Annika Brubaker – Tri-Cities, WA Running Coach
Returning to running, zero background with running or looking to improve your time…? I’m here to to make your training be a success!
From: $110.00 / month and a $19.00 sign-up fee
Running Coach Description
Tr-Cities, WA running coach Annika Brubaker specializes in beginners looking to improve existing times or taking on new challenges, along with new moms getting back into running and wanting to take on new challenges. Annika incorporates advice on good nutrition, running gear, cross-training and strength training.
Specialties
Beginners-
Those who are new to running, may have a lot questions or need some guidance. I started with running later in life. I felt like a “beginner runner” for years. I still remember those first years of running and made a lot of mistakes. As your coach, I can help train through these beginner years so they are successful!
Returning to Running-
Those who have taken time of running for injuries, motherhood or personal reasons. As a Mom of three young children, I’ve had to take time off running three times after birth and built my way back to running ultras. It’s humbling starting over but possible to reach your hardest goals with the right training. Taking time “off” doesn’t have to be the end of your running days.
Mothers-
I have special place in my heart for Moms. I know how difficult it is to juggle motherhood, running, training and everyday life. I’m here to help you tackle your biggest goals, new fitness routine & training with kids.
Philosophy
Running and training should be fun and you should enjoy it! Training should fit into YOUR lifestyle & routine and NOT take it over! I customize every plan/workout so it is built around your availability to train, lifestyle, fitness and goal races. Training should be properly balanced with your everyday life and running goals.
You can contact me for a free consultation: phone, email, in-person or Google hangout (or click contact Annika)
A few other things I like to help my athletes with…
- Good Nutrition (fuel and refuel as I call it)
- Proper Running Gear
- Incorporating cross-training and strength training
- Warm-up and cool-down before with each run
- Rest Days (give your body some TLC)
Coaching Experience
After several years of doing my own studying and research, I became a RRCA certified coach in 2018. I started working with TRR in 2020. I’ve coached brand new runners to experienced marathoners, runners returning from injuries, Moms setting PRs after having babies, and first time ultra marathoners. I have created training plans and coach running groups training for 5k & half marathons. In 2024 I became a USTAF Certified Coach Cross Coach and coach middle & high schools with a small school.
About Me
I am a farmer’s wife and blessed mom of three. I enjoy mountain adventures & camping with my family in the summer. I usually train for an ultra race in the winter(when my husband is not busy). You can usually find me in the kitchen with one or all the kids, cooking or baking food to fuel our family!
I also, have side “hobby” of race directing. I have started a couple races; where I pour my heart into creativity for the best race swag and giving back to the local community.
I have zero background with running in high school or college. I was the least athletic person growing up and hated anything related to sports.
I started running in 2013 as a way to work through grief & depression after the sudden death of my Dad (he was a firefighter & runner). Running just “clicked”and I haven’t stopped since! In the beginning, I knew nothing about running . But I was determined to improve my running and kept challenging myself with harder goals. My greatest enjoyment is trail running & exploring the PNW mountains. This is where I find my motivation to keep going on the hard days.
I am passionate about helping others not make the same mistakes I did. My desire is to help athletes chase their dreams and do the impossible! As a running coach, I am here to train, motivate and encourage you to run your best and enjoy the training.
Big Influences
- My Dad, I would see him running to keep in shape or to “beat his time” on his annual physical test at the fire station.
- Ashley Keller (GlowbodyPT)
Race History
- 100k -1
- 50 MILE – 2
- 55k – 2
- Marathon – 8
- Numerous half marathons, 15k, 10k & 5k
Certifications
- RRCA LEVEL 1
- USATF Cross Country Specialist
- CPR/First Aid
- Wilderness Survival & First Aid
- Right Response
Personal Records
- 100k – 15:58 Badger Mountain Challenge
- 55K – 7:13 Badger Mountain Challenge
- Marathon – 4:04 Cascade Express Marathon
- Half Marathon – 1:55 Richland RunFest
- 10 Mile – 1:27 Shoreline Run
- 10k – 52:38 Cable Bridge Run
- 5k – 23:00 You Medial Fundraiser
Publications
Podcasts:
Runner’s Round Table – January 2023
Run Hard Mom Hard – February 2022
Persistent Running – October 2021
Persistent Running – March 2021
Contact Annika
9 reviews for Annika Brubaker – Tri-Cities, WA Running Coach
Reba Patton –
Annika is great. She’s very responsive and proactive in terms of checking in and making adjustments to the training schedule as needed. Very kind and encouraging and also has a passion for this sport that is evident in her coaching style. I switched to Annika after working with another coach for a couple of years and it’s been a great transition.
Angelica Sanders –
Annika has been wonderful to work with. Her easy to follow and flexible workouts has made the process enjoyable. Can’t wait to make my dream a reality. With her help I feel prepared for what’s next to come.
Karen B –
Annika has been amazing! I reached out for help with a training schedule for our local Badger Mountain Challenge 55k. Schedule was doable with weekly check-ins and always answered questions quickly. She’s very knowledgeable, encouraging, great ideas and tips for race day! Looking forward to the challenge and meeting my goal. Highly recommended Annika!
Liz –
Annika took a dream of mine and made it a reality! She did a great job of creating a plan to prepare me for a race thoroughly but feasible for my busy schedule (despite my lack of running experience). She is so fun to work with and does a great job checking in to see how things are going. Annika is amazingly supportive and encouraging! She has so many great resources to pull from based on your needs. Annika has given me the guidance and confidence to train and run distances and times I used to only dream about. If you want to become a runner or be a better one, Annika can coach you there!
Melanie Gnutek –
Annika is fantastic. She is very organized in planning runs/workouts but also flexible with each week’s running plan. She is extremely supportive and can pick me up when I get discouraged. She is very knowledgeable and communicates frequently. She is very quick to answer any questions that I have. I’m very happy to be working with her!
JLCross –
Annika just gets me! She’s been very flexible, and offered alternative plans, for working through a couple injuries. I’m anxious to see where we can go!
Caitlin Westhall –
I’ve been working with Annika now for a few months. I truly can’t say a single negative thing about her and her coaching. We started during a pretty rough transition time for me and she never gave up on me, she only encouraged me to keep trying. Now that I’ve gotten into a groove of things, I’ve never felt like I’m being pushed too hard or too little. She is ALWAYS available for questions and quick to reply. Her responses and feedback are always detailed and supportive. I can see and feel my growth during even this short time working with her and I am very excited for continued progress. Annika is simply fantastic!
Mariah Ricketts –
Annika has been my coach for a couple months now and she has added so much value to my training. She is knowledgeable on training, resources, and is quick to answer any questions you may have. She is very personable and I have truly enjoyed having her coaching me on my running journey.
Debra Whiteley –
Annika has been great to work with. She has helped my running A lot. I have increased my run speed. We have talk once a week and discuss how previous week has gone.