Connor Phillips – Sacramento Running Coach

Description

Connor Phillips splits his time between Sacramento, CA and Jackson, WY and has both past experience on the roads and the track, along with more recent depth and experience in sub-ultras and ultras in the trail world. Whether you’re starting from the beginning or working up in ultra distances, contact Connor below to get started.

*** 50% off First Month for month-to-month Coaching – Coupon Code: 50%cphillips ***

Contact Connor

LEVELS: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
TYPES: Road, Track, Trail
DISTANCES: 5k/10k/Half Marathon, Marathon, Ultra
TRAINING PLATFORM: Training Peaks Premium
TRAINING PLAN: Individual, customized training plan
COMMUNICATION: Unlimited email, unlimited phone, unlimited text
RESPONSE TIME: Within 24 hours
LOCATION: Connor splits his time between Sacramento, CA and Jackson, WY
IN-PERSON SESSIONS: No, online coaching only

SPECIALTIES

+ Coaching ultra-distance trail runners
+ Helping experienced runners transition to trail racing
+ Working with people new to the running world
+ Training athletes for faster road races
+ Medical care for runners, including foot care, maintaining your electrolyte balance, nutrition, and preventing soft tissue injuries

PHILOSOPHY

I invest as much into each athlete as they want and need. I will be with you through your highest highs and your lowest lows, celebrating the victories big and small, and providing support when the going gets tough. Coaching is neither a 9-5 job nor limited to just running; I am available to help your running journey however I can. I seek out ways to expand my emotional intelligence as well as scientific, data-driven training philosophies so that I can be a well-rounded coach and friend.

Priorities include: regular check-ins, clear and regular communication, receiving feedback, tailoring your schedule to YOU, and adapting programs as needed because of life circumstances.

Coaching is driven by your history so before we delve into specific ideas, let’s chat about your running experiences!

COACHING EXPERIENCE

I began coaching youth track athletes as a high school runner. With time, I have increased the scope of my coaching practice, sought out new training philosophies, and expanded my coach offerings to include longer races on more diverse surfaces. I value working with athletes of all abilities, from those nervous about their first 5k to those looking to PR in a 200.

Past experiences guiding, teaching, and coaching other outdoor sports help me balance cross-training opportunities with my athletes.

One aspect I love about coaching is supporting athletes in their running endeavors, in person whenever possible. Ask about my availability for travel and I would love to help support you at your events.

A unique offering is my ability to provide professional medical care or advise to my athletes. With longer races, foot care preparation and problem-solving can make or break a race. Discussing strategies beforehand (or dealing with the problems that arise during races) is one of my favorite topics to discuss.

ABOUT ME

I grew up in Lodi, CA, the town where Credence Clearwater Revival got stuck! I am a 6th generation farmer and 4th generation runner who now splits time between Jackson, WY and the Sacramento, CA region. I ran my first race in a baby jogger at a few months old and have continued to run faster and farther ever since.

My early competitive running years were focused on track and road races. I ran through high school and part of college, at Bowdoin College in Maine. For a time I also focused on triathlons, specializing in Olympic distances and completing one Half Iron distance. Now I focus on sub-ultra and ultra trail races, though still enjoy fast track workouts, the occasional road race, and multisport events from time to time.

Running does not compromise my other outdoor interests, which include cycling, skiing, and whitewater kayaking. My dog, Pepper, joins me on all these adventures. I also value supporting local farms and eating seasonal foods from my neighbors.

The other important aspect of my life is emergency medicine. I am a volunteer firefighter/ EMT, teach wilderness medicine courses, and love working as a race medic, especially for 200-mile running races.

BIG INFLUENCES

My dad was instrumental in my running origins, and he too continues to run longer races every year! As a teen, I read Dean Karnazes’ “Ultramarathon Man” and knew my future running would focus on longer trail races.

From a coaching perspective, Jason Koop inspires with science-driven coaching. I value Dr. Megan Roche and David Roche for their positivity and for uplifting all athletes.

RACING HISTORY

I appreciate running diversity. I am excited to race fast road and track efforts alongside mountainous ultramarathons. At the moment I am training for my first backyard ultra and a 200-mile race. Some notable running moments include breaking 5 minutes in the mile my senior year of high school, finishing my first ultramarathon alongside longtime friends, and signing up for races with my parents.

In addition to personally racing, I enjoy crewing/pacing friends and athletes and working as a race medic. Races I’ve been involved with through racing, coaching, or providing medical care include:

+Western States 100
+California International Marathon
+Bigfoot 200
+Moab 240
+Javelina Jundred
+Beaverhead 100k
+Bear 100
+Dead Horse 50 mile
+Moab Run the Rocks stage race
+Arches Ultramarathon

CERTIFICATIONS

+UESCA Ultrarunning Certification, in progress
+NREMT/ WFR (both are medical certifications that I rely on when working as a race medic)
+Various teaching credentials for whitewater kayaking, skiing, and wilderness medicine instruction that help me be a more well-rounded coach and teacher

PRs

+1 Mile: 4:52 (2014) Bowdoin College Track Invite
+5k: 17:17 (2014) Bowdoin College Track Invite
+Half Marathon: 1:24 (2014) Shamrock’n Half
+Marathon: 3:17 (5/11/19) Maine Shipyard Coast Marathon
+50 Mile: 7:53 (11/19/22) Dead Horse Ultra

CONTACT CONNOR

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

PUBLICATIONS

+ Medical Training for Ultrarunners