Lori McGee KochChicago Running Coach

Lori McGee Koch - Chicago Running Coach
Lori McGee Koch - Chicago Running Coach - Image 2

Lori McGee Koch – Chicago Running Coach

From Boston qualifier to run/walk—RPE-based coaching that adapts to real life, using data as a tool, not a rule.

From: $99.00 / month and a $19.00 sign-up fee

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Running Coach Description

I coach runners across the full spectrum—from run/walk athletes and first-time racers to experienced runners chasing PRs and Boston qualification. No matter where you’re starting, the goal is the same: help you train smarter and build something sustainable.

My approach is built around effort-based training (RPE), and can be supported by data from wearables like Garmin and Apple Watch for those who like to use those tools. I don’t coach by numbers alone—I teach you how to understand your effort and use data as a tool, not a rule. That means you’ll know how to adjust when conditions change, instead of feeling stuck to a pace on your watch.

My background as a PhD-trained neuroscientist with a sleep, recovery and performance focus, along with, being an occupational therapist. All of this experience shapes how I coach. I bring a deeper understanding of how the body and brain adapt to training, recovery, and stress and how to apply that in a practical, real-world way for runners.

I work with a lot of athletes who are balancing real life—careers, family, travel, and everything in between. I also coach runners navigating key transitions, including returning from injury, training through pregnancy and postpartum, and continuing to perform as masters athletes.

I focus on:

Smart, progressive training that builds over time
Run/walk strategies that evolve with your fitness
Pacing and race execution (this is a big one)
Long runs that actually prepare you for race day
Fueling and hydration strategies you can trust

With 20+ years of coaching experience, I’ve led large marathon training programs (400+ athletes in a single program) and worked one-on-one with 300+ runners. I’ve helped athletes qualify for Boston, return stronger after setbacks, and achieve goals they didn’t think were possible.

As a Boston Marathon qualifier and marathoner myself (40+ finishes and counting), I understand both the physical and mental side of training—and what it takes to show up ready on race day.

If you’re looking for a coach who will meet you where you are, adapt your training to real life, and help you become a more confident, self-sufficient runner, we’ll be a great fit.

Contact Lori

Levels:Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Types:Road, Track, Trail
Distances:5k/10k/Half Marathon, Marathon, Ultra
Training Platform:Final Surge
Training Plan:Individual, customized training plan
Communication:Unlimited Phone, Unlimited Text
Response Time:Within 48 hours
Location:Itasca, IL
In-Person Sessions:No

Specialties

I specialize in 5K, 10K, half marathon, and marathon training—from first-timers to experienced runners chasing PRs. I’ve coached everything from run/walk athletes to sub-3 marathoners, so I’m comfortable meeting you wherever you are in your running journey.

As a Boston Marathon qualifier and longtime coach, I’ve also trained through real life—injury, childbirth, graduate school, multiple jobs, and all the shifts that come with different seasons. I understand that training isn’t static, and I help athletes adapt their approach so it actually fits their life.

I focus a lot on:

  • Building smart, progressive training plans
  • Run/walk strategies that actually work (and evolve over time)
  • Normalizing run/walk and power walking as effective, long-term approaches to endurance training
  • Long runs that prepare you for race day—not just survive them
  • Pacing and race execution (this is a big one)
  • Fueling and hydration strategies you can trust

I also have extensive experience coaching large groups, which means I’m skilled at adapting training across a wide range of abilities while still keeping it personal.

Philosophy

I believe training should make sense for your life, not the other way around. And you should find enjoyment in the activities that you do.

I combine effort-based training (RPE) with modern wearable data to give you the best of both worlds. RPE teaches you how to listen to your body, while tools like Garmin and Apple Watch provide helpful feedback on pace, heart rate, and training load. Instead of relying on one or the other, I help you understand how they work together. If you are not into using data from watches, FitBit, etc, then I help you understand how to read your physical and mental fitness in the moments that it is in.

Life, weather, stress—they all matter. This approach allows you to stay consistent across changing conditions, avoid overtraining or undertraining, and build long-term awareness and confidence as a runner.

A few things I always come back to:

  • Consistency matters more than any single workout
  • Every workout and rest day should have a purpose
  • Training should build confidence, not just fitness
  • Plans should adjust when life happens (because it will)

At the end of the day, the goal is simple: you become a smarter, more self-sufficient athlete who understands your training, not just follows it. In addition, work to find strategies to ensure you ENJOY IT.

Coaching Experience

I’ve been coaching endurance athletes for over 20 years, working with runners at every level—from first-timers to experienced marathoners.

As a former Head Coach for Chicago Endurance Sports / Fleet Feet Chicago, I:

  • Led training programs with 400+ athletes at a single location for 20 years
  • Managed, developed and created ongoing education for a team of 40+ coaches and 100+ pacers
  • Built and executed marathon and half marathon training cycles
  • Organized large-scale training events, including 20-mile runs and race prep sessions
  • Developed pacing systems and coach education to support athletes across all levels

In addition to large group coaching, I’ve worked one-on-one with 300+ athletes, helping them:

  • Qualify for the Boston Marathon
  • Return to running after injury
  • Train through pregnancy and postpartum
  • Navigate performance goals as masters/older athletes
  • Balance training with demanding, real-world schedules

Written several training programs, trainings to coach the coach and been quoted and interviewed in several running media outlets.

I’ve coached run/walk athletes, continuous runners, and performance-focused racers—and I tailor each approach to the individual.

I’ve also served as an official pacer for 10+ Chicago Marathons and multiple other races, which gives me a unique perspective on race-day execution, pacing, and athlete experience from start to finish.

About Me

I’ve been running and coaching since college, and it’s been a constant through every stage of my life.

I didn’t start running until college, where I competed in cross country and became an NAIA All-American. Since then, I’ve run 40+ marathons, qualified for Boston, and spent years pacing and running alongside thousands of runners. I’ve also completed countless half marathons, 10Ks, and 5Ks along the way.

Running has carried me through a lot of life seasons—graduate school, career changes, injuries, and everything in between—which is a big part of why I value it so much. Some days it’s about chasing a goal, and other days it’s just about getting out the door. I enjoy both. What keeps me in it is the process, the people, and the feeling of seeing what’s possible over time.

Outside of running, I have a PhD in neuroscience from Northwestern University, where my work focused on sleep, recovery, performance, and cardiometabolic health. I’m also trained as an occupational therapist. By day, I work with researchers who are building and advancing new ideas in science.

That background has shaped how I think about performance, recovery, and how people adapt over time. I’m especially interested in wearable technology and big data, and how we can better understand today’s runner—from competitive athletes to run/walkers and walkers—to build smarter, more effective training approaches.

A final passion that I have is coaching education for many charity groups who bring in athletes raising money for several causes.

Big Influences

Run/walk methods as not only a plan to come back from injury, but a plan that makes you more of an efficient athlete.

I am a big Hanson Plan method, but it is mostly because lays out stretching endurance across the week without a long run like 20 miler to be your only metric on accomplishing the run.

Race History

I started running college to lose weight and the college coach approached me and asked if I wanted to try out. I ended up being the fastest person on the team and it drove all the passion I have for running, coaching and relating to people who need just a little confidence boost.

I have done several large and small races. But some of my favorite accomplishments have been being an official race pacer for over 100 races meeting people and coaching them to the finish on victory lap day.

I have qualified for Boston more than once, but fun fact, many life events made it not possible to go. All end up being fun stories.

Certifications

UESCA

Personal Records

Personal PR’s and Selected Accomplishments:

  • 1 mile: 5:45
  • 5K 19:49
  • 10K 40:36
  • Half Marathon 1:37
  • Marathon 3:37:54
  • 50K 6:08:15 (7 weeks post partum)

Publications

Contact Lori

Finding a coach who is a great fit for you is really important. We encourage you to email your coach prior to signing up so you can connect, communicate, and ensure a good athlete/coach fit.
Lori:
Name
Give us a brief history of your running, and this can include what distances and/or races you’ve run, how long you’ve been running, any past or present injuries, if you’ve worked with a coach or a specific training program before, etc.
Any short term or long term goals?
Describe your ideal coach/athlete relationship.
Any questions/comments for Team RunRun or the Coach in general?