Connor Phillips – Sacramento Running Coach
50% for your 1st month! Not sure if getting a run coach is right for you? Book a discovery call to learn more! I coach all abilities for all distances
$115.00 / month and a $19.00 sign-up fee
Running Coach Description
Jackson Hole-based running coach Connor Phillips provides 1:1 individualized coaching and prioritizes travel to his athletes’ races. Have you struggled to maintain a consistent running habit? Are you ready to get faster and run farther? Has running felt too difficult to be fun? Whether you’re starting from the beginning or working up in distances, contact Connor to get started.
*** 50% off your first month for Month-to-Month Coaching – Coupon Code: 50%cphillips *** Further discounts available if cost is a barrier ***
Specialties
+ Working with people new to the running world
+ Coaching ultra-distance trail runners
+ Helping experienced road runners transition to trail racing
+ Training athletes for faster road races
+ Medical care for runners, including foot care, maintaining your electrolyte balance, nutrition, and preventing soft tissue injuries
Philosophy
I invest as much into each athlete as they want and need. I will be with you through your highest highs and your lowest lows, celebrating the victories big and small, and providing support when the going gets tough. Coaching is neither a 9-5 job nor limited to just running; I am available to help your running journey however I can. I seek out ways to expand my emotional intelligence as well as scientific, data-driven training philosophies so that I can be a well-rounded coach and friend.
Priorities include: regular check-ins, clear and regular communication, receiving feedback, tailoring your schedule to YOU, and adapting programs as needed because of life circumstances.
Coaching is driven by your history so before we delve into specific ideas, let’s chat about your running experiences!
Coaching Experience
I began coaching youth track athletes as a high school runner. With time, I have increased the scope of my coaching practice, sought out new training philosophies, and expanded my coach offerings to include longer races on more diverse surfaces. I value working with athletes of all abilities, from those nervous about their first 5k to those looking to PR in a 200.
Past experiences guiding, teaching, and coaching other outdoor sports help me balance cross-training opportunities with my athletes.
One aspect I love about coaching is supporting athletes in their running endeavors, in person whenever possible. Ask about my availability for travel and I would love to help support you at your events.
A unique offering is my ability to provide professional medical care or advise to my athletes. With longer races, foot care preparation and problem-solving can make or break a race. Discussing strategies beforehand (or dealing with the problems that arise during races) is one of my favorite topics to discuss.
About Me
I grew up in Lodi, CA, the town where Credence Clearwater Revival got stuck! I am a 6th generation farmer and 4th generation runner who now splits time between Jackson, WY and the Sacramento, CA region. I ran my first race in a baby jogger at a few months old and have continued to run faster and farther ever since.
My early competitive running years were focused on track and road races. I ran through high school and part of college, at Bowdoin College in Maine. For a time I also focused on triathlons, specializing in Olympic distances and completing one Half Iron distance. Now I focus on sub-ultra and ultra trail races, though still enjoy fast track workouts, the occasional road race, and multisport events.
Running does not compromise my other outdoor interests, which include cycling, skiing, and whitewater kayaking. My dog, Pepper, joins me on all these adventures. I also value supporting local farms and eating seasonal foods from my neighbors.
The other important aspect of my life is emergency medicine. I am an EMT, teach wilderness medicine courses, and love working as a race medic, especially for 200-mile running races.
Big Influences
My dad was instrumental in my running origins, and he too continues to run longer races every year! As a teen, I read Dean Karnazes’ “Ultramarathon Man” and knew my future running would focus on longer trail races.
From a coaching perspective, Jason Koop inspires with science-driven coaching. I value Dr. Megan Roche and David Roche for their positivity and for uplifting all athletes.
Race History
I appreciate running diversity. I am excited to race fast road and track efforts alongside mountainous ultramarathons; I have dreams to return to the track to set PRs and eventually run a 200-mile race. Some notable running moments include breaking 5 minutes in the mile my senior year of high school, finishing my first ultramarathon alongside longtime friends, and signing up for races with my parents.
In addition to personally racing, I enjoy crewing/pacing friends and athletes and working as a race medic. Races I’ve been involved with through racing, coaching, crewing, or providing medical care include:
+Western States 100
+Cocodona 250
+Sedona Canyons 125
+California International Marathon
+Bigfoot 200
+Tahoe 200
+Moab 240
+Javelina Jundred
+Beaverhead 100k
+Bear 100
+Dead Horse 50 mile
+Moab Run the Rocks stage race
+Arches Ultramarathon
Certifications
+UESCA Ultrarunning Certification, in progress
+NREMT/ WFR (both are medical certifications that I rely on when working as a race medic)
+Various teaching credentials for whitewater kayaking, skiing, and wilderness medicine instruction that help me be a more well-rounded coach and teacher
Personal Records
+1 Mile: 4:52 (2014) Bowdoin College Track Invite
+5k: 17:17 (2014) Bowdoin College Track Invite
+Half Marathon: 1:24 (2014) Shamrock’n Half
+Marathon: 3:17 (5/11/19) Maine Shipyard Coast Marathon
+50 Mile: 7:53 (11/19/22) Dead Horse Ultra
NorcalMB –
I’ve only been working with Connor for a short time, but I can already say the experience has been exceptional. He is incredibly responsive, kind, and genuinely easy to talk to. From day one, he has been professional, attentive, and thoughtful in how he approaches coaching.
What stands out most is how well he listens. He takes the time to understand not just my fitness goals, but also my work travel schedule and the realities of my life. He adapts my workouts accordingly, so they feel sustainable and tailored specifically to me — not generic or templated.
Connor has a way of being both gentle and honest. He knows how to “speak my language,” offering feedback and encouragement in a way that motivates me without overwhelming me. After spending a year with a coach who relied heavily on automated workout assignments, the level of personalization and care Connor brings has been incredibly refreshing.
I’m truly impressed and very grateful to be working with him. I’m excited about the progress ahead and hopeful that I’ll get to train with him for years to come.
Wyo_Why –
As a newer runner I knew I needed support beyond apps and AI. Finding Connor was exactly the right move. Connor is responsive and encouraging and has helped me keep transition into higher mileages without overdoing things and getting injured. My schedule in emergency services is so variable and it was important for me to find someone who could understand that lifestyle and help me economize my time. Connor has been great about helping to adapt my training schedule around work and life needs. Working with him has taken the guesswork out of growing as a runner and I would recommend him to anyone looking to do the same.
Kate –
Connor is reliable, responsive, and creates a great tailored running plan. I am impressed with how quickly he gets back to me with detailed responses to questions from fueling, to injuries and also race planning. It’s also been really helpful to have adjusted running plans with a frequent traveling schedule while working for a hectic startup.
After running D3 in college, I had a really hard time getting back into shape for the last 6 years. I’d been running and fueling based on “vibes,” leading to lots of injuries from overtraining and bonking hard and averaging ~20 miles a week. But with his coaching support, I’ve finally been able to run 40 mile weeks again, without pain and not feeling dizzy. It was surprising to be able to run up this local hill without being out of breath for the first time in years.
I’m grateful to work with him, and hope to continue my journey towards running ultramarathons 💪
Kim –
Connor has been coaching me for the past few months and has been a huge help in starting my running journey. I have gone from being unable to run a mile to running my first 10k this coming Saturday! He is very knowledgeable about all things fitness and has tailored my weekly workout plan to fit my very busy residency schedule. His coaching style is personalized, collaborative, and supportive. I’m excited to continue working with him and see how much more I can progress in becoming a runner 🙂