Andrea Pomaranski – Ann Arbor Running Coach
From: $145.00 / month and a $19.00 sign-up fee
Andrea has run in three US Olympic Marathon Trials, most recently placing 27th in 2024. Along with being an American Masters-record holder with a marathon PB of 2:31:06, Andrea placed 2nd at the 2023 IAU 50 km World Championships.
Description
Andrea Pomaranski is a running coach based out of Ann Arbor, MI. A US Olympics qualified runner herself, Andrea is passionate about helping busy people fit running into their lifestyles, whether you are working 40+ hours a week or raising kids full-time (or both).
LEVELS: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
TYPES: Road, Track
DISTANCES: 5k/10k/Half Marathon, Marathon
TRAINING PLATFORM: Final Surge
TRAINING PLAN: Individual, customized training plan
COMMUNICATION: Unlimited email, unlimited text
RESPONSE TIME: Within 48 hours
LOCATION: Wolverine Lake, MI
IN-PERSON SESSIONS: No, online coaching only
SPECIALTIES
I enjoy working with fresh, new runners all the way up to experienced runners and elites. My ideal client is someone who wants to succeed and improve themselves, and who is willing to let me guide them to accomplish their dreams, goals, and beyond. I’ve trained as a full-time employee in the corporate world and also as a stay at home mom to three children four and under, so my sweet spot is working with anyone who needs help figuring out how to get in quality workouts within the constraints of a modern, fast-paced lifestyle. I also have a holistic health coaching certification and concentrate on a lifestyle based approach, working on improving all aspects of the client’s life as well as improving running performance.
PHILOSOPHY
Gradually increasing training load, either in mileage or intensity, learning to get comfortable being uncomfortable, staying healthy and consistent, making sure your hard days are hard, and your easy days are restorative, and most importantly having fun and enjoying the journey are my main ingredients for success. Also, each person and each training cycle is different and unique, so I think it’s incredibly important to tailor each plan based on the individual and where they’re at in their running journey.
COACHING EXPERIENCE
I first started coaching athletes when I was in college and spent my summers as a counselor at running camps. I continued to work with runners after I graduated college, as an assistant high school cross country coach. Since then, I’ve continued coaching on the individual side, working with friends and family. I’ve also self-coached my way to qualifying for the Olympic Marathon trials with just 5 months of run specific training. I’ve been a competitive athlete since high school and know exactly what it takes to be successful in this sport, and how to stay happy and healthy along the way.
ABOUT ME
I’m a wife and a mom to three beautiful children, ages 4, 4, and 2. A certified holistic health coach, I eat a plant based diet. I started running in high school to stay in shape for softball and fell in love with the sport. Continuing my running journey in college, I was a 3 time Division 1 All-American.
After taking a few years off running competitively, I returned to the sport, this time training for marathons. I ran my first marathon in a 2:58, and worked my way down to a 2:37 just 14 months later. I was in the best shape of my life when I found out I had Osteoporosis. My doctor told me I may never be able to run over a few miles again.
I completely revamped my lifestyle, moving to a vegan, plant based diet, and took time off to start a family. Now, nearly a decade later, I no longer have Osteoporosis, my bone density is completely normal, and I have completed an Ironman as well as several marathons. Because of my history, and my passion for running, I have a strong desire to help others reach their true potential and live happier, healthier, more fulfilling lives.
BIG INFLUENCES
My first coach, Paul Aufdemberge, one of the top Masters runners in the country, has had a huge impact on my training philosophy. I also use some ideas from the Hanson’s training methodology.
RACING HISTORY
Marathons:
- 2020 Olympic Marathon Trials
- Boston
- New York
- Twin Cities
- Arizona Rock n Roll
- Detroit
Ironmans:
- 2019 Mont Tremblant, Quebec
CERTIFICATIONS
- I have a Holistic Health Coaching Certification from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition
PRs
- 5000m: 16:14 (6/12/2010) Brian Diemer 5K, Grand Rapids, MI, Road
- 10,000m: 34:42 (4/10/10) Dearborn, MI, Road
- 10 Mile: 56:10 (8/28/10) Flint, MI, Road
- Half marathon: 1:13.15 (9/12/10) Chicago Half Marathon, Road
- Marathon: 2:37.44 (01/17/10) Arizona Rock n Roll Marathon, Road
AWARDS & ACCOLADES
- 2 Time Olympic Marathon Trials Qualifier
- 3 Time Division 1 All-American
- American Junior Record Holder – 3K Steeplechase (2001)
- 3 Time Miami University Athlete of the Year
- 2010 Chicago Half Marathon Winner
CONTACT ANDREA
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.
PUBLICATIONS
- Podcast with Lindsey Hein
SOCIAL
Jessica Rockafellow –
*** Review as of August 2024 ***
It’s been just over a year with working with Andrea and wanted to update my review. For anyone wondering if a run coach is worth it, it is with Andrea. I came into the sport a little over a year ago really not much about how to execute in long distance running. With no running background, but a will to push myself and see what can be accomplished, joined with the guidance of Andrea’s training, has led me to accomplish my first marathon and now training for a second one with bigger goals. I experienced an injury last year which was early on in the journey but Andrea was there to modify the plan, encourage, and here we are today. Having someone like Andrea in my corner is just what I needed to help me continue on the journey to see what is possible.
*** Review as of July 2023 ***
Andrea has been nothing short of amazing to work with! I’m newer to running but have goals to see how far I can push the limit. I immediately resonated with Andrea given her background of struggles but ultimately perseverance. Andrea understands how to get results from an athletes perspective which helps her coach empathetically to her athletes. She is super supportive and encouraging, knows when to push you, and isn’t afraid to level with you either. Andrea is very available for questions and always gives great perspectives on some of the little things I’m curious of. Andrea’s workouts are tough but if you’re looking for results, you won’t be disappointed. She strikes a good balance and always reiterates to make sure we go easy when we’re supposed to. I look forward to continue working with Andrea through my running journey!
Katie –
I love working with Andrea! She’s been putting together a great schedule for my marathon goals and It has been successful so far. She is a pretty involved coach and is really helpful when I have questions. Andrea is a great coach to work with if you need motivation- she is always so positive! Looking forward to working with Andrea again for my next season!
Jason Moore –
Andrea worked with my daughter last winter and spring during her eighth grade year. She created fun and challenging workouts that were tailored to her needs—and were responsive to her busy basketball schedule. Andrea fostered a healthy attitude to training and nutrition and injury prevention. 7-8 months of lessons really set her up for success her freshman year of cross country. Highly recommend!
Brian Frank –
Coach Andrea is an inspirational athlete and human being. Her training plans are adaptable to my changing race distances, and under her guidance I have improved significantly, breaking through a multi-year plateau. She communicates her experience effectively and easily, and has a credible, infectious positivity. I am grateful to have a national champion, top-performing masters runner, and overall great person as a coach!
Cory Sneddon –
Andrea has exceeded what I thought I would get when looking for a running coach. The workouts she gives are both fun and challenging. She has been very proactive and is quick to respond when I have questions about a race, training, or nutrition.
Elizabeth –
Andrea has been wonderful these past few months. I’ve been a long distance runner for over ten years but really appreciate Andrea’s expertise, guidance, and support as I work to improve my performance in the marathon. She checks in and is very responsive, and the weekly workout plans have been very beneficial. It was important for me to have well-rounded coaching that includes nutrition and strength training, and I’m so glad I found Andrea!
Erin B –
If you are looking to be inspired, look no further than Andrea! My husband “gifted” me a coach as a way to help take my running to the next level. As a result, I have fallen in love again with workouts, long runs and working toward a goal.
Andrea keeps the workouts fresh and interesting, and you can see your week-to-week progress as you increase mileage. She has great communication and a true appreciation for family/life balance. Andrea is kind, compassionate, and genuinely cares about your progress and health as a runner and person. So honored to be one of her runners!
nk7 –
Andrea is a wonderful coach!She gives positive feedback and is compassionate. Her workouts were challenging and helped me improved my fitness and running ability! I highly recommend her!
Vivian –
Andrea is a great coach; I feel lucky to be able to train with such an accomplished athlete. Thus far all of the workouts I’ve done have been challenging, but still doable. She has been great about accommodating last-minute schedule changes as well. Additionally, Andrea has given me useful nutrition advice. I’m training for my 6th marathon with a goal to PR, and I’m confident Andrea’s coaching will get me to my goal!
Jaci Rydberg –
Coach Andrea is a wonderful coach! She is supportive and yet pushes you as needed! She provides adaptable workouts and is very responsive, as I am recovering from a sciatic nerve issue and now working towards some consistency in my running. I feel very lucky to have her in my corner as I progress to be a better runner!
Kristen Smith –
I am so thankful I found Andrea to help me prepare for my next marathon! While I have been an endurance runner for many years, I knew I needed help with reaching the next level in my running both mentally and physically. Andrea has been amazing and supportive every step of the way and has created a plan that is challenging me to find my strength and confidence. She is always there to answer my questions about workouts, fueling and running gear and I look forward to her feedback after long runs and workouts. Andrea motivates me to want to work harder than I ever have to reach my goal.
I have been working with Andrea for a little over two months and have already seen many positive changes in my running. While race day isn’t until October, I know I will stand at the starting line stronger and more confident than ever before and am so grateful for Andrea’s guidance and knowledge as I continue to prepare for my goal marathon!
fisheram70 –
I have been working with Andrea for a few months now and she has been great! I have been doing endurance running for quite some time, but felt like I had lost my zest for it. I was slowing down and tired of people saying it was my age. Andrea has been a great cheerleader, keeping me positive when I have gotten down on myself and her plans have helped me slow down and enjoy the running again. She is always responsive and is great about altering my plans to meet my needs. I am glad I signed up to work with Andrea. ????
Karla Labenz –
I started running about 5 years ago with my son who enjoys it as much as me. In 2018 and 2019 I had ran a couple half marathons in the time of 1:56, my 5k PR was 24:12. I am 57 years old and have always enjoyed running. Then I had a couple injuries and covid came, during that time I felt like I took a giant step backwards. My son decided to find me a coach in 2021 that would seem to fit my needs and his needs also, as he had a major surgery and an ankle problem. Andrea has been perfect help every step of the way! I love how she listened to our setbacks and accomplishments then comes up with a weekly plan to eventually reach our goal of doing a full marathon later this summer. She has a lot of professional information to offer and is prompt when you have something to ask or tell her. She keeps me motivated each day and gives me the confidence that I can get there! Thank you Andrea!!????
Brian Labenz –
Coach Andrea is the best! I now am running with confidence! Before getting hooked up with Team RunRun I felt lost and confused. Having Andrea to check in with has done so much for me! After 2 months I’ve ran a 5:52 pace in a 5 mile run which is a PR! I’m so excited to see where this goes!! I’m so thankful to have found Andrea, she’s an AMAZING coach!
PFHang –
I have been working with Coach Andrea for the past two months. I went through a 10 week training cycle with her for the Atlanta Half Marathon. Although race day conditions were not ideal (100% humidity with ~65 degrees F when I have been training in 20-30 degrees with little humidity in NYC), I had such a strong training cycle that I still feel confident about the shape I am in despite not being able to run my goal time. I am excited to continue working with Andrea for my marathon build up for Grandma’s in June.
Andrea has been a good sounding board for what to do when I can’t do a run because of the weather or when to take additional rest days if I am feeling off. Before working with Andrea, I was working with a coach who was very rigid on exact pacing because she thought that was the only way to get faster and that sucked almost all the joy from running. I started off mentally burned out, but Andrea’s flexibility, guidance, and supportive coaching style gave me room to love running again while still pushing myself. I find her workouts appropriately challenging. I am running faster during my long runs than I have ever ran before. I am running mile PRs during long run workouts, which is pretty amazing. I think if you are someone looking to push yourself and are willing to do the work, Andrea would be a good fit for you.
Christine Hoogasian –
I have been working with Coach Andrea for the past two months. I am a rather new runner, and wanted to train properly for my first half marathon next month. I have had a wonderful experience working with Coach Andrea: she gives me appropriate and manageable assigned runs/workouts to do and she is always very prompt, helpful and encouraging when I let her know how a workout went and how I am feeling. She has been so understanding when I got injured recently, and is a really awesome coach overall! I look forward to continue working with her as I reach for new running goals.
David Melfi –
Coach Andrea has been awesome! She has a fantastic attitude and provides valuable feedback. She is able to adapt the plan to your training needs and takes care to build up mileage in a safe and effect progression. I have already “accidentally” PR’d a few distances as a result of our work together. Highly recommend!