize.
• I may scare you with some of the things I bring up that I think you might be able to do!
• I promise you, I will never suggest a pace/time/workout to you that I don’t firmly believe you can’t complete

Ready to run fast, train smarter, and smash some PRs?