Richard Urias – Ivins, Ut Running Coach
Mountain and ultra coach helping athletes chase big goals through smart training, real experience, and trail stoke.
$145.00 / month and a $19.00 sign-up fee
Running Coach Description
Mountain and ultra coach helping athletes chase big goals through smart training, real experience, and trail stoke.
Specialties
I specialize in trail and mountain race coaching with real world experience across everything from fast half marathons to some of the toughest ultramarathons in the country. I’m passionate about helping athletes build confidence in the mountains, dial in race specific pacing plans, and prepare for the physical and mental challenges that come with trail racing. From steep climbs and technical terrain to long days deep into an ultra, I love helping runners find smart strategies that keep them strong all the way to the finish line. I also bring extensive experience in pacing and crew support, helping athletes create detailed race day plans for pacing, nutrition, aid stations, and overall execution. Whether the goal is a first trail race, a podium finish, or simply having the best day possible out on the trails, I’m all about building strong athletes, good vibes, and a genuine love for the sport.
Philosophy
My philosophy on coaching is rooted in growth, communication, and building strong relationships with the athletes I work with. I believe that to be the best coach possible, I need to continue learning and growing myself. By continuing to train, race, and work with a coach personally, I stay connected to the real experiences athletes face and can better help navigate the challenges, setbacks, and victories that come throughout training and racing.
At the core of my coaching is the belief that strong communication and trust are everything. Every athlete is different, and no training plan should ever feel one size fits all. Building a genuine relationship with an athlete allows me to better understand their goals, lifestyle, strengths, and challenges so we can create a plan that is realistic, sustainable, and built specifically for them. Life will always throw curveballs, and having open communication allows training to adapt when needed without losing sight of the bigger picture.
I believe long term success is built through consistency, smart recovery, and actually enjoying the process. Fitness is not built in one workout or one big training week. It comes from stacking small wins over time, staying healthy, recovering properly, and showing up day after day with purpose. I want athletes to feel excited about training, confident in their preparation, and motivated by the process rather than overwhelmed by it.
What’s Important to Me as a Coach
* Building strong athlete and coach relationships through trust and communication
* Creating individualized training plans that fit the athlete, not forcing the athlete to fit the plan
* Helping athletes stay consistent while balancing training, work, family, and everyday life
* Emphasizing recovery, injury prevention, and long term development
* Preparing athletes mentally and physically for the unique challenges of trail and ultramarathon racing
* Teaching athletes how to adapt, problem solve, and stay positive during difficult moments
* Keeping training enjoyable and helping athletes stay connected to why they started
* Building confidence through preparation, experience, and sustainable progress
* Creating an environment where athletes feel supported, motivated, and genuinely stoked to chase big goals
Coaching Experience
I’ve been coaching endurance athletes for the past 3 years and have been involved in coaching and athletics long before finding ultrarunning in 2020. Before trail and ultra racing, I spent most of my life playing football and competing in mixed martial arts, which helped shape the way I approach coaching today. A lot of what I believe comes down to consistency, building confidence, learning how to work through challenges, and keeping the process fun along the way.
I’m also a big believer that great coaches should always stay in the process themselves. I continue to work with a coach personally because I believe there’s always something new to learn, improve, and experience as both an athlete and a mentor. I still train hard and chase meaningful races that push me physically and mentally, which helps me stay connected to what athletes are actually going through day to day. From balancing life and training to dealing with setbacks, race nerves, and breakthrough moments, I understand the process because I’m living it too. That connection helps me coach with real experience, empathy, and a genuine passion for helping athletes grow, gain confidence, and get stoked about chasing big goals.
Most of my experience is centered around trail, mountain, and ultramarathon racing. I’ve helped athletes train for and complete their first 50K, 50 mile, and 100 mile races while building race specific plans around their goals, fitness, and lifestyle. I really enjoy helping athletes break down big intimidating goals into manageable steps and showing them they’re capable of more than they think.
I also love the details that come with race preparation. From pacing plans and crew support to race day logistics, nutrition, aid station strategy, and overall execution, I enjoy helping athletes feel calm and prepared heading into race day. Working in the endurance industry has also given me a lot of hands on experience with gear, hydration systems, packs, poles, and lighting systems, so I’m always happy to help athletes dial in equipment for long days and nights out on the trails. Whether it’s your first ultra or your biggest race yet, I want athletes to show up prepared, confident, and genuinely stoked to be out there.
Key Coaching Highlights
* 3 years of trail and ultrarunning coaching experience
* Coaching background in football and mixed martial arts
* Active endurance athlete who continues to train and work with a coach personally
* Specialized in trail, mountain, and ultramarathon racing
* Helped athletes successfully complete their first:
* 50K ultramarathons
* 50 mile ultramarathons
* 100 mile ultramarathons
* Experience with:
* Race specific pacing plans
* Crew and pacer support
* Race logistics and execution
* Nutrition and hydration planning
* Aid station strategy
* Gear recommendations and lighting systems
* Mountain and technical terrain preparation
* Helped athletes reach goals and successful finishes at:
* Tushars Marathon
* Red Mountain half marathon,30k, and 50k
* Saddles 100
* Zion 100
About Me
First and foremost, I’m a husband, father, and grandfather who found a deep love for running, helping others, and building connections through the trail and ultrarunning community. Long before I ever pinned on a race bib, I had a strong connection to the outdoors. Some of my best memories growing up were spending weekends in the Rocky Mountains with my grandfather, exploring trails, camping, and learning to appreciate the mountains and the peace that comes with being outside. Looking back now, those experiences helped shape a lot of who I am today.
Before getting into ultrarunning in 2020, I spent years involved in athletics and coaching through football and mixed martial arts. That background helped build the foundation for the way I approach both life and coaching now. I believe in hard work, consistency, learning through challenges, and showing up for people when they need support.
Running eventually became more than just a hobby for me. It became a way to challenge myself, connect with others, and be part of something bigger than myself. I’ve been fortunate enough to work my way into the running industry and surround myself with amazing people, experiences, and opportunities that continue to fuel my passion for the sport.
While I love coaching and helping athletes chase big goals, coaching has always been secondary to building community and supporting people through their own journeys. One of the things I love most about trail running is how willing people are to show up for one another, and I try to carry that same energy into everything I do. Whether it’s helping an athlete prepare for their first 100 miler, pacing deep into the night, crewing at an aid station, or jumping in last minute to help a complete stranger reach their goal, I genuinely love being part of those moments. Watching someone accomplish something they once thought was impossible is one of the most rewarding parts of this sport.
At the end of the day, I’m just someone who loves the mountains, values community, believes in doing hard things, and wants to help people discover what they’re truly capable of.
Big Influences
A couple of the biggest influences in my life were my grandfathers. Both taught me very different lessons, but I’ve carried something meaningful from each of them into the way I live, race, and coach today. One introduced me to the outdoors and helped build my love for the mountains, adventure, and spending time outside. Some of my best memories growing up were exploring the Rocky Mountains with him and learning to appreciate the peace and perspective that comes from being in wild places. My other grandfather taught me the value of hard work, showing up for people, and giving back to others whenever you can. A lot of the way I approach community, coaching, and supporting athletes comes directly from those lessons.
As a coach, getting certified through UESCA under Jason Koop played a huge role in shaping how I approach coaching and athlete development. It helped me better understand the science behind endurance training while also reinforcing the importance of individualized coaching and communication.
I’m also heavily influenced by my own coach, Trevor Fuchs, who I’ve worked with for a little over two years. He has taught me patience, trust in the process, and has guided me through some of the most physically and mentally challenging races of my life.
I continue to draw inspiration from athletes throughout the trail and ultrarunning community as well. Athletes like Tara Dower, Kilian Jornet, Dan Green, Jeff Garmire, Troy Croxdale, and so many mid and back of the packers inspire me through their resilience, mindset, work ethic, and willingness to push beyond perceived limits while still giving back to the community around them.
Race History
*2021-Utah Desert half marathon, Zion at night Half marathon, Snow Canyon Half Marathon 1:30:55
*2022- Sun Half Marathon, Red Mountain 55k, Zion at night Half Marathon 1:36:15 5th overall, Utah Desert Half Marathon 1:30:53 1st overall course record, Cedar breaks at night 1st overall course record, Javelina 100 mile 20:59:01
*2023-Red Mountain 30k 6th male, Zion Ultras 50K 5:08:56 10th male, Tushars Mountain run 70k, Cedar Breaks at night 1st overall course record.
*2024-Red Mountain 50k, Cocodona 250 97:02:29, The Bear 100 miler.
*2025-Hurt 100, Red Mountain half marathon 4th male, Zion Ultras 100 mile 9th overall, The Bear 100 miler, Bridge Burner 50k 5th male,
*2026-Redmountain 30k, Flagstaff Crest 40.
Certifications
- UESCA Ultramarathon Coach
- UESCA Endurance Sports Nutrition
Awards & Accolades
Athlete Team Manager at UltrAspire
* Back to Back 1st Overall Finisher and Course Record Holder at the Cedar Break Half
* 1st Overall Finisher and Course Record Holder at the Utah Desert Half
* Sub 21 Hour Finisher at the Javelina 100
* Sub 100 Hour Finisher at the Cocodona 250
* Official Finisher of the Hurt 100 and 2x finisher of the Bear 100
Personal Records
*100 mile PR 20:59:01
*Trail half marathon 1:30:34
*Trail 50k 5:08:56
