Brian Locher – Seattle Running Coach
Brian is an award-winning coach who will help unlock your full running potential with personalized training that delivers real results!
From: $150.00 / month and a $19.00 sign-up fee
Running Coach Description
Seattle running coach Brian Locher works with runners of all abilities, 5k up to the marathon, with a focus on crafting personalized workouts, and preventing injury through strength and conditioning, and improved running gait.
Specialties
I specialize in creating personalized training programs for runners of all ages and abilities, from first-time racers to seasoned marathoners, tailored to your unique goals and needs.
With over 20 years of coaching and exercise science experience, I take a holistic, evidence-based approach that goes beyond running workouts. I integrate movement assessments, gait analysis, injury prevention strategies, strength training, and mental performance coaching to help you run more efficiently, stay healthy, and build confidence. My goal is to empower you to achieve your best performance, sustainably.
My 1:1 Coaching Includes:
- Complimentary 30-minute Zoom consultation to assess your goals and our potential fit together.
- Customized weekly coaching with flexible training adjustments based on your progress.
- Support through text and the Final Surge platform to keep you motivated and on track.
- Detailed video analysis of your running biomechanics, with actionable gait improvement techniques.
- Guided demonstrations and easy-to-follow instructions for injury prevention exercises.
- Tailored strength and conditioning designed to enhance your running performance.
- Proven mental performance strategies and race preparation to boost confidence and focus.
Philosophy
I believe the greatest performance gains come from a strong athlete-coach partnership built on trust and clear communication. When you trust the training process, progress becomes inevitable. To help you reach your goals, I take the time to understand your running history, past injuries, achievements, training background, future aspirations, and how your work-life balance influences your training.
With your commitment to consistent effort and open communication, we can achieve even your most ambitious goals together.
As a coach, I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions like simply increasing mileage or intensity. Instead, I create customized training plans tailored to your life, interests, and abilities. Like life itself, training requires flexibility—so we’ll make adjustments and progressions along the way to keep you moving forward safely and effectively.
Coaching Experience
My experiences include coaching a wide range of athletes, from sub-elites to Boston Marathon qualifiers, and beginners taking on their first 5K. I served as an assistant coach at both Chico State and Cal Poly State University, and directed the cross country and track & field programs at Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo, Ca for 15 years, where my athletes earned multiple state championships and All-American honors. I’ve also coached Olympic hopefuls through the U.S. Sports Corps in Guatemala with the United States Olympic Committee and served as an assistant cross country coach at Haines High School in Alaska. My expertise spans strength and conditioning, gait analysis, injury prevention, and remote coaching for athletes of all levels. This diverse background enables me to create personalized, evidence-based training programs tailored to each athlete’s goals and circumstances.
About Me
My wife and I have a lively 4.5-year-old son who loves to play, swim, and dance, keeping our days full of energy and joy. We enjoy exploring the greater Seattle area together—visiting museums and discovering new neighborhoods, activities and adventures around the city. Outside of coaching and my own running, I’ve recently taken up rock climbing and pickleball, alongside my longtime passions for backpacking and getting in the weight room. Our family has recently rejoined the living – taking our first vacation in some times. Someday, I hope to find time to read a book again, and travel around the world as we used to! Above all, being a father is an incredible and rewarding adventure.
I currently work as an Exercise Physiologist and Injury Prevention Specialist with Work-Fit in Everett, where I conduct movement assessments and develop injury prevention strategies. I also serve as Race Director for the City to the Sea Half Marathon & 5K, overseeing event operations. Additionally, I teach Kinesiology and Health Science courses at Cuesta College, sharing my knowledge and passion for human performance with students.
Big Influences
In many ways, my athletes have been my greatest teachers. When coaching runners became my passion, I immersed myself in training theory, learning from experts, in books, like Jack Daniels, Steve Magness, Mihaly Igloi, Peter Coe, the Norwegian Method, and Arthur Lydiard, etc. While understanding the physiology behind training is essential, applying that knowledge in real-world settings is a different challenge altogether. Many of my athletes are everyday people balancing 40-hour workweeks, family commitments, and disrupted training schedules. It was within this context that I developed my strength in the art of applied coaching. I observed peers in the running community, sought guidance from mentors such as Gary Towne, Mark Conover, and Joe Rubio, and—most importantly—listened closely to my athletes. Their experiences and feedback have been invaluable in shaping my approach to coaching.
Race History
My running history began in 6th grade when my friends and I would run around our middle school track for extra credit in class. I ran through high school and qualified to the CA, State Championships in XC and Track at my local community college. I continued racing at the University of Chico where our team qualified to their first NCAA Championships in nearly 20 years. After a break from competitive running I began training again as a graduate student while at Cal Poly State University in 2005. I ran all of my PR’s from 1500-13.1 miles between the ages of 29-31.
Certifications
- Master’s Degree in Kinesiology, Emphasis in Coaching and Sports Studies.
- The BioMechanics Method for Corrective Exercise.
- USATF Level 2 Endurance Coach.
- USTFCCCA Track and Field Academy, Sports Psychology, and Injury Management.
- USTFCCCA Track and Field Academy, Program Management, and Weight Training.
- Online Teaching and Coaching Certified, 2018.
- CPR/First Aid Certified.
- Certified in Mental Health First Aid.
Awards & Accolades
- 3C2A, California Women’s Track & Field/Cross Country State Coach of the Year – 2011 and 2022.
- Western State Conference Coach of the Year: 2008, 2010, 2011, 2 x 2016, 2021, 2022.
- Coached 12 State Champions, 36 All-Americans, and 57 Conference Champions in XC and T&F.
- Coached 21 Cuesta College School Records and 5 NJCAA National Leaders.
- Coached the Olympic Distance Triathlon, Collegiate Club National Champion, 2010.
- Coach for the Guatemalan Olympic Committee at the Central American and Caribbean Games.
- Multi-time Boston Marathon qualifier coach.
Personal Records
- 800 – 1:55
- 1500 – 3:58
- 3K – 8:40
- 5K – 14:54
- Half Marathon – 1:11
Contact Brian
18 reviews for Brian Locher – Seattle Running Coach
Sejin Kim –
Coach Brian has been super helpful to me these past six months. I started training with him in October of 2025, with the goal of getting faster in the HM and marathon. After my initial consultation with him, he recommended I spend some time training in shorter races with higher intensity to build up my raw speed. I wasn’t expecting that, but have been really enjoying that shift. Since then, I’ve been able to run PRs in the mile, 5k, and 10k!
In these past six months, Brian’s coaching has been incredibly helpful in bringing improvements in all areas as well, not just my raw fitness. Brian has helped me to grow not just in the workouts that I do, but my understanding of why he prescribes certain things. The training feels very tailored to my needs and schedule, and I get lots of quality feedback on my workouts from Brian that help me to train smarter.
Overall, Brian is a great coach and I would highly recommend!
Eric Grochowski –
Brian is awesome! He’s very personable, knowledgeable, and easy to work with. He has a flexible approach and does a great job tailoring training to where you’re at and where you want to be. Highly recommend.
Cam Goldstone –
Excellent. From help with building speed workouts to strength training and weights Locher is on it. He’s flexible with my individual needs and input.
After a few years post college just trying to figure it out myself having the support and advice that Locher gives was a game changer. Between my work obligations (12 hour night shifts) and basically no knowledge about strength training Locher helped me work out a serious training program with specifically targeted workouts, both running and strength. He also listened to my feed back and input about what I was feeling or what was working or not working and modifying workouts or weekly mileage as needed.
Locher helped me get back into shape and run a 2:29 this year, and I believe there will be more to come. I am very thankful for his help and CAN NOT recommend his coaching enough. You wont regret it.
Kirsten Purcell –
I have had the pleasure of being trained by Brian once again and did not regret it. He was my community college track and cross country coach as well. I reached out to him to help me train for my first half marathon. Brian took the time to meet my current fitness and training where I was and help me achieve the goal I wanted to reach for my half. He took time to prepare a detailed plan for me that worked with my work schedule and made sure to check in to see how everything was working out. He made sure to take any pain or injury into account and give advice/critiques where needed.
Brian helped me find a love for running again and was so helpful in training me to meet my half marathon goal. Long distance running is not my specialty but Brian was patient, kind, and motivating during the training process at times when I doubted my ability. Thanks to him I was able to run my goal time for my first half marathon!
I would definitely recommend Brian’s coaching and will happily work with him again in the future.
Kayla Shaw –
My experience working with Locher for this race has been awesome. He was my cross country and track coach in college as well. I knew when I signed up for my half marathon, that I would want him to write my training again. He listened thoroughly to me when first discussing our plan, and was able to create a fantastic training plan. I was seeing improvement every week in my fitness. I am the fastest that I’ve been in years.
Brian is knowledgeable and trustworthy when it comes to crafting the right plan, but also understanding and flexible. As a post-collegiate athlete with a full-time job and busy schedule we were able to work together to find something that worked well!
I cannot recommend Brian enough as a coach. He has played a big role in helping me find my love for running fast again and I cannot thank him enough.
Sandip –
I have thoroughly enjoyed the training sessions to date, and feel well equipped to PR in my marathon.
Brian explains each session and listens to feedback and adjusts the workout out as needed.
He is definitely my choice of coach going forward.
Samantha Duston –
I’m a few months into my training with Brian and it has been spectacular so far! Brian has done a great job creating a running plan/schedule that works with my skillset and work schedule. I work as a wildlife biologist in San Luis Obispo, CA so I spend a good amount of time out in the field hiking. Brian has been super understanding and tailors my workouts and runs to not over work myself physically if I have a long week out in the field.
I am also a prior colleagite XC & TF athlete but have been out of practice since 2020. It’s been really nice to have consistentancy in running again and the workouts Brian has provided have helped bring back the joy of running for me.
There were some days where workouts were tough for me and could not complete it fully due to having a long day or just not feeling it. Brian has been so supportive about this and never makes me feel like I failed by not completing workouts.
I’ve been coached by many people in my life and Brian is by far the best coach I’ve had the pleasure of being coached by. His knowledge about running and body mechanics is expansive which is why I have seen so much improvement in my running while not feeling like I am overexerting myself. His feedback on workouts, continuous check ins and ability to set realistic goals is motivating and makes me want to continue to be consistent and work hard. I can’t wait to continue working with Brian and continue to improve.
Paige –
Locher has been the best coach ever! His coaching has helped me be more motivated and more committed to training than ever before. It has reignited the excitement and love for running I’ve always had. I appreciate most how the training was tailored to me specifically to help achieve my goals. He also always gave good feedback! I would suggest him to anyone because he is an amazing coach and I’m so grateful to have him train me!
[email protected] –
Brian’s been great to work with as he’s helped me to finally build some structure into my running workouts. I’ve already noticed the difference with a sub 3-hour Marathon and I’m looking forward to continued progress during a busy fall racing season.
Jkientzler –
This is my first time working with a running coach as a new runner with an already busy athletic schedule. Brian has done an excellent job helping me build my base without overtraining and teaching me to assess my body’s needs. This had allowed me to continue playing volleyball and doing jiu jitsu while training which was a must for me. He’s also been available for 1:1 gait analysis and coaching with an hourly fee, but he’s been flexible and respectful of my interest and budget. It’s a valuable option for improving efficiency and reducing likelihood of injury. Hopefully by the end of the year this will culminate in a completed marathon, but so far so good!
Brian Glaister –
I’ve been working with Brian for about six months now, and it’s been exactly the kind of coaching relationship I needed to level up. I came in with a clear goal: improve on my 3:53 marathon PR from Seattle and work toward qualifying for Boston. That’s still a work in progress—but under Brian’s guidance, I’ve already seen major gains across the board.
The plan has been fully customized to my life, which isn’t easy—my work schedule involves a lot of travel and unpredictable logistics. Despite that, Brian has consistently built around my reality, not some idealized training calendar. We primarily work through Final Surge, with some direct texting when needed, and that’s been smooth and responsive.
What stands out most is the blend of biomechanical insight and practical coaching. We’ve met in person a couple of times for detailed gait and stride analysis, which helped shift me from being just an “efficient” runner to one who can actually generate more power. Since then, I’ve PR’d in the mile, 10K, and half marathon—and I’m feeling stronger and more confident heading into my next marathon than I ever have before.
The training structure is smart, progressive, and sustainable. It’s not just about stacking miles—it’s about building toward something with purpose.
Highly recommend for anyone looking to push beyond plateaus, especially if you’ve got a complex schedule or want a coach who actually adapts to you, not the other way around.
Mina N –
Brian has been extremely helpful and knowledgeable throughout my running journey. I recently returned to running after a long hiatus and wanted to make sure I had good form to prevent injury. Brian’s extensive knowledge of gait analysis and biomechanics have been a huge asset and the reason I wanted to work with him. His training plans are adaptive and easy to follow, and he’s always available to answer my many questions. In addition to gait analysis and running training plans, he has also given strength and physio exercises. I have already seen improvements in form and speed, and PR’d at a recent race. All in all, coaching with Brian has been super worth it and a motivating experience to continue working towards becoming a stronger and faster runner!
Eric Jo –
I’ve only been working with Brian for two months, but the progress has been undeniable—I recently ran a 10K personal best, and I credit a huge part of that to his coaching.
What really stands out about Brian is his ability to listen. He doesn’t push a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, he takes the time to understand my goals, schedule, and needs, and then incorporates those into a plan that aligns with his coaching philosophy. The result is a fully tailored training block that feels both personalized and purposeful.
His workouts come with incredibly detailed descriptions, which makes it easy to execute them at the right effort levels. Beyond the plan itself, his regular feedback has been reassuring and motivating—he checks in, confirms I’m on the right track, and adjusts where needed to keep things progressing. Brian also provides a customized strength training program for my biomechanics and injury prevention.
What I appreciate most is the sense of communication and care. I feel heard, supported, and encouraged every step of the way. He pays close attention to both the data—like heart rate, cadence, and training notes—and the context behind them to make thoughtful adjustments and get the best out of me.
I couldn’t be happier with how things have gone so far and am genuinely excited for what’s ahead in future training blocks with him. Highly recommend.
Kimberly –
Brian has been great to work with! I came to him after feeling some burnout with high mileage from marathon training and wanting to focus on shorter distances and getting faster.
He provided challenging and easy to follow workout plans and made adjustments where needed. I saw improvements in my fitness and in my mindset – his workouts helped me focus less on miles and more on time on feet/time of effort.
He checks in regularly and is encouraging and knowledgeable! I look forward to working with him more in the future!
Dulce Esquivel –
I’ve had the pleasure of working with Brian Locher as my running coach, and I can confidently say he is exceptional at what he does. From the very beginning, his approach stood out for being both personalized and incredibly effective. He took the time to assess my goals, my current fitness level, and any potential limitations, then tailored a training plan that was challenging yet achievable.
One of the things that sets Brian apart is his deep understanding of running mechanics and his ability to explain them in a way that’s easy to understand. He’s not just about pushing you to run faster or farther; he focuses on building a solid foundation—strength, form, and endurance—so that your progress is sustainable and injury-free.
His communication is always top-notch. He’s quick to offer feedback after each session, whether it’s a quick check-in message or detailed notes on how to improve a particular aspect of my form or pacing. What I appreciate most is his positivity and encouragement. No matter how tough a workout gets, he has a way of keeping me motivated and focused on the bigger picture.
Thanks to Brian’s coaching, I’ve seen consistent improvements in my race times and have developed a much stronger understanding of my body and its needs. If you’re looking for a coach who is not only knowledgeable but also genuinely invested in your success, I highly recommend Brian Locher. He’s a game changer.
Christine –
My experience working with Brian has been really great. I had never worked with a running coach before and honestly I was a little skeptical, especially being someone who runs for enjoyment and wasn’t really sure what my goals were. Brian has been extremely patient with me and supportive through the whole process. He really listened to me when I was struggling and was able to tweak plans based on how my body was feeling. His running plan and guidance helped me feel really proud of myself as I felt my body get stronger without injury.
Jonathan –
Brian has been great to work with. He tailors plans to my needs and fitness level. In addition, he checks in on a regular basis to ensure we are on the same page as to training and future race plans. I have really enjoyed working with Brian and look forward to how he can continue to help in the future.
Kevin –
I started training with Brian to get myself back to running fast, something I hadn’t focused on in years.
Brian gave me straightforward plans that were easy to follow and challenging. He was very encouraging as I initially struggled to start running fast again.
With Brian’s help, I was able become more comfortable with the exercises and I began to see my speed increase.
Throughout training, Brian has checked in regularly and given me feedback. He’s also made sure to check in on my physical health. He was able to adjust my schedule and provide exercises to help manage a foot injury.
I’ve really appreciated his support and am looking forward to continuing training with him.