Brian Locher – Seattle Running Coach
From: $115.00 / month and a $19.00 sign-up fee
50% off your 1st month! Brian is an award-winning coach who will help you take a unique and personalized approach to your next race.
Description
Seattle running coach Brian Locher works with runners on all levels aiming for a 5k up to the marathon, with a focus on injury prevention techniques, strength and conditioning options, mental sports performance protocols, and biomechanical analysis.
*** 50% off First Month for month-to-month Coaching – Coupon Code: 50%locher***
LEVELS: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
TYPES: Road, Track
DISTANCES: 1500 up to 5k/10k/Half Marathon, Marathon
TRAINING PLATFORM: Final Surge
TRAINING PLAN: Individual, customized training plan
COMMUNICATION: Unlimited email, unlimited text
RESPONSE TIME: Within 24 hours
LOCATION: Seattle, WA
IN-PERSON SESSIONS: No, online coaching only
SPECIALTIES
I specialize in the holistic training of both male and female runners of all ages, who would like to improve on the track or compete for the very first time in road races from 5k to full marathon.
My experiences in coaching, race directing and academic teaching in Kinesiology for the past 18 years have led me to my philosophy of coaching the whole runner. What does that mean? My coaching provides a unique platform to improve through strength and conditioning, periodized run training, injury prevention drills, methods for biomechanical improvement to reduce injuries and increase efficiency as well as mental performance steps to increase confidence and reach your goals.
My 1:1 Coaching Includes
- Onboarding client questionnaire.
- FREE 30-minute Zoom consultation.
- Individualized weekly coaching including training adjustments.
- Access to unlimited texts, calls or email communication.
- Video analysis of runner biomechanics and methods for improvement.
- Demonstration and script of injury prevention drills.
- Personalized strength and conditioning circuit.
- Application of mental performance techniques and race preparation.
- What I enjoy most about coaching is supporting motivated runners to reach their goals, even goals they didn’t realize were possible. Now, let’s run!
PHILOSOPHY
With over 18 years of coaching, I have found that the biggest improvements in performance occur when there is a strong athlete-coach relationship. If you trust the training provided, you will improve. To do this I will seek to understand your running history, possible previous injuries, previous achievements and training, goals for the future, work/life balance and more.
Through effective communication, as well as your dedication and consistency you can achieve your goals.
As a coach, I don’t prescribe to “high mileage” or “increasing intensity” as the cure-all fix to gain personal records. I will make an individualized training plan based on your life, interests and abilities. And, just like life there will be adjustments along the way, and a progression to your training.
COACHING EXPERIENCE
I have coached the gamut of athletes, from Olympic hopefuls to the “couch to 5K” layperson as well as Boston Marathon qualifiers. The majority of my coaching experience has come in the NCAA and CCCAA divisions, having spent time as a graduate assistant track coach for Chico State University, and California Polytechnic State University, and for 15 years at Cuesta Community College (CCCAA). In addition, I have coached youth runners, and have experience with online coaching, too. Each experience has been wonderful and unique from the last.
ABOUT ME
Parks, Exercise and Date Night! My wife and I enjoy taking our toddler son to experience new parks and playgrounds around the greater Seattle area. Being a father has been an awesome experience. There is no greater love. It’s also busy, so I’ve had to learn to really manage my time.
In my downtime I enjoy exercising, mostly running and strength work, and am currently in training for a half marathon and the USATF Club XC Championships. My wife and I enjoy trying new restaurants, the tranquility of a foot spa or even an evening on the Lake.
BIG INFLUENCES
In short, my athletes! When coaching runners became my passion, I dove into reading training theory (Jack Daniels, Joe Vigil, Peter Coe, Arthur Lydiard, etc.). However, understanding the physiology of training is much different than the application. Your average runner, who works 40 hours a week and has a family, has disrupted training. I found my strength in the art of applied knowledge. I observed my coaching peers and listened to my mentors in the running industry (Gary Towne – Chico State, Mark Conover – Cal Poly, Joe Rubio – Hoka Aggies). More than anything, I observed, listened, and asked for feedback from my runners. They provided me with the knowledge I needed to craft the art of my coaching.
I’ve also been profoundly influenced by the students I work with as an instructor of Kinesiology, Health Science, and Strength and Conditioning at Cuesta Community College.
RACING HISTORY
My modest racing 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 for a couple years I began training again as a graduate student while at Cal Poly in 2005. I ran all of my PR’s from 1500-13.1 miles between the ages of 29-31. In addition to my racing I have been the event director for the City to the Sea Half Marathon & 5K and Castle to the Coast for over 13 years.
CERTIFICATIONS
- Masters Degree in Kinesiology, Emphasis in Coaching and Sports Studies
- CPR/First Aid Certified
- Certified in Mental Health First Aid
- 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\
AWARDS & ACCOLADES
- CCCAA 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
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.
SOCIAL
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.