Cheyne Inman – Los Angeles Running Coach
$110.00 / month and a $19.00 sign-up fee
With a 2:18:29 marathon PB, Cheyne has won the Surf City Marathon, the Santa Rosa Marathon, and the Norcal Marathon, along with being a 2020 US Olympic Trials Qualifier and the winner of the 2019 Ray Miller 50 Miler.
Description
LA running coach Cheyne Inman, based in the South Bay city of Torrance, is excited to meet you where you are at in running and to work with you every step of the way towards your goals, whether that’s nabbing a BQ or breaking that elusive 3 hour marathon barrier. Ready to get started? Reach out to Cheyne below!
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 phone, unlimited text
RESPONSE TIME: Within 24 hours
LOCATION: Torrance, CA
IN-PERSON SESSIONS: No, online coaching only
SPECIALTIES
I have coached athletes of all levels from first time runners to athletes qualifying or Boston, high school state champions, and U.S. Olympic Trials Qualifiers. I treat every athlete with the same level of dedication, but I let their goals and training time availably dictate how we train. I do not train every athlete the same even if they have similar pr’s. I think confidence is a big factor in performing well, so if certain workouts have worked well in the past, we will continue to incorporate them, and if you had a bad experience with certain workouts we will try something new. I work with my athletes where they are now to get them where they want to be. No goal is too big.
Here is what you can expect working with me:
- Injury prevention and running form drills.
- Weekly video texts explaining what the goals are for the week, along with anytime communication with me.
- Weekly updates to your training plan to make sure your training plan is on track with your current fitness to hit your goals.
- Monthly zoom group coaching calls going over a variety of training topics with all of my athletes.
- Goal setting to reach your dreams.
Although I have helped athletes of all levels reach their goals, I have particularly enjoyed helping athletes break 3 hours in the marathon for the first time when this was not even something they thought attainable because of where their pr’s were before we started working together.
PHILOSOPHY
Athletes have goals, but they also have a life outside of running. I work with an athletes family and life schedule to design a plan that maximizes their fitness within their life.
COACHING EXPERIENCE
- Former Division II Head Cross-Country and Track Coach.
- Current Head Cross-Country Coach at West Torrance High School.
- Have coached over 20 open and masters runners to breaking 3 hours in the marathon.
- Coached Tyler Sickler to qualify for his first US Olympic Trials in the marathon.
ABOUT ME
I enjoy coaching athletes of all levels whether it is your 1st race or you have been racing for years and want to hit a specific goal. I’m a big believer in setting big goals and training hard to reach them.
BIG INFLUENCES
- Renato Canova
- Arthur Lydiard
- Miguel Nuci
RACING HISTORY
- Winner of the Surf City Marathon, Santa Rosa Marathon, and Norcal Marathon.
- 2020 US Olympic Trials Qualifier.
- Winner of the 2019 Ray Miller 50 Miler.
PRs
- 5k: 14:36
- 10k: 30:23
- Half Marathon: 1:06:57
- Marathon: 2:18:29
CERTIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Sports Science from University of San Francisco
- NFHS Fundamentals of Coaching
CONTACT CHEYNE
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
Sandip –
I qualified for Boston, and PRed. He is a really good coach
Lucas –
Cheyne has been an incredible asset to my training. He’s knowledgeable, approachable, and highly flexible, always tailoring workouts to my individual needs and lifestyle. His deep understanding of running technique, injury prevention, and goal setting has helped me stay focused and make real progress without feeling overwhelmed. Each week, he provides personalized training workouts along with video feedback, which have been instrumental in keeping me on track and continuously improving. The optional monthly team meetings are also a highlight—informative, engaging, and a great way to learn from others and stay motivated. What truly sets him apart is his supportive, understanding approach. He’s always willing to adjust plans when life gets busy, making it easier to balance training with work and family responsibilities. I couldn’t ask for a better coach. Thanks, Coach!
John Hodgskiss –
Working with Cheyne has been a complete turning point in my running. Before starting with him, I’d hit a frustrating plateau—putting in the effort but not seeing the results. Since we began working together, that’s completely changed.
He’s incredibly responsive and built a plan that’s perfectly tailored to my abilities and my life—which, with a hectic schedule and two young kids, is no easy task. He adjusts things on the fly when needed and always makes sure the plan fits into my week, not the other way around.
The progress has been real. I’m seeing tangible improvements in my training and am now close to hitting personal records on training runs alone, never mind races. For the first time in a long time, I feel like the work I’m putting in is paying off—and then some.
I couldn’t recommend Cheyne more highly to anyone looking for thoughtful, customized coaching that meets you where you are and helps you break through to the next level.
Cyndi Johnson –
I’m not a very fast runner and Cheyne is a coach that meets you where you are and tries to make you a better and stronger runner. His approach helps you gradually build confidence and endurance, which is important for someone like me with really bad race anxiety. Getting to the start line and being able to run without comparing myself to other runners is a win win. Hitting my race goals is just icing on the cake. I’m really glad to be working with someone like Cheyne.
Niki Miyashiro –
Working with Coach Cheyne was the best decision I made in preparing for my next marathon. After completing two marathons on my own, I knew I wanted to level up—and with Coach Cheyne’s guidance, I was able to shave nearly 40 minutes off my time and hit a Boston Qualifying PR. I couldn’t have done it without him! He is not only incredibly knowledgeable, but also easy to work with. He built a personalized plan that fit around my busy travel and work schedule, and made sure each workout had purpose and variety. Training never felt stale or repetitive. The results speak for themselves, but beyond that, the process was enjoyable and motivating from start to finish. I highly recommend working with Coach Cheyne!
Yo –
I’ve been working with Cheyne to train for a marathon, and I couldn’t be happier with his coaching. From the start, he’s been incredibly responsive—whenever I have a question, he gets back to me right away, which has been super helpful.
One of the things I really appreciate is how he customizes my running schedule one week at a time. This allows him to adjust based on how I did the previous week and make modifications if needed, whether it’s to optimize training or accommodate any potential injuries. It’s a personalized approach that keeps me progressing while staying injury-free.
I also love the short video recordings he sends each week, breaking down my upcoming schedule. It’s a nice touch that helps me stay focused and understand the reasoning behind each workout. On top of that, his monthly group coaching calls on Zoom cover different topics related to training, which have been both informative and motivating.
If you’re looking for a running coach who’s knowledgeable, responsive, and truly invested in your progress, I highly recommend Cheyne!
Michael Diehl –
Coach Cheyne does great work! I am able to see great results from structured planning the fits my needs. I was in search of upgrading my typical Internet marathon plan, and through a referral, Coach has delivered!
I especially appreciate his ability to listen and talk through a weekly approach as we get further into training.
I highly recommend Coach Cheyne!
Teresa –
Coach Cheyne is AMAZING! I have been working him for a few years when I started out with in person track sessions in LA while visiting from Chicago. I look forward to the work out plans every week. He mixes them up and makes them progressively harder. He always is careful when you say something is bothering you because he doesn’t want you to get injured. He is the best coach that way! I push myself hard in my 40s in a way I haven’t since college sports because he is so encouraging and the workout plans are tough but at the same time attainable without injury. Thank you Coach Cheyne!
Sophie –
Cheyne is a phenomenal coach. I have been working with him since June 2024, and within that time period he has already helped me smash my long-term/lifelong running goal and shaved 29 minutes off my marathon PR (to 3:21 at 2024 CIM), which meant I qualified for the Boston Marathon, a genuine bucket list event which I never thought would be possible for me! In this same time period, Cheyne also helped me improve on my half marathon PR, from 1:45 (March 2024) to 1:38 (October 2024).
As someone who only started running around 2019/20, Cheyne helped me realize that with the right training, I can achieve much more than I thought I was capable of. He helped me build my volume up over time to ensure that I avoided any risk of injury, and was able to tailor my running plan to suit a demanding work schedule (typically 60-70+ hours / week) plus various travel/trips.
Perhaps most importantly, Cheyne was a valuable source of support during the training period, providing encouragement whenever needed (eg. when I failed my last major workout / session 3 weeks before CIM and thought I had no chance of getting near my initial goal of 3:30!). Getting this kind of feedback and reassurance from an elite runner with his level of experience was very helpful in making sure I had the right headspace ahead of my key race. Also, as someone who lives in the Bay Area, Cheyne’s knowledge of the area came in handy and he was able to provide recommendations for the best spots to complete long runs and interval workouts.
All in all — I highly recommend Cheyne as a coach, whether you are on the elite level or a typical average runner like me. I am excited to keep working with Cheyne through 2025 to improve my half marathon PR, and re-set my marathon goals now that they have been achieved!
Derek Lewis –
I HIGHLY recommend Cheyne for anyone looking to improve fitness and reach goals. I joined because I needed help breaking that elusive sub 3 marathon barrier. I had run 6 marathons using training I found online, but I felt like I had more in me and could reach my goals with the right coach. Cheyne’s training plan had me more prepared than ever and I ran sub 3 for the first time. He provides the workouts and explains them in a video each week. He provided great pacing strategy tips and always answers questions in a timely manner. Cheyne rules and you should hire him as your coach.
Natalie Lutz –
I had been trying to sub 3 for 3 years and Cheyne got me there in 1 block. Cheyne helped me balance my workouts and hone in on the critical workouts needed without over taxing my body into a chronic state of fatigue, which is what I was doing previously. In addition to his plans and workouts, he’s excellent when it comes to motivating and supporting you as well. There were several times I was in my head about not racing and almost didn’t go to the marathon I where I sub 3’d but Cheyne encouraged me and was so supportive. I really credit my sub 3 to his coaching and this is coming from a fellow TRR coach such as myself! Thanks Cheyne!! Can’t wait to see what we can accomplish!
Bret Greenheck –
Cheyne coached me to my first sub-3 hour marathon and a BQ. I couldn’t be happier with how he was able to curate a training plan specific to me that was not only effective but also really fun! He is very punctual with uploading your weekly training schedule as well as weekly video message. He was always available to answer my questions/concerns. Look no further — Cheyne’s your next coach 🙌
Rick McCray –
I’ve been working with Cheyne since 2018. Cheyne has coached me to PR’s at all distances. I really like his ability to adjust the training plan. According to what you have time for. As a single father with kids and work. Sometimes I have limited training time verses other times. Regardless of how much time I’ve had for training. He’s always been able to keep motivated as well as accomplish my running goals. He host monthly zoom calls with his athletes. To go over different topics. Such goal setting, fueling for workouts and races, how pick a race pace for an upcoming race. As well as answer any other questions that an athlete might have. I strongly recommend Cheyne as a coach. To anyone looking to achieve a running goal.
Jay –
Cheyne was my first coaching experience and I found him and his coaching style well worth it. Cheyne is really great at knowing where you are as an athlete and how to push you throughout your training. He was also always accommodating in adjusting training due to injury or work schedules. I was able to PR my half marathon – shaving 30min off my previous time. I’d highly recommend him for any runner trying to push themselves and exceed their goals.
Sam Smith –
I’ve been working with Cheyne for the last couple years and he really helped me get my confidence and fitness back after a long injury. I always appreciate how quick he is to respond and get back to me when I have questions. He has great knowledge and he is very good at taking both his personal experience with running and also all his experience from coaching so many athletes over the years to figure out what’s going to work best for me. I highly recommend him!
Jodie Booth –
Can’t say enough good things about Cheyne as a coach! He is so positive and good about dealing with setbacks. Despite struggling with a hip injury I still PRd the 1/2 marathon after only working with him for a short period of time! He always gets back to me when I have questions and I love his weekly coaching videos. Super appreciative of all his help, knowledge and support.
Darren Ryan –
Cheyne has been my coach this year and helped build a plan for me to complete my first half marathon, and improve my times on shorter races. I achieved all my goals with Cheyne’s guidance. He’s very responsive, and super knowledgeable and reliable. 100% recommend Cheyne to anyone considering improving their times, or wanting to run further than ever.
Evan Dolan –
Cheyne has been exactly what I was looking for from a running coach! He is helpful, encouraging, and adaptive. He is always able to work around a busy and changing schedule and gives you the freedom to structure weeks as they come. He has also been a great sounding board for realistic goal setting as well as race strategies and how to mix in extra work. 5 star coach for sure!
Ross C. –
Cheyne has been my coach for the last 5+ years. I am grateful that I continue to grow and achieve what I want in my running – longevity, consistency and pushing myself. I appreciate how he works with me at the beginning of each year setting goals. He adjusts my weekly training schedule with the primary focus on finding a balance between running and living my life since I am not a full time athlete. There are seasons when I can run a lot and times when I have to run less but my custom training caters to what I can do with the primary focus of staying consistent. Looking forward to the next 5 years working with Coach Cheyne!
Sandra Hernandez –
Coach Cheyne has challenged me and my abilities which have led to several PR’s and a recent BQ time. He is very understanding when life gets hectic, but typically gets you back on track right away. My favorite part of working with coach Cheyne is his encouraging nature in things that I may have never tried on my own and his belief that I can continue to grow as an athlete.
Rob Nation –
I’ve been so fortunate to have Cheyne as my coach and have PR’d in every race since working with him 6 months ago, including a BQ time in my last effort. He has experienced what it takes to run at an elite level, and has been helpful to guide my training, starting from “middle of the pack”. In the past I’ve followed training plans that lacked the specificity and nuanced coaching to yield greater results, which have ultimately left me underwhelmed with my performance. With Cheyne it’s been so encouraging to see sustained improvement, through methodical adherence to a plan. It is also humbling to share a coach with other accomplished athletes, and motivating to set goals next to them.