Brian Lettner – Pocatello Running Coach
From: $75.00 / month and a $19.00 sign-up fee
5k to Ultra training plans customized to work with your busy life/budget. Additional menstrual cycle training for anyone interested.
Description
Pocatello running coach Brian Lettner has experience training runners from the 5k up to ultras on both the roads and the trails, and can help runners fit training into an already busy lifestyle, as well as help with menstrual training. Reach out to Brian below to get started!
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 email, unlimited text
RESPONSE TIME: Within 48 hours
LOCATION: Pocatello, ID
IN-PERSON SESSIONS: No, online coaching only
SPECIALTIES
5k to ultra distance. Beginner/intermediate training. Trail and road. Menstrual cycle training. Strength training.
PHILOSOPHY
I love to have fun and make adventures with my training/races, whether that is pushing myself to new heights or chasing new goals. I believe anyone can achieve their goals with the right mindset. It doesn’t matter if you’re tall, short, skinny, or big. If you find your running passion, you can push yourself beyond what you think you can do.
COACHING EXPERIENCE
I have been coached myself for over 3 years, but I started getting seriously into coaching when my friend asked for advice for a 10k in April of 2023. I then decided to get a certification in run coaching in December of 2023 to take the next step towards professional coaching. So, I know what it is like to be an athlete and a coach and hope that I can use my experience to make the experience great for my athletes.
ABOUT ME
I’m originally from Wisconsin. I have two tiny dogs to fit my big personality. I’m not your average runner’s build. I’m 6’5″, 220 pounds, and fit in the “Clydesdale” category for races, but I don’t let my size stop me from trying for ambitious goals. I also love to travel. I have a goal of running a half marathon in all 50 states (so far I’m at 12), and I have run in 7 different countries (not including the US). I would love to hear some race recommendations from you. Last, but not least, I have a beautiful wife, and we bond over running. We did a 50k together in 2023 and plan on doing a 100k together in 2024.
BIG INFLUENCES
My first introduction to long distance running was during cross country in high school. My coach always found a way to make the suffering more fun. I’ve had a few other running coaches over the years that have helped shape my style, and I have piecemealed personal experience and advice from other runners to help with my philosophy. My running coach certification textbook was written by Jason R. Karp, and I plan on using his philosophy, too, to help my athletes. Lastly, I use techniques from an article by Makenna Myler to help with syncing a training cycle to a menstrual cycle for athletes interested in that type of training.
RACING HISTORY
I have done 22 half marathons, 4 Race2Adventure trips (multi-day racing adventures overseas), and 7 ultramarathons. I started off as only a road runner, until I met my wife in 2020. She convinced me that trails are awesome too, but it wasn’t until we moved to Idaho where I got serious about trail and ultra running. I trained and finished my first 50k in 2022, two months after recovering from a bad case of Long Covid. Now, I try to do both road and mountain races every year because I love to add variety to my training.
CERTIFICATIONS
- ISSA (International Sports Science Association) certified Running Coach, Personal Trainer, and Nutritionist.
PRs
- 5k: 19:54 (2021), personal time trial
- 10K: 43:59 (9/10/2022), Simplot Fun Run 10k
- Half Marathon: 1:34:09 (10/24/2021), Boise Half Marathon
AWARDS & ACCOLADES
- 1st place finishes at Race2Adventure Europe (~100 finishers) and Race2Adventure Italy (~200 finishers).
CONTACT BRIAN
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
SOCIAL
Becca Ricks –
Brian is a really excellent coach. I’m new to ultramarathon distances, and he helped me train for my first 50K distance. He was thoughtful, consistent, and patient as a trainer. Would recommend him 100%!
Stacie Johnson –
I can’t say enough good things about working with Brian! I’ve been training with him for six months, and he has completely transformed my experience with running. Before working with Brian, I had a background in endurance events but had taken a 10-year break from serious training—just doing the occasional race here and there. Despite all those years of trying on my own, I could never improve my speed, and I was constantly dealing with injuries.
Working with Brian has been a night and day difference. From the start, he took the time to get to know me—my history, my goals, my challenges—and he has built a personalized plan that adapts to my progress, upcoming races, and even how I’m feeling on any given week. And let me tell you, I ask so many questions. Brian is always patient, responsive, and incredibly knowledgeable. I’ve even joked with him that he should be charging me more for all the time he spends answering my messages!
Most importantly, the results speak for themselves: I’ve returned to distance running, shaved over three minutes off my average mile time, and have stayed completely injury-free—all because Brian makes sure I’m training smart. He’s not just a coach; he’s a game-changer. I plan on working with him for as long as possible, and if you’re looking for a coach who truly cares and knows how to get results, I highly recommend Brian!
Ryan Galligan –
Brian’s coaching was instrumental for my successful completion of the Beaverhead 55k. He set a very aggressive but attainable training schedule that helped me reach new levels that I would otherwise not have met all while being flexible with my busy work life. He is very knowledgeable and could provide all kinds of advice from running form, pacing, hydration and injury prevention. But most importantly he knew how to keep me motivated, whether by being supportive and encouraging or tough and disciplined. I cannot thank him enough for his support and guidance in helping me achieve a goal that i thought was previously impossible.
Tyrel Gregerson –
Is there a 6 star option for Brian because thats what he deserves. Seriously, Brian has been an amazing coach. I’m new to running and am not to fond of it but when I got talked into running my first race I knew I had to get a coach to help me and hiring Brian was the best choice I could have made. Brian’s knowledge and ability to adjust my training as needed due to an extremely busy schedule with life and other hobbies has been a lifesaver for me getting ready for this race. He checks in with me frequently and his plans are very easy to follow. I highly recommend Brian as a coach.
James Keane –
Brian is the perfect combination of knowledge, accountability, motivation, and a “push” when needed. Brian coached me for an upcoming marathon and he is in constant communication, responds quickly and happy to jump on a call or zoom as needed. His knowledge of running and creative workouts makes his program enjoyable but challenging. One could not hope for a better coach. I could not give a higher rating.
Brittney Heinz –
Brian has been an amazing coach! I highly recommend. I’m a fairly new runner, and Brian has helped me come up with a plan for the races that I have scheduled this year that is catered personally to me! He is always cheering me on and always looks at my runs when I complete them in Final Surge and gives feedback! He always answered my questions and I have seen so much progress in my running just from the couple of months working with him. Brian really is an expert when it comes to this stuff, and his passion for running shines through in his coaching! You can tell he truly cares about the sport as well as his clients! If you’re looking for a running coach, Brian is 110% your guy!
Cole Glassford –
If you want a super positive, knowledgeable, and passionate trainer…then Brian is your man! I’ve known Brian a long time and he was the one that got me interested in long distance running. Even before he started to be an official trainer he was giving me advice and helping me with my plan.
Brian is an excellent coach, he always checks in and is available to answer any of your questions. Whether you are just starting out running, or have been running for a while, Brian will have no issues creating a plan for you. Brian is easy to work with and accommodating to all schedules. I highly recommend Brian if you are seeking development in your running career!
Ashley Eppler –
Brian is a fantastic coach. As a newer trail runner Brian developed a great plan to suit exactly where I was as a runner and I saw great progress in just a few weeks. He was great a checking in, answering any questions I had and made adjustments as I needed. If you want a comprehensive progressive plan Brian is a great coach for runners of all abilities!