1:1 Run Coaching @ Running Explained
You're a unique runner with unique goals and a busy life! It's time for truly personalized training that helps develop sustainable habits and build you to your fullest potential so you can go after those goals you've only ever dreamed of.
Whether you're trying to quit the cycle of burnout & injury, build your endurance and make running an enjoyable part of your life, are training for your first race at any distance, or are trying to break through on big performance goals like Boston or going sub-3, the Running Explained Coaching Team is here to help you achieve your goals!
At Running Explained, we believe in the holistic development of every runner; that's why all our 1:1 coaching includes basic strength training and education about intra-run fueling & hydration We'll always emphasize the importance of recovery (including sleep and life stress management), taking your easy runs easy, and making sure your current training volume and goals make sense with your current season of life!
We also know that true running progress doesn't happen overnight; we hope you're looking for a coach for the long haul, not a quick fix, and we want to foster long-term relationships with our runners over multiple training cycles!
Book your free exploration call and get matched with one of our experienced running coaches who can develop a truly custom training program that maximizes your training time & potential!
Please note: the onboarding process for new 1:1 athletes typically takes 1-2 weeks.
I'm not a "fast" runner; can I still work with a coach?
We work with runners of ALL paces, goals, and experience levels! The only prerequisite is your commitment to yourself, a desire to learn, and an openness to trying new things!
What kind of training will my coach tell me to do?
Your training will be written entirely for YOU and be based on your schedule, experience, short and long-term goals, and what else you have going on in your life! Additionally, your coach will explain why you're doing certain types of training, guide you in executing your training effectively, and help you plan multiple training cycles with different focuses and goals!
I want to lose weight; can my coach help me do that?
We do NOT provide weight-loss coaching, and encourage all our athletes to fuel for performance.
I live outside the US; can I still work with a coach 1:1?
Yes! We coach athletes around the world in a variety of countries and time zones. All our coaching is done virtually (through Final Surge, email, texting/WhatsApp, Zoom etc) so you do not need to be in the same time zone or country as your coach!
How long will it take me to reach my goal?
No coach anywhere can guarantee specific results on a specific timeline (& if they do, run away!). What we WILL do is 1) assess where you currently are, 2) understand what your short, medium, and long-term goals are, and 3) train you as effectively as possible to help you reach the big goals you're chasing!
Classic 1:1
$195/month
Intro meeting with history, evaluation, & goal setting
Personalized, progressive, adaptive running, cross-training, warm-ups, and basic strength/mobility training plan programmed via FinalSurge
Work with a member of our experienced, certified run coaching team!
Weekly training feedback
Email & text support during business hours
Pre-race planning & strategy meeting for goal races
Post-race debrief meeting
Education on performance fueling & hydration
Access to all masterclass content and video lecture library is included!
Team RXP/C performance t-shirt
Premium 1:1
$235/month
Intro meeting with history, evaluation, & goal setting
Personalized, progressive, adaptive running, cross-training, warm-ups, and basic strength/mobility training plan programmed via FinalSurge
Work with a member of our experienced, certified run coaching team!
Weekly training feedback
Unlimited client calls
Unlimited email & text communication
Pre-race planning & strategy meeting
Education on performance fueling & hydration
Post-race debrief meeting
Access to all masterclass content and video lecture library is included!
Team RXP/C performance t-shirt
PremiumPlus 1:1
$295/month
Work 1:1 with Coach Elisabeth!
Intro meeting with history, evaluation, & goal setting
Personalized, progressive, adaptive running, cross-training, warm-ups, and basic strength/mobility training plan programmed via FinalSurge
Weekly training feedback
Unlimited client calls
Unlimited email & text communication
Pre-race planning & strategy meeting
Education on performance fueling & hydration
Post-race debrief meeting
Access to all masterclass content and video lecture library is included!
Team RXP/C performance t-shirt
MEET THE COACHES
Elisabeth Scott
FOUNDER & HEAD COACH
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Coach Status: Not accepting new clients at this time
Elisabeth started Running Explained with the mission to help runners of all experiences and abilities become students of the sport and understand the how, what, and why of running! Although active in sports growing up (including swimming, cross-country, and downhill skiing), running just to run was never on her mind! After a long stretch of inactivity through college and her late twenties, Elisabeth picked up running at the age of 29 and set the goal of running a local 5k... just to "get in shape!" Within 6 months, she had run a 5k, 10k, half marathon, and full marathon, finishing her first half in 1:56 and her first full in 4:05 (which at the time was devasting... and in retrospect is something she is eminently proud of). This "crash course" in running (including learning a lot about what not to do) fueled the inspiration for the work she does today. She has since run 4 marathons, multiple 5k, 10k, and half marathon races, and her current PRs include a 20:07 5k, 1:36 half marathon, and 3:33 marathon (BQ).
In the past 5 years, her love of the sport has only grown, and she currently holds running certifications from RRCA, USATF, and UESCA, has coached dozens of runners 1:1, and helped thousands of runners achieve their goals with training plans and guidance!
Elisabeth's training philosophy emphasizes the importance of developing a strong aerobic capacity, creating training habits that encourage consistency, whole-athlete development (including advising on strength training, mobility, nutrition, hydration, and managing life stress), and helping runners enjoy what they're doing and making running fit into their life... not the other way around! She works with runners who have goals ranging from "become a better runner and quit the cycle of training burnout", to running a first half or full marathon, to running a specific goal time in races of all distances from the 5k through the marathon distance and multi-race weekends.
Elisabeth intentionally limits her client roster to provide her athletes with individualized attention along with balancing the needs of the growing business.
Elisabeth currently lives in central Connecticut with her husband and three dogs. When not immersed in running things, she enjoys going down Wikipedia rabbit holes, traveling, and renovating her house one room at a time.
Andrew Cantor
COACH
Coach Status: Not accepting new clients at this time
Andrew started running his freshman year of high school when he joined the cross country team because he had friends who signed up, but immediately fell in love with the team environment and the support he received from his coaches and teammates while also seeing improvement. To this day, one of the many things Andrew loves about running is chasing a tangible goal.
Andrew competed at Salisbury University for two years before deciding to take a break due to injury and burnout. In 2014, he committed to running a full marathon, with the goal of qualifying for Boston. Although he ran 3:09 and missed his goal by four minutes, Andrew used that race as a learning experience and since then has completed nine marathons, one ultramarathon, and lowered his Personal Best time to 2:44:42 at the New York City Marathon (2019). Andrew’s other notable personal best times include a 16:37 5K and a 56:35 10-mile, both of which occurred in the midst of marathon buildups.
Andrew’s coaching philosophy revolves around becoming a better overall runner, no matter your goal race distance. He understands that having a large aerobic engine is vital to success at longer distances but also believes that incorporating some leg speed into marathon training. He also believes that building a strong aerobic base is crucial to running fast times at shorter distances. While this methodology is, an effective way to maximize performance, MORE IMPORTANTLY, it is fun and helps build confidence in the athlete. Athletes run their best when they are enjoying the process and believe in themselves! Andrew’s goal as a coach is to not just help runners achieve their goals but to connect with them, support them and invest in their journey.
Although a Baltimorean at heart, Andrew currently resides in Washington DC. He is a commercial banker who is passionate about helping support small and local businesses. Andrew has a Degree in Business as well as an MBA from Salisbury University. Outside of running and work, Andrew is a sports fanatic (Go Orioles, Go Ravens!). He enjoys podcasts, reading (always looking for recommendations), searching for the best local beers, and spending quality time with friends and family.
Elena Solazzo
COACH
Coach Status: Accepting new clients at this time
Elena grew up playing sports, primarily Soccer and Basketball. She ran for her Varsity Track team as a sprinter placing 4th in Westchester County Sectionals in the 100m, and went on to play Division 1 soccer at Syracuse University and Binghamton University.
Her first distance race was in 2015 when she ran the Miami Half Marathon (finishing in 1:48). After running that race she fell in love with the sport and set a long-term goal to run a half marathon in all 50 states. Her current half marathon PR is 1:39.
After falling in love with running Elena couldn’t stop reading and researching the sport. She wanted to help and connect with other runners, so she became a run coach, receiving her certification from RRCA.
Elena’s training philosophy is to first get crystal clear on your goals to make sure training aligns with what you want to achieve. She believes proper training comes down to a balance of each athlete’s goals, experience level, and schedule. After assessing areas for improvement, she makes sure to build workouts into your plan that turn weaknesses into strengths to make you an all-around strong runner. Another area of emphasis is molding mental skills she feels these skills are just as important as making physical and physiological changes.
Elena is from New York but lives in Connecticut. She works for Indeed as a Data Governance Analyst. In addition to running and work, Elena loves to spend time with her husband and their dog. She also loves to travel and she still plays soccer in the Women’s Premier League for the New York Athletic Club.
Jessie Gruca
COACH
Coach Status: Accepting new clients at this time
Jessie began her running journey in college as a way to stay in shape once high school sports (field hockey and soccer) were over. A roommate asked Jessie to run a half marathon in 2009, where she completed it in 1:49 and decided she enjoyed running. She went on to run her first marathon in 2011, in 3:24 and quickly learned what a BQ was and finished that coveted race in 2013. The journey to complete a marathon in all 50 states began as a way to visit friends after college and since has completed 24 marathons (in 22 states) along with multiple 5Ks, 10Ks, and half marathons. She has also had her experience as a triathlete completing many Sprint and Olympic distance triathlons along with a half ironman finished in 5:38. Her motivation has allowed her to self-coached herself to PRs after reading multiple running books before finally deciding to get her RRCA running coach certification in 2021, to be able to help other runners improve their running and find the thrill as well. Her current PRs are a 19:57 5K, 1:30 half marathon, and 3:13 marathon.
Jessie’s coaching philosophy is to make running fun while working hard to reach our goals! A lot goes into having a good training block including building up the aerobic base through easy running but also including speed work and longer runs based on the race distance, goals, and experience. To be a well-rounded runner, she values the importance of also including strength training and mobility work to improve performance and as a way to prehab to help avoid potential injuries. She can relate to having fully scheduled days and limited time to help provide ways to fit running into our lives in an enjoyable way while giving feedback and support throughout training.
Not having left the Metro Detroit area in Michigan all of her life, she received her Bachelor's (2011) and Master’s (2012) in Civil Engineering at the University of Michigan and works as a Transmission Line Engineer at a Utility company. She is married to a Physical Therapist who runs his own clinic, a mom of two kids (boy and girl), and has a dog who joins her on a lot of her runs. Outside of running, working, and trying to stay on top of the family activities, she likes cozying up to read a book or watch TV shows, all things Disney, traveling, getting ice cream, and spending time with friends and family.
Amanda Katz
COACH
Coach Status: Accepting new clients at this time
Amanda first found her love for movement via group fitness. She was attending graduate school, working full-time as a communications professional in governmental and non-profit work and struggled for years with multiple eating disorders. Strength-based classes specifically made her feel stronger in her well-fueled body in a community setting. She felt like she had a purpose beyond just attending class and so, she nerded out on all things movement, gaining a few certifications to start and considered the idea of teaching on the side. She was initially hired as an instructor for a boutique cycling studio which later led to teaching strength training classes. Finally, after nearly a decade in her profession, Amanda pivoted to coach others full-time
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It wasn't until her late-20s she discovered running had more meaning than the punishment she initially considered as a teenager. From Kenya to Jordan and everywhere in between, she found the sport was a fun way to explore the world on her feet without pressure to be perfect. Finally in 2020, she chose to sign up for her first half-marathon. Due to the pandemic, she ended up running solo as a celebration of her self-taught training. She's since run multiple 5Ks, 10Ks, and half-marathons and is ready to complete her second marathon in Chicago.
Her philosophy is based on the idea that all bodies deserve a fitness experience without shame. She approaches her craft with humor, and tough love and ultimately wants her clients to leave feeling stronger and more capable.
Amanda is a certified RRCA run coach as well as a personal trainer. Certifications include NASM, AFAA Group Fitness, NESTA Kettlebell, Schwinn® Indoor Cycling MPOWER™ with WATTS, and TRX Suspension. When she is not privately coaching her athletes, she serves as an instructor for Equinox in indoor cycling, treadmill running, and strength training formats.
Beyond her professional life, Amanda loves an aimless walk and a total nerd for all things finance and exercise science. She lives in New York City (born and raised) with her fiancé and french bulldog, Bubba.
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Erica Borsack
COACH
Coach Status: Accepting new clients at this time
Erica grew up playing every sport imaginable, wanting to emulate her older brother - mainly focusing on soccer and lacrosse. Erica ran track and cross country in middle school until she was able to try out for the school soccer team. In college, Erica played Rugby at Colgate University.
Erica ran her first half marathon in high school with her dad, and the rest is history. After that first half marathon, she raced many half marathons, triathlons, and even was an Achilles Guide for part of the NYC Marathon in 203. In 2018, Erica signed up for her first marathon—the Miami Marathon—but came down with the flu a week before the race and wasn’t able to participate. Finally, in 2019, Erica made her marathon debut at the NYC Marathon, finishing in 4:53. Erica has run two other marathons since then, Chicago (4:35 in 2021) and Grandma’s Marathon in 2022 where she ran 3:35. Erica’s half marathon PR is 1:40, and she is chasing down both half marathon and marathon PRs this fall.
Erica loves the confidence that running has given her and was inspired to get her VDOT coaching certification in hopes that she could help others in their running journeys. Her training philosophy is to set clear goals, create a training plan that is unique to the individual, and to keep training challenging but fun.
Erica is from New Jersey and currently lives in New York City. Erica loves cooking and baking, traveling, and going on runs with friends (and might be guilty of convincing a few to run races with her).
Amanda Brooks-Barish
COACH
Coach Status: Accepting new clients at this time
Amanda began running in her mid-20s after seeing a local 5k race with an awesome finisher medal thinking, “I can run for that”. It quickly escalated as Amanda instantly had a connection with the community at races and comradery with her fellow runners. From there, she continued to add distance and completed her first half marathon. Amanda fell in love with how strong she felt moving her body with running, lifting, exploring mountains, and pushing it past any limitations she thought she had.
She continued to add distance and ran her first Marathon on the coast of Maine in 2018. From there she continued to push herself outside of her comfort zone and ran The Rut Mountain race in Big Sky, Montana before completing a Ragnar Relay in NH.
Amanda wanted to add more meaning to her running and this led to her signing up as a Charity runner to raise money for Team for Kids to run the New York City Marathon in 2018 and then again for Impact Melanoma to run the Boston Marathon in 2021.
During the pandemic, as a new mom, Amanda set goals for herself to stay motivated when all races were canceled. She decided she wanted to complete a self-supported 50k and she completed the “race” while using a 5-mile out loop and her porch as her aid station. From there Amanda then set a crazy goal to run a self-supported 100k a few months later. Using a similar 5 mile out and back, she completed the 62.2 miles running solo while fueling with pop-tarts and pierogies.
Amanda completed her first official Ultra-marathon and is currently training for the Rocky Raccoon 100k in early 2023.
Through Amanda’s running journey, she has inspired others with her transparency of all that running is --the struggles, the highs and lows and the obstacles. She received her Personal training certificate through ISSA and Running Coach Certification through UESCA to help others work to become the best runner they can be. Amanda’s philosophy is based on the idea that running is for everyone, no matter the distance, the pace or what your body looks like. Through consistency, proper recovery and making small steps forward, she believes you can achieve all that you set your mind to.
When Amanda isn’t running she is a program coordinator for a social services agency, can be found competing in a local powerlifting meet and spends time with her husband and son. She also loves exploring New England and hiking in the White Mountains.
COACHING TESTIMONIALS
Elisabeth’s coaching changed my life. She helped me unlock a new love for racing and running in general. I had ran 2 marathons previously without a coach. I remember dreading those long runs and even skipping workouts out of stress, anxiety, and running too hard! I completed an 18 week(+) training cycle with her coaching without injury and without fearing my long runs and actually looking forward to them and even enjoying them! Together we worked through a schedule and training load that easily fit my busy life with a husband, 2 kids, a job, pets and lots of summer travel. I felt that she was equally as invested in my success as I was. I completed my marathon with a 53 min PR and a huge smile on my face from truly enjoying every second of it. She helped me believe in something that I didn’t fully see and I wasn’t sure was possible for myself and helped me achieve it. - JD
If I could sum up my experience working with Coach Elisabeth over the past few months it would be, “Easy running works!” Trust the process, trust the plan, and you will see great things! What I also love about Running Explained is that the WHOLE runner matters. It is not just about completing ONE race or ONE training cycle, but rather coaching and encouraging lifelong runners. Elisabeth is dedicated to guiding and supporting athletes with a view of their total lifestyle and circumstances. From educating athletes via social media and her podcast, to her training plans and private coaching, Coach Elisabeth is an incredibly valuable voice in the world of running, and I am grateful to have her in my corner. - CG
In 2020 I had no intentions of ever running more than a 10k. I had come off an injury and never felt like I was an athlete, but COVID changed everything and I picked up running as a serious hobby to deal with the stress of raising my two young children amidst a pandemic. In late 2020 Elisabeth coached me for my first half marathon, a dream come true. I never thought I would have time to figure out the small stuff, let alone run as much as was necessary to train properly for a race of this measure. Elisabeth made sure to coach the whole runner, not just the runs. She even tailored runs to limit time away from my kids. Most importantly though, I knew I had someone who believed I could do it and do it well. Elisabeth didn't just coach me so I could finish, she coached me so I could finish strong. Her decisions are made with her vast scientific knowledge of and passion for the sport. She's positively brilliant and so easy to talk to, I can ask her anything! I know I'm going to slay this first marathon just like the halfs before it because I have her in my corner. - AS
As a new runner in my late 30's, I worked with Elisabeth to train for my first half-marathon. Not only did I hit my time goal, but I crossed the finish line with no injuries and a smile on my face. Elisabeth was a huge reason the training process was so enjoyable. She was always supportive, educational, and quick to make adjustments to my schedule when life happened. I highly recommend anyone with questions about running (which is everyone!) to work with Elisabeth and the Running Explained team. -RD